Expand Your Career in Parks and Recreation

The Parks and Recreation profession has a variety of diverse opportunities to meet your career goals. Below you will see examples of the wide range of jobs that serve with the parks and recreation field. Plus, check out below the university and colleges from around the state of Kansas that offer outstanding degree programs to jump start your career in parks and recreation.

Communities and organizations are looking for great candidates like you to become a member of their team. There are employment opportunities ranging from accounting, marketing, programming, facility operations and much more waiting for you to join in on the excitement. Take advantage of being paid to create positive and memorable experiences for your local community all while having fun. Visit the KRPA Career Center to see current job openings.

Opportunities in Parks and Recreation

Did you know parks and recreation employs people with a variety of skills, backgrounds and degrees? Check out some of the opportunities that are available in the parks and recreation profession:

• Event Planning
• Special Events
• Fitness/Wellness
• Crafts and Visual Arts
• Aquatics
• Childcare
• Adventure/Wildlife/Outdoor Enterprises/Park Police
• Administration/Management/Supervisor/Lead Planning of entire rec system (facilities, trails, open spaces, more)
• Environmental Activities: Horticulturist/Park Maintenance/ Landscaper/ Park Planner
• Park Ranger
• Performing Arts
• Sports
• Older Adults
• Travel and Tourism
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Outdoor Guide
• Professional Development
• Marketing
• Finance
• Non-profit
• Human Resource

Undergraduate Schools

Baker University, Baldwin City- Sports Administration, Recreation, Exercise Science, Public Health
Bethany College, Lindsborg- Sports Management, Exercise Science
Emporia State University, Emporia- Sport Leadership and Recreation
Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays- Hospitality Management, Health & Human Performance, Recreation Sports Management, Sports and Exercise Therapy
Kansas State University, Manhattan- Park Management & Conservation, Hospitality Management, Horticulture, Horticulture & Natural Resources, Wildlife/Outdoor Enterprise Management
Kansas Wesleyan, Salina- Sport Management, Exercise Science
Mid-America Nazarene, Olathe- Sports Management, Kinesiology
Ottawa University, Ottawa- Exercise Science, Sports Studies (Recreation Concentration, Sports Leadership Concentration), Human and Social Services
Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg- Recreation Services, Sport and Hospitality Management (areas of emphasis: Recreation Therapy, Community and Worksite Wellness, Recreation Administration, Sports Administration and Hospitality Services), Exercise Science, Physical Education
Sterling College, Sterling- Sports Management, Health and Human Performances
Tabor College, Hillsboro- Health & Human Performance
University of Kansas, Lawrence- Sports Management, Community Health
University of St. Mary, Leavenworth- Sports Management, Exercise Science
Washburn University, Topeka- Kinesiology: Sports Science, Exercise and Rehabilitation Science
Wichita State University, Wichita- Sports Management, Exercise Science

Master’s Program

Baker University, Baldwin City- Sports Management
Emporia State University, Emporia- Health, Phys Ed, & Recreation
Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg- Sport and Leisure Service Management
Kansas State University, Manhattan- Horticulture and Natural Resources
Tabor College, Hillsboro- Business Administration in Sports Management & Leadership