Recreation and Engagement Manager

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by September 4, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled.

About the role

The Department of OSU Research Forests is seeking a Recreation and Engagement Manager. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. Come join an energetic team at one of the nation’s largest university research and demonstration forests!

The Recreation and Engagement Manager at Oregon State University’s Research Forests will lead a strong program of recreational leadership and public engagement related to the mission of the OSU Research Forest system. A dynamic and personable leader is needed to communicate about the Research Forests with a diverse recreational public, manage a regionally significant outdoor recreation program, and support engagement of a community of learners (diverse in age, culture, and other attributes) in a way that strengthens the bond between forests and society.

The OSU Research Forest system is comprised of ten forests across Oregon totaling 18,100 acres. Recreational opportunities supported by this position include hiking, bicycling, horse riding, dog walking, nature observation, and more.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational recreation planning.
• Engage visitors, community groups, recreational organizations, and advisory committees with regards to recreational planning.
• Supervise recreation and education/engagement staff.
• Oversee planning, implementation, and maintenance of recreation programs and facilities, including an extensive trail network.
• Maintain a strong program of public communication regarding recreational opportunities, closures, hazards, and other important information.
• Conduct and lead strong outreach and education efforts that increase recreational opportunity and impacts on the Research Forests.
• Interface with other programs, including forest operations and research, to reduce conflict and maximize opportunity for education and demonstration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation, recreation planning, forestry or natural resource management, or closely related fields.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in outdoor recreation planning and management, supporting a broad spectrum of recreation uses and needs.
• Supervisory experience, including staffing.
• Demonstrable experience in working with and serving on advisory committees, community groups, or other forms of public outreach and collaboration.
• Demonstrable ability to communicate effectively with media and the public, using a variety of methods.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• A demonstrable commitment to creating respectful, safe, and inclusive work and learning environments.
• This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check.
• This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in recreation, recreation planning, forestry or natural resource management, or closely related fields.
• Course work or experience in natural resource interpretation.
• Experience conducting performance reviews.
• Experience in conducting program/unit evaluations.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Fundraising experience.
• Budgeting experience.
• Experience mentoring and working with students.

Pay

$67,000 - $91,000

Schedule

Full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month position. Anticipated start date: September 30, 2026.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Mark E. Swanson at mark.swanson@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-8561.