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What is a park manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

Whenever you see a clean and orderly park, you have a park manager to thank for keeping it that way. Park managers are responsible for overseeing park operations. They ensure that parks are safe, clean, and attractive to ensure that the community benefits from them. Furthermore, they are in charge of monitoring or approving the activities done on parks, such as construction, community events, sports games, and more.

The additional duties of a park manager may include developing park operation strategies, identifying root causes of problems, coordinating with the local government, and managing park budgets. Usually, they also coordinate with resource protection agencies, local community representatives, and non-profit organizations that focus on natural resources or community building.

Many governments prefer to hire a park manager with a bachelor's degree, but someone with a high school diploma or GED may qualify for the job. However, work experience is usually non-negotiable, as the duties of a park manager require basic operational knowledge and leadership skills.

Park managers make around $45,000 a year, which is about $21 an hour, depending on the local government.

ScorePark ManagerUS Average
Salary
3.4

Avg. Salary $42,985

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.6

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.06%

Asian 1.41%

Black or African American 0.80%

Hispanic or Latino 2.48%

Unknown 2.86%

White 91.39%

Gender

female 36.18%

male 63.82%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.2

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Park manager career paths

Key steps to become a park manager

  1. Explore park manager education requirements

    Most common park manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    57.6 %

    Associate

    17.8 %

    High School Diploma

    13.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific park manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Payroll9.00%
    Human Resources7.62%
    Public Safety6.75%
    Customer Satisfaction5.83%
    Cleanliness5.28%
  3. Complete relevant park manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New park managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a park manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real park manager resumes.
  4. Research park manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage mobile home park, monthly meter reading, manage maintenance crew, monthly billing and collection of rent.
    • Manage ATV trail system by creating a safe and fun environment for outdoor enthusiasts.
    • Lead seminars refreshing guards on their CPR and rescue skills as well as recertified some of them.
    • Manage natural areas including vegetation removal, planting, herbicide work, tree care, and mowing.
  5. Prepare your park manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your park manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a park manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable park manager resume templates

    Build a professional park manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your park manager resume.
    Park Manager Resume
    Park Manager Resume
    Park Manager Resume
    Park Manager Resume
    Park Manager Resume
    Park Manager Resume
    Park Manager Resume
    Park Manager Resume
    Park Manager Resume
  6. Apply for park manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a park manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first park manager job

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Average park manager salary

The average park manager salary in the United States is $42,985 per year or $21 per hour. Park manager salaries range between $30,000 and $61,000 per year.

Average park manager salary
$42,985 Yearly
$20.67 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do park managers rate their job?

-/5

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Park manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2021
Pros

I do like the creative control that I get to have with my position. I do enjoy getting to know all of the guests and also getting to know my employees. It is a fun business to be in.

Cons

I do not care for guest complaints or overall park issues, I am sure that goes for everyone else out there in my position.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

Resolving conflict

Cons

Occasionally having to fight owner to buy the appropriate matereals when he’d prefer to save $ on it some stuff just has to be done correctly .


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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

I like knowing im helping other get issues resolved.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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