Outdoor Recreation Planner

Outdoor Recreation Planners are responsible for planning, developing, and managing outdoor recreation areas and programs. They work with landowners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to create and maintain safe and accessible outdoor spaces for the public to enjoy.

Skills and Knowledge

Outdoor Recreation Planners need a strong understanding of natural resource management, recreation planning, and outdoor education. They should also be able to work independently and as part of a team, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Outdoor Recreation Planners typically need a bachelor's degree in natural resources, recreation management, or a related field.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

The day-to-day responsibilities of an Outdoor Recreation Planner may include:

• Developing and implementing outdoor recreation plans
• Working with landowners and government agencies to acquire and manage land for recreation
• Designing and constructing outdoor recreation facilities
• Developing and implementing outdoor recreation programs
• Educating the public about outdoor recreation opportunities
• Enforcing outdoor recreation regulations

Projects

Outdoor Recreation Planners may work on a variety of projects, including:

• Developing a master plan for a new park
• Creating a trail system
• Developing an outdoor education program
• Managing a natural area
• Enforcing outdoor recreation regulations

Challenges

Outdoor Recreation Planners may face a number of challenges in their work, including:

• Balancing the needs of different stakeholders
• Working with limited budgets
• Managing the impacts of recreation on natural resources
• Enforcing outdoor recreation regulations

Personal Growth

Outdoor Recreation Planners have the opportunity to make a real difference in their communities by providing safe and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for the public. They can also develop their skills in planning, management, and communication. Outdoor Recreation Planners often have the opportunity to work outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the natural world.

Personality Traits and Interests

Outdoor Recreation Planners typically have the following personality traits and interests:

• A love of the outdoors
• A strong interest in natural resources
• A desire to work with people
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A strong work ethic

Self-Guided Projects

Students who are interested in becoming Outdoor Recreation Planners can complete a number of self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role. These projects may include:

• Developing a trail map
• Creating a nature guide
• Developing an outdoor recreation program
• Volunteering with a local park or recreation agency

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about the skills and knowledge needed to become an Outdoor Recreation Planner. Online courses can provide learners with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. They can also provide learners with access to a wider range of courses and instructors than they may be able to find in their local area.

Online courses can help learners develop the following skills and knowledge:

• Natural resource management
• Recreation planning
• Outdoor education
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills

Online courses can also help learners prepare for the following aspects of the Outdoor Recreation Planner role:

• Working with landowners and government agencies
• Acquiring and managing land for recreation
• Designing and constructing outdoor recreation facilities
• Developing and implementing outdoor recreation programs
• Educating the public about outdoor recreation opportunities
• Enforcing outdoor recreation regulations

While online courses can be a helpful way to learn about the skills and knowledge needed to become an Outdoor Recreation Planner, they are not enough to fully prepare someone for this role. Outdoor Recreation Planners typically need a bachelor's degree in natural resources, recreation management, or a related field, as well as experience working in the field.