Emerging Park Manager: Lead Operations & Stewardship

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 47,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is recruiting for a Park Manager Trainee in Harrisburg, PA. This hands-on role provides exposure to statewide program areas, guiding park operations and daily management across state park sites.

You will learn from seasoned managers and build skills toward future advancement within Pennsylvania’s state parks, including leadership opportunities and ongoing training. Salary ranges align with civil service scales in this region.

Qualifications

• Four years of paraprofessional or technical experience in public parks or recreation settings.
• Educational requirements align with the listed degree options or an equivalent mix of experience and training.
• Applicants may meet education requirements within three months of graduating.

Responsibilities

• Resource Planning: learn prescriptions, treatments and management strategies for natural and cultural resources.
• Operational Planning: document management decisions, workflows and park operating standards.
• Park Supervision: assist with guiding staff, reviewing performance, and supporting daily activities.
• Budget Processes: participate in budget prep, monitor expenditures and review purchasing needs.
• Public Interaction: respond to visitor questions, assist with events and coordinate with agencies and partners.
• Maintain Park Resources: contribute to natural resource care and enforcement of park rules.
• Resource Stewardship: support efforts to maintain resources and ensure safe park use.
• Facility Management: assist with maintenance, repairs, and construction across park grounds and buildings.

Education

Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation, forestry, engineering, natural sciences, landscape architecture, or a closely related field

Associate degree in parks and recreation, forestry, engineering, natural sciences, landscape architecture, or a closely related field

Four years of paraprofessional or technical experience providing administrative, maintenance, visitor, safety, or environmental education services in a public park or recreation area

Two years of paraprofessional or technical experience providing administrative, maintenance, visitor, safety, or environmental education services in a public park or recreation area; and an associate degree

A bachelor's degree in parks and recreation, forestry, engineering, natural sciences, landscape architecture, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training

Job description

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is recruiting for a Park Manager Trainee in Harrisburg, PA. This hands-on role provides exposure to statewide program areas, guiding park operations and daily management across state park sites.

You will learn from seasoned managers and build skills toward future advancement within Pennsylvania’s state parks, including leadership opportunities and ongoing training. Salary ranges align with civil service scales in this region.