Park Operations Leadership Trainee

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Park Manager Trainee to gain hands-on experience supervising staff, managing facilities, and supporting park operations under guidance from management.

The role provides exposure to budgets, visitor interactions, and resource stewardship, with training opportunities to advance within Pennsylvania’s state parks. Requires active motor vehicle license and residency consideration. Strong organizational and safety focus is essential.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Learn Park Supervision: Assist with guiding staff, reviewing performance, and supporting daily work activities.
• Assist Budget Processes: Participate in budget preparation, monitor expenditures, and review purchasing needs.
• Public Interaction: Respond to visitor questions, assist with special events, and coordination with agencies and partners and help coordinate park events.
• Maintain Park Resources: Contribute to natural resource care and help apply park rules, policies, and regulations.
• Resource Stewardship: Support efforts to maintain natural resources, uphold park rules, and ensure safe and respectful park use.
• Support Operational Planning: Help organize schedules, manage workflow, and learn park operating standards.
• Facility Management: Support maintenance, repairs, and construction projects across park grounds and buildings.

Skills

Paraprofessional experience

Public interaction

Budget processes

Education

Associate degree in parks and recreation

Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation/related field

Equivalent combination of experience and training

Associate degree in related fields (forestry, engineering, natural sciences, landscape architecture)

Job description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Park Manager Trainee to gain hands-on experience supervising staff, managing facilities, and supporting park operations under guidance from management.

The role provides exposure to budgets, visitor interactions, and resource stewardship, with training opportunities to advance within Pennsylvania’s state parks. Requires active motor vehicle license and residency consideration. Strong organizational and safety focus is essential.