Recreation and Engagement Manager

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by September 4, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

For additional information please contact:

Dr. Mark E. Swanson

[email protected]

541-737-8561

The Department of OSU Research Forests is seeking a Recreation and Engagement Manager. This is a full-time (1.00FTE), 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. 

• 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.

• Maintains a strong program of public communication regarding recreational opportunities, closures, hazards, and other important information.

• Conducts and leads strong outreach and education efforts that increase recreational opportunity and impacts on the Research Forests.

• Interfaces with other programs, including forest operations and research, to reduce conflict and maximize opportunity for education and demonstration.

Required Qualifications:

• 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 and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

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, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

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.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [email protected].