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Job outlook for recreation leaders in the United States
Recreation leader job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected recreation leader job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 28,100 new jobs for recreation leaders are projected over the next decade.
Recreation leader salaries have increased 19% for recreation leaders in the last 5 years.
There are over 10,813 recreation leaders currently employed in the United States.
There are 35,684 active recreation leader job openings in the US.
The average recreation leader salary is $30,040.
Are recreation leader jobs in demand?
Recreation leader job and salary trends over time
Recreation leader jobs over time
Recreation leader job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10,813 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 13,336 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 14,692 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 14,480 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 14,430 | 0.00% |
Average recreation leader salary over time
Recreation leader salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $30,040 | $14.44 | +7.9% |
| 2025 | $27,832 | $13.38 | +5.1% |
| 2024 | $26,469 | $12.73 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $25,920 | $12.46 | +2.8% |
| 2022 | $25,213 | $12.12 | +2.4% |
Recreation leader jobs by state
Most common states for recreation leaders
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 217 | 31% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 161 | 21% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,333 | 19% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 142 | 19% |
| 5 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 524 | 17% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 307 | 16% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 138 | 16% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 617 | 15% |
| 9 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 321 | 15% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 160 | 15% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 155 | 15% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 976 | 13% |
| 13 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 140 | 5% |
| 14 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 139 | 5% |
| 15 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 169 | 4% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 26 | 4% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 257 | 3% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 171 | 3% |
| 19 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 89 | 3% |
| 20 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 45 | 3% |
Most common cities for recreation leaders
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Sacramento | 2 | 4% | $33,999 |
| 2 | Carlsbad | 2 | 2% | $32,727 |
| 3 | La Mesa | 1 | 2% | $32,611 |
| 4 | Gilbert | 3 | 1% | $29,698 |
| 5 | Johns Creek | 1 | 1% | $24,391 |
| 6 | Lakeland | 1 | 1% | $26,134 |
| 7 | Palo Alto | 1 | 1% | $34,298 |
| 8 | Thornton | 1 | 1% | $28,448 |
| 9 | Tracy | 1 | 1% | $34,135 |
| 10 | Birmingham | 1 | 0% | $23,223 |
| 11 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $22,834 |
| 12 | Long Beach | 1 | 0% | $32,990 |
| 13 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $33,990 |
| 14 | Stockton | 1 | 0% | $34,075 |
Recreation Leader job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of recreation leader experts
Southern Oregon University
University of New Hampshire
Virginia Wesleyan University
Trine University
Temple University
University of New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire
Eastern Kentucky University
Central Washington University
Shepherd University
The University of Georgia
Central Michigan University
Eastern Washington University
Middle Tennessee State University
Kent State University
Springfield College
Kent State University
Bethel University
Dr. Chad Thatcher
Associate Professor of Outdoor Adventure LeadershipSouthern Oregon University
Parks, Recreation, And Leisure Studies
What will help Recreation Leaders increase their earning potential?
Dr. Chad Thatcher: I just wrote an article on the importance of 'soft skills' in the outdoor industry and how outdoor professionals have been working on the soft skills for years. I don’t really like the terms 'soft skills' and 'hard skills' because they can have a hierarchical feel to them, as if soft skills are not as important.
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Leader?
Matthew Frye M.S., CTRS/L: A strong professional network is key. Not only will it help you land your dream job, recreation professionals lean on each on each other for things like policies and procedures, new program development, and available grants. During the pandemic, those with stronger professional networks had a distinctly easier time responding to the needs of their communities during a very uncertain time. Maintaining that professional network involves joining and participating in your state and national membership organizations and going to conferences and events.
What Recreation Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matthew Frye M.S., CTRS/L: The role of recreation is shifting toward public health and community wellness across the lifespan. Recreation professionals need to become better acquainted with the wants and needs of older adults, community members with disabilities, and other traditionally underrepresented groups.
What will help Recreation Leaders increase their earning potential?
Matthew Frye M.S., CTRS/L: A degree in recreation management is certainly the fastest way to promotion and advancement in our field. But, even as a new professional, having a degree makes you valuable due to the breadth and depth of the skill set with which you leave school. Otherwise, be sure that you can clearly articulate the role you play in your communities pursuant to the public good (overall health, increased property values, youth development and retention, etc),
Dr. KC Bloom Ph.D.
ProfessorWhat will help Recreation Leaders increase their earning potential?
Dr. KC Bloom Ph.D.: Recreation managers work in a variety of settings and their tasks vary day to day. They may work on nature conservation projects, run programs for different groups, and focus on community and environmental health. Those entering the field often start in assistant or coordinator roles, spending time both planning and engaging with the public.
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Leader?
Dr. Doug Kennedy CPRP: On a daily basis recreation managers must be skilled at a variety of responsibilities. Primarily these include personnel management, program planning, marketing and facility management. Recreation managers must ensure that leisure-time opportunities are available for everyone in a wide variety of locations. These include community recreation facilities, outdoor recreation areas, sporting venues, aquatic facilities and more. New professionals are key to recreation management. They tend to be a bit more focused than experienced managers who juggle a lot of balls in the workplace. Still, new professionals typically will be focused on providing programs and guaranteeing that facilities are safe and ready.
What will help Recreation Leaders increase their earning potential?
Dr. Doug Kennedy CPRP: The most successful new recreation managers are those who are motivated by seeing the growth in others and receiving the appreciation connected to that. Very few professions on a daily basis allow people to really see the value of their work in the eyes of those they serve. The flip side of that though is that often your workday begins when the workday for others ends. People have their leisure time often on nights and weekends so the recreation manager must be on-the-job when others aren't! Lastly, when it comes to salaries my experience with three decades of new graduates is that entry-level salaries are often lower than other professions BUT as experience is gained they catch up quickly.
Brandon Podgorski
Associate Professor of Sport Management - Trine UniversityTrine University
Parks, Recreation, And Leisure Facilities Management
What Recreation Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brandon Podgorski: Be a sponge and try to learn as much about the industry and your organization as possible. Not only will this make you valuable to your current employer, but it will prepare you for future roles in parks and recreation management, because the field is so broad. Don't let any job be beneath you and be the type of person people like to be around. At its heart, parks and recreation management is a people-facing industry, so you want to provide your uses with the best experience possible.
What will help Recreation Leaders increase their earning potential?
Brandon Podgorski: I like to reverse engineer this question. Find the jobs that pay the most and start to acquire the education and experience needed to land these positions as early as possible in your career. Have a value mindset and think about the things you can do to add value to your employer. You'll see your career take off on a faster trajectory than your peers.
Daniel Funk Ph.D.
Professor and Ed Rosen Senior Research FellowTemple University
Parks, Recreation, And Leisure Facilities Management
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Leader?
Daniel Funk Ph.D.: Parks and recreation as a profession offers a diverse employment and career ecosystem as individuals work in and across a variety of settings. A beneficial element to focus on when beginning a career is to adopt a service excellence perspective. In other words, focus on designing and delivering experiences that enhance users' (or participants) physical, mental, and social well-being. Also, don't forget to apply what you learned in academic courses and through industry internships. The knowledge and experience gained will become more relevant and valuable as you move upward beyond entry level positions. Given the current age of the workforce in P&R, there will be opportunities for advancement into leadership/management roles.
What Recreation Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniel Funk Ph.D.: The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects employment of recreation workers will grow 5% from 2022 to 2032 providing opportunities for both employment and potential career advancement. Key skills for P&R professionals will be interpersonal (ability to build relationships with participants, colleagues, and community leaders), communication (ability to create and convey information to diverse audiences), organizational (ability to manage multiple projects and tasks), problem-solving (ability to critically think to adapt to situations and address diverse participant needs) and leadership (ability to motivate participants and inspire colleagues). As the US population ages, there will be demand for life-long recreation and well-being for older adults.
What will help Recreation Leaders increase their earning potential?
Daniel Funk Ph.D.: When beginning a career in P&R, a professional should be willing to seek out opportunities within an organization (to gain diverse skills and competencies across functional areas) and willing to move geographically to similar organizations. It will also be beneficial to join national, state, and regional organizations like National Recreation and Parks Association, National Intramural Recreational Sports Association, and American Therapeutic Recreation Association. Attempt to attend their conferences to keep up with current trends and network.
Robert Barcelona Ph.D.
Department Chair and Associate ProfessorUniversity of New Hampshire
Department of Recreation Management & Policy
What skills stand out on Recreation Leader resumes?
Robert Barcelona Ph.D.: I think the more practical experiences a student has coming out of their university program, the better. Skills like program and event planning, social media marketing, experience with budgeting and financial decisions, risk management, revenue generation, and staff supervision are key.
What soft skills should all Recreation Leaders possess?
Robert Barcelona Ph.D.: Collaboration is a really important soft skill - having the ability to work with others to achieve common goals is such a critical skill for recreation professionals to have. Flexibility and adaptability are also important - how do you manage when things don't go according to plan or when you have to improvise? Creativity and outside-the-box thinking are really important, especially in the age of COVID-19. Look at the creative programs and events that have emerged during the pandemic - virtual 5K races and fitness classes, online instructional programs, self-guided nature programs, do-it-yourself summer camp - and many, many others. Finally, understanding the value of diversity and inclusion is critical today - recreation is for everyone, so professionals need to understand how to increase access and reduce barriers to recreation participation for the entire community.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Recreation Leaders?
Robert Barcelona Ph.D.: Being comfortable with specific technology applications like facility scheduling and maintenance and point-of-sale software, spreadsheets and databases, desktop publishing, and Photoshop are all really important. In the end, recreation specialists need to have a solid foundation in program and event design, personnel management, organizational leadership, finance and budgeting, risk management, marketing and promotion, program evaluation, facility and equipment management, strategic and master planning, and working in government and policy environments.
Jayson Seaman
Associate Professor of Outdoor Leadership and ManagementUniversity of New Hampshire
Department of Recreation Management and Policy
How have salaries changed over time for Recreation Leaders?
Jayson Seaman: For full-time jobs, entry-level salaries are comparable to other human service fields like education or social work. Seasonal or contract work pays reasonably well and often gives the kind of flexibility and geographical mobility young outdoor professionals appreciate. Managerial or administrative positions are compensated adequately and usually well-benefitted, especially in federal or municipal agencies. We're seeing interest in some states in outdoor education and recreation becoming a credentialed area in schools, which will more closely align salaries with school-based jobs like teaching.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Leader job market given the pandemic?
Jayson Seaman: I anticipate strong employment following the pandemic in both outdoor recreation and education sectors. People have rediscovered the outdoors as an important resource for leisure and wellness, and communities with lots of outdoor amenities are thriving. There will be many opportunities to manage and serve outdoor users in the future both directly and indirectly. Additionally, families and parents have also relished the opportunity during the pandemic to enroll their kids in outdoor activities. What service providers have managed to stay open have experienced a surge of interest, with so few other opportunities for kids to stay healthy, active, and connected to peers. We're even seeing bipartisan interest among legislators to support outdoor education and recreation in and out of schools going forward.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Recreation Leaders?
Jayson Seaman: I am on the outdoor leadership side of the field where wilderness medical training is important as are other activity- or discipline-specific certifications from groups like the American Canoe Association (paddlesports) and the American Mountain Guides Association (alpine and rock climbing). Job candidates should be sure to pursue certification through reputable, national bodies and associations.
What will help Recreation Leaders increase their earning potential?
Michael Ferguson Ph.D.: There are two primary channels that will help people increase their earning potential in the field of recreation management and policy: 1) education, and 2) field experience. Ideally, a combination of both. An undergraduate and master's degree in recreation management and policy establishes foundations in the theories, philosophies, research, methods, and administration of outdoor recreation management while preferably gaining skills and proficiencies in outdoor activities such as climbing, canoeing and backpacking (see the RMP OLM site for more insight). Field experience in parks and protected areas can be acquired through internships, practicums, field research, and job shadowing as well.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Recreation Leaders?
Michael Ferguson Ph.D.: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact upon outdoor recreation both in the United States and worldwide. In the decades leading up to the pandemic, outdoor recreation visitation had consistently and incrementally increased across local, state, and federal parks and protected areas. Adding fuel to this visitation fire, the pandemic has caused dramatic and abrupt increases in visitation across an already overwhelmed parks and protected areas system. This explosion in interest in parks and protected areas has created both benefits and challenges for the visitors, communities, stakeholder, and managers who are dependent upon the outdoor recreation industry. Moreover, the pandemic has open myriad opportunities for students graduating with a degree in Recreation Management and Policy. Now more than ever, parks and protected areas at the local, state, federal, private, and non-profit levels are demanding an educated and skilled workforce to manage and protect these resources while simultaneously providing high-quality outdoor recreation experiences.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Recreation Leaders?
Michael Ferguson Ph.D.: There are numerous certifications, licenses, and competencies that will significantly increase a student's job opportunities and prospects. Within the realm of parks and protected areas, these include, but are not limited to: geographic information systems, parks planning and management, natural resource management, social science research, quantitative and qualitative research methods, advanced statistical analysis, wilderness first responder (WFR), certified park and recreation professional (CPRP), certified parks and recreation executive (CRPE), aquatic facility operator (AFO), american institute for avalanche research and education 1-3 (AIARE), association for challenge course technology 1-3 (ACCT), etc., just to name a few.
Dr. Brian G. Clark
Assistant ProfessorEastern Kentucky University
Department of Recreation & Park Administration
What will help Recreation Leaders increase their earning potential?
Dr. Brian G. Clark: Continuing to further your education is always an excellent way to increase your earning potential in any field. Separating yourself from other candidates by obtaining an undergraduate and/or graduate degree is going to go a long way in our current competitive job market. Another area is gaining certifications and professional trainings. There are so many different certifications and trainings for recreation practitioners, and this will increase your job opportunities as well as your earning potential. I recommend looking for the job you want and setting yourself up by meeting the preferred qualifications not just the required or minimum qualifications.
What's a good job out of college for Recreation Leaders?
Dr. Brian G. Clark: There are so many jobs within the recreation and park profession. Recreation, Parks and Tourism is the largest industry in the world! You can work for state and local parks, YMCA, federal parks and land management agencies, outdoor retailer stores, local guides and outfitters, university programs, wounded warriors, Special Olympics, and even the military with the (MWR) morale, welfare and recreation. All of these areas provide numerous jobs and positions with great benefits and really the opportunity to transform the lives of the people in your communities. Parks and Recreation professionals are health care providers. We are even seeing physicians starting to prescribe physical activity in park settings to their patients.
Dr. David Rolfe
Associate ProfessorCentral Washington University
Department of Sport and Movement Studies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Leader job market given the pandemic?
Dr. David Rolfe: A big trend of recreation during the pandemic is being creative in programming when the vast majority of our work is dependent on close personal interaction. For example, how do we encourage people to participate in healthy and fun activities when we are severely limited? Is it possible to open parks, community centers, gyms, sports leagues, etc. while mitigating risk? This is the big trend right now.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Recreation Leaders?
Dr. David Rolfe: Although a certification is not necessarily required for many positions in Recreation, often upper-level managers and directors are encouraged to be a "Certified Parks and Recreation Professional" (CPRP). This is a certification offered through the National Recreation and Parks Association. Additionally, there are certifications for specific career tracks within Recreation Management: Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) for pool managers, Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) for those interested in maintaining playground equipment. These are really only needed for specific positions; not the recreation generalist.
Dr. Stacey Kendig
Director and Associate ProfessorShepherd University
School of Recreation, Sport and Exercise Science
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Recreation Leaders?
Dr. Stacey Kendig: I think there have been many challenges with college graduates and finding employment in their specific areas of interest over the past several years even without a pandemic. Most of our recent graduates have stayed in touch using social media platforms; many of ours using LinkedIn, so we are somewhat aware of where they have found jobs. There are some who have found a position within their academic program and others who have struggled with finding employment, so have simply taken positions that may not be remotely related to their degree program. I think there is so much competition in the workforce, that our graduates need to be more proactive in securing employment. I also believe that a master's degree has become a requirement of many organizations. This, due to employers seeking a workforce in "specific" and not general areas. Now, throw in the pandemic and this creates an even larger challenge and barrier for graduates, simply due to the reduction in most workforces. For example, the sport industry with the cancellations of most, have reduced workforces because people are not needed (stadiums, hotels, restaurants, etc.). We can only hope that things will improve over the next couple of years. Yes, I believe this pandemic is going to have long-term impacts on employment for college graduates, no matter what academic program they have completed.
What's a good job out of college for Recreation Leaders?
Dr. Stacey Kendig: A "good job" out of college is a broad statement/concept. I think that this is relevant to each individual graduate depending upon their professional and career goals. I believe that one graduates idea of a "good" job can be quite different from others. For example, some graduates only look at salary as the guiding point to secure employment. Therefore, to that graduate, this would be considered good! On the other hand, another graduate may perceive a good job in the sport industry working as an Assistant to a Director (marketing as an example). Keep in mind that many graduates just want "a job" and do not seek positions that carry a lot of responsibility or require time in a leadership role. This is a tough question to give a definitive answer to as I think it an individual preference.
What technical skills for a Recreation Leader stand out to employers?
Dr. Stacey Kendig: Most definitely one of the technical skills that employers are looking for in a college graduate is their computer/technological skill level. With the current pandemic and so many people working from home, it is critical that employees have the most current technology skills. Another technical skill that I know I would look for is communication skills; both written and oral! Again, with so much of our time being spent using technology, computers, and cell phones, it is important that graduates understand the dynamics of "professionalism" with technology. Another technical skill would be interpersonal and the ability to develop professional and positive working relationships. This has also become a challenge with the increasing use of technology and not having the face to face interaction in a professional work environment.
Dr. Gary Green
Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor, Natural Resources, Recreation and TourismThe University of Georgia
Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Leader job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Gary Green: Families and people will seek to use parks and facilities that offer camping, cabins, etc that allow people to continue to isolate themselves from others, but still enable them to spend recreation and leisure time with families and/or friends. The economy has hurt many people, so simple and cheap options for recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, nature-watching, walking etc will continue to increase.
What skills stand out on Recreation Leader resumes?
Dr. Gary Green: Strong communication, both written and oral, are always skills that employers look for as well as previous experience from internships, volunteering and participation in recognized clubs. Critical thinking, good time management and strong organizational skills are also important.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Recreation Leaders to find work opportunities?
Dr. Gary Green: Many universities have employment boards with current job postings, as do state and federal agencies. There are also career centers in most towns that can help assist graduates in finding positions. Whether in person or via Zoom attending professional conferences is always a good way to expand your network and learn about work opportunities.
Robert Frost
ChairpersonCentral Michigan University
Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Leader job market given the pandemic?
Robert Frost: The pandemic has pushed program delivery into new forms. We are seeing jobs being reinvented to accommodate greater on-line/virtual delivery formats and flexibility in delivery times and scheduling. We also are seeing a growth in less clinical and more community-day program formats.
What skills stand out on Recreation Leader resumes?
Robert Frost: Corresponding to the new delivery formats are the accompanying skills; virtual programming, video production, social media abilities, and overall creativity and flexibility.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Recreation Leaders to find work opportunities?
Robert Frost: We tend to primarily follow state or regional opportunities, (Michigan and Midwest). These opportunities seem to be consistently available.
Matt Chase Ph.D.
Professor, Recreation and Tourism ManagementEastern Washington University
Department of Wellness and Movement Sciences
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Leader job market given the pandemic?
Matt Chase Ph.D.: Well that depends on what sector one is looking at: private, public, non-profit, etc. RM graduates have access to a huge and complex industry when considering recreation, leisure, travel, tourism, sport, and entertainment. Currently, the outdoor recreation sector is blowing up. The public wants access to outdoor recreation experiences and equipment. Any sort of recreation that can be done outside during the pandemic is in high demand.
In fact, several states are opening up offices of outdoor recreation in order to capitalize on and manage the demand. Other sectors are not fairing as well. For example, travel and tourism are down right now for obvious reasons, however, once the pandemic is under control, this sector will become healthy again. We anticipate the motivation to travel and recreate will be as strong as ever. I suspect we will start to see opportunities for employment in this area again by Summer 2021, although it may take a year or two for the industry to fully recover.
The same holds true for public and non-profit entities - once people feel safe again, the demand for recreation experiences will be strong. With the trend toward working from home and moving to more desirable places to live, we anticipate a lot of people will be arranging their lives around recreation opportunities. There will always be work for recreation management graduates.
What Recreation Leader skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matt Chase Ph.D.: The recreation industry values hands-on, applied experience. That and we are a certification driven industry. Students would be well served to pursue applicable certifications (and there are many) as well as applicable seasonal work. I anticipate opportunities for seasonal work will open up again in late spring and summer. All of the sectors - public, private, and non-profit - have opportunities for seasonal work - spring through fall. And of course, opportunities for winter seasonal work are available in the ski resort industry, as well as resorts and recreation operations that are located in the SE and SW.
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Leader?
Matt Chase Ph.D.: As I said above, the recreation industry values experience, along with formal education. I recommend that people acquire a variety of experiences in the industry. Be open minded too. We all start the higher education journey with an end goal in sight, however, since the recreation industry is so broad and diverse, people end up migrating to where the opportunities exist. That's what I mean about an open-minded approach. A new graduate may end up in an aspect of the industry she never anticipated at the start of her career. Once graduates have accumulated some on-the-job experience, they will have access to other opportunities and mobility. The degree in RM sets graduates up for entry-level professional positions in the industry. As such, I highly recommend that soon to be graduates take full advantage of their professional internship experience. By this I mean, soon to be graduates should have a good idea of what aspects of the industry are appealing and which aspects of the industry are not appealing. They should choose an internship that sets them up for a positive career trajectory. My experience has been that students who choose their internships wisely, more often than not, walk into professional-level positions once they are done with school.
Last, soon to be graduates should try to find a mentor while in school and once they are on the job. An effective mentor can make a huge difference for the new professional. And remember, this industry is about people and passion. The industry is looking for employees who have a great attitude, who enjoy creating meaningful recreation experiences, and who fully understand the importance of customer service as it relates to an effective and sustainable business model.
What experience really stands out on Recreation Leader resumes?
Dr. Rudy Dunlap Ph.D.: Parks and recreation is not a nine-to-five field, and we work when others are playing, as the saying goes. How does a potential employer identify those graduates who will be willing to go the extra mile when it comes to executing the agency's mission? For the newly minted graduate, volunteer experiences are a great indicator of someone's dedication to the field. Most students will have internships and seasonal work experiences of one sort or another, but not all students will show their enthusiasm by serving as a volunteer little league coach or by cleaning up the local stream on the weekends. The post-pandemic job market in parks and recreation, especially for entry-level positions, will be competitive, so new grads need to do whatever they can to set themselves apart.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Recreation Leaders?
Dr. Rudy Dunlap Ph.D.: This is an intriguing question and one that we'll only be able to answer with the benefit of hindsight. Some graduates may be anticipating that their inability to find a position immediately and the corresponding time gap on their resume might inhibit their ability to get interviews or job offers once the pandemic abates. My intuition is that this fear is unfounded. Unlike when an individual runs into career obstacles, we're experiencing this pandemic as a society, and employers have struggled as much as graduates. When it comes to employment in parks and recreation, I suspect that we're headed for a collective "reset" in which employers try to revive their dormant workforces, and any blank spots on the resumes of new graduates will be forgiven.
Relative to its enduring impact, my greater concern is the psychological toll that the pandemic has taken on some new university graduates. Many students who completed their degrees in May or August have had to move home with parents and spend the ensuing months either unemployed or working outside of parks and recreation. In some cases, this profound upheaval in young graduates' lives has resulted in depression and other mental health challenges that, if not properly treated, could function as obstacles that outlast the economic effects of the pandemic.
What experience really stands out on Recreation Leader resumes?
Dr. Mary Ann Devine Ph.D.: Experiences that provide opportunities to work with diverse groups within a community, particularly marginalized groups, are unique skill sets that aids in students' stand out from peers who do not have these experiences. Also, experiences that give students opportunities to develop and improve leadership, interpersonal, and writing skills, specific to the field of recreation, park, and tourism.
What general advice would you give to a Recreation Leader?
Ariel Rodríguez Ph.D., CPRP: Be open, flexible, and willing to learn. I realize that after graduating from college, many individuals may feel as if they are mentally and emotionally done with learning, but the truth is that graduation is really just the beginning of lifelong learning as a recreation professional. If graduates are looking to work in parks and recreation, I would recommend applying for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification when they are eligible and feel ready to take on the CPRP exam.
If a recent graduate is unable to immediately crack into the field, I would recommend either volunteering in a recreation specialization they are interested in or perhaps looking at job descriptions for recreation positions they are interested in and find jobs that help to give them experience in the requested knowledge, skills, and abilities so that they can better position themselves as a future candidate.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Recreation Leaders in the next 3-5 years?
Ariel Rodríguez Ph.D., CPRP: The recreation management profession prides itself in providing quality recreation services, safe spaces, and creating opportunities for memorable human interactions. It is likely that technologies that help to mitigate challenges to this will be more important and prevalent. For instance, we have seen an increase in disease and illness over the past few years, not just related to Covid-19 but also connected with service men and women returning from combat with seen and unseen disabilities. Technologies that will help individuals get back to the recreational activities they loved or try new recreational activities will continue to be prevalent in the future.
It is likely that we will also continue to see efforts to connect online technologies with recreation programming and special events. For instance, we have seen demand for export programming increase over the years. Covid-19 seems to have perpetuated this need as there is an increased need for individuals to stay in confined spaces, and gaming stigmas have dramatically decreased in recent years. With new gaming technologies, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles, being currently launched, it is likely they will play a role in the provision of recreation services by professionals for years to come.
Dr. Andrew Lepp Ph.D.
Full ProfessorKent State University
Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Recreation Leaders in the next 5 years?
Dr. Andrew Lepp Ph.D.: There will be an increase. The global pandemic has demonstrated that people need outdoor recreation for healthy, active living. Parks and protected areas are now more popular than ever, particularly parks close to population centers. Additionally, many long time professionals are now in retirement, and many entry-level positions are opening. Finally, I think a Democrat in the White House is a good thing for funding public recreation.
Jessica Tangen Daniels Ph.D.
Associate Provost - Innovation and Partnerships, Program Director/Professor, Ed.D. Leadership in Higher EducationBethel University
Education Leadership
What soft skills should all Recreation Leaders possess?
Jessica Tangen Daniels Ph.D.: With the rapid rate of change, accelerating information turnover, and boundless access to knowledge, certain new soft skills may now be prioritized in our current society. So we all have to be learners, seeking new information, anticipating that we will need to change our mind, and striving for a disposition of curiosity. The specific skill of asking good questions cannot be underestimated.
Employers may be seeking skills like imaginative bridging, humbly and curiously connecting dots. Or the skills of facilitation and curation, with so many different perspectives and lived experiences, and an overabundance of information, an educational leader, must manage people, perspectives, and content like never before.
Employers are looking for skills that relate to not only the day-to-day tactical aspects of educational leadership but also imaginative problem-solving for a thriving future.
What skills will help Recreation Leaders earn the most?
Jessica Tangen Daniels Ph.D.: For educational leaders, I'm not convinced discrete skills equate to salary. Working hard and working well with others, with a disposition of humility and curiosity, is really powerful. Perhaps the combination of soft and hard skills gained through diverse experiences, positions, and institutional contexts results in the highest earning potential.