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Outdoor Recreation Program Manager Jobs in Tennessee

CoreCivic

Recreation Coordinator

Whiteville, TN · On-site

$18.24/hr

The Recreation Coordinator assists in the planning and supervision of the recreational program for ... Sixty (60) credit hours of college coursework in Recreational Management, Kinesiology, Physical ...

CoreCivic

Recreation Coordinator

Clifton, TN · On-site

$19.47/hr

The Recreation Coordinator assists in the planning and supervision of the recreational program for ... Sixty (60) credit hours of college coursework in Recreational Management, Kinesiology, Physical ...

Easterseals

Coordinator of Maps Program

Antioch, TN · On-site

$43K/yr

Develop budgets; manage expenses and income; negotiate contracts in cooperation with the Director ... Requirements MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Education Minimum - Bachelor's degree in recreation, special ...

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All JobsOutdoor Recreation Program JobsOutdoor Recreation Program Manager JobsOutdoor Recreation Program Manager Jobs in Tennessee

Outdoor Recreation Program Manager information

See Tennessee salary details

$34.9K

$97.5K

$142.5K

How much do outdoor recreation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for outdoor recreation program manager in Tennessee is $97,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $120,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Outdoor Recreation Program Manager vs Outdoor Recreation Specialist?

AspectOutdoor Recreation Program ManagerOutdoor Recreation Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in recreation, parks, or related field; certifications like CPR, First AidOften requires similar degrees and certifications, but may have less emphasis on management certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees programs, manages staff, plans activities, and coordinates resourcesConducts outdoor activities, leads groups, and provides instruction or guidance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by parks departments, recreation centers, outdoor adventure companiesCommonly employed in outdoor education, adventure guiding, and community recreation

The main difference is that the Outdoor Recreation Program Manager focuses on overseeing and managing recreation programs, while the Outdoor Recreation Specialist primarily leads and conducts outdoor activities and instruction. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar environments, but the manager role involves more administrative responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an outdoor recreation program manager?

To thrive as an Outdoor Recreation Program Manager, you need expertise in program development, risk management, and outdoor leadership, often backed by a degree in recreation management or a related field. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR are typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities help in coordinating teams and ensuring participant safety. These skills ensure the successful delivery of safe, engaging outdoor experiences and efficient program operations.

What are some common challenges faced by outdoor recreation program managers, and how can they overcome them?

Outdoor Recreation Program Managers often navigate challenges such as unpredictable weather, participant safety, and resource management. They must be adept at contingency planning and risk assessment to ensure activities proceed smoothly and safely. Effective communication and collaboration with staff, volunteers, and external partners are crucial for adapting to last-minute changes and maintaining high-quality experiences. Staying current with industry best practices and fostering a culture of safety and flexibility helps managers overcome these challenges and succeed in their role.

What does an outdoor recreation program manager do?

An Outdoor Recreation Program Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing outdoor activities and programs, such as hiking, camping, canoeing, or team-building events. They coordinate logistics, manage staff and volunteers, ensure participant safety, and may also handle budgeting and marketing for programs. Their work involves working closely with community organizations, schools, or public agencies to promote outdoor engagement and environmental stewardship. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills are essential for success in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Recreation Program Manager jobs in Tennessee? For Outdoor Recreation Program Manager jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Recreation Program Manager jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Recreation Program Manager jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Outdoor Recreation Program Manager jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Outdoor Recreation Program Manager job openings:
Outdoor Recreation Program Manager jobs near you

Recreation Specialist - Institutional (Recreation Specialist)

Department of Justice

Memphis, TN • On-site

$57K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Qualifications:To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements.
Basic Requirements:
Education:
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- general recreation, or one of the appropriate fields of recreation such as outdoor recreation; recreation and parks leadership; wild land recreation management; natural resources recreation; youth recreation; public, urban, or community recreation; special populations recreation (e.g., senior citizens, institutional, etc.); or physical education.
OR
Experience:
Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience that demonstrated the ability to apply the principles of one or more specialty areas of recreation. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:
  • Planning, organizing, coordinating, supervising, or evaluating community, industrial, outdoor, institutional, or other recreational programs.

  • Planning, establishing, or evaluating a recreational curriculum for junior college or higher academic levels.

  • Instructing in the principles and techniques of recreational program planning and management.

  • Serving in a leadership role in the programs and activities of local, regional, and/or national recreational organizations.

AND
In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must have:
Education:
GL-07: 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement.
GL-09: A Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D., if related.
OR
Experience:
GL-07 and GL-09: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with
the particular qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position, and must typically be in or related to the position to be filled.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:
GL-07:
  • Experience in supervising team sports and activities or tournaments.

  • Experience that demonstrates skill in a wide range of participant interest, experience in developing and overseeing a recreation program's daily operation and primarily organize and direct participants.

  • Experience tracking participation in programs using a computer program.
GL-09:
  • Experience in developing and implementing recreational activities and arrange for community resources, experience in developing indoor and outdoor activities to meet the needs of an inmate population.

  • Experience preparing financial requests for new recreational equipment within established guidelines.

  • Experience speaking in front of large groups or participants to explain recreation and leisure opportunities at a facility.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience:
GL-07 and GL-09: You may have a combination of successfully completed higher education and experience. This experience must have equipped you with the particular qualifications to perform the major duties of this position as described above.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**Education:ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
Superior Academic Achievement. (S.A.A.) applicants MUST provide a transcript in order to be considered under S.A.A.
S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.
  1. Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
  2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Applicants must have a grade-point average of:
    • 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
    • 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
  3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society -- Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies
In order to be creditable under this provision, superior academic achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled.
If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.Employment Type: OTHER

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