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At this level, one is leading a variety of disciplines at multiple locations within a geographic area or region. Decision-Making and Impact may include decisions affecting area/ division-wide performance; influencing culture, profitability, and growth of the specific area/division. This is the EXPANSION stage of one’s journey – applying practice with increasing independence in familiar or low/medium-stakes contexts.
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Quick Jump
Communications, Public Relations & Marketing
Critical Thinking & Decision Making
Data Analysis & Research
Financial Management
Interpersonal
Leadership
Natural & Cultural Resource Management
Organizational Design
Planning (Operational)
Planning (Strategic, Master, Comprehensive & Asset Management)
Policy Compliance
Program/Event Management
Project Coordination/Management
Relationship Building
Resource Management
Risk Management & Safety
Supervision & Oversight
Technology

Audience – This is the usual group of people with which an individual at the specified responsibility level will interact. The interaction may take many forms; who you communicate with, who you influence, and who you serve.
Focus – What the interaction is about in the moment. Think of it as what needs to occur if one is to achieve the goal.
Tools – These are resources that an individual at this responsibility level may access or deploy to interact with the specified audience.
Goal – This is an indicator of what the intended outcome of the audience interaction is.
Development Guide - This section lists examples of where an individual can gain education, knowledge and experience in the skill areas that will aid in mastering a skill and preparing one to move to the next level of skill and/or responsibility level.

COMMUNICATION, PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING
Skills

Communicate in a clear and considerate manner, active listening, and comprehension
Follow instructions precisely
Provide feedback or ask clarifying questions when uncertain
Understand non-verbal gestures and cues

Understand public relations fundamentals and organizational messaging
Assist with media monitoring and press release distribution
Handle simple inquiries and social media messaging and engagement
Maintain positive relationships with the local community.

Understand target audience and messaging basics
Assist with event promotion and flyers
Monitor and report on engagement metrics
Understand policies regarding brand representation

Development Guide

Attend basic communication workshops
Attend introduction to public relations workshops
Learn basic marketing concepts and target audience awareness

Practice active listening exercises
Understand social media etiquette
Monitor and report engagement metrics

Feedback delivery practice (e.g. SBI method)
Shadow media monitoring and response
Assist with creating digital content

Tools

Basic Email and Messaging Software, Reports and Presentations

Audience: Self, Peers, Supervisors, Small Teams, Community, Patrons

Focus: Clarity, listening and task-specific communication; support basic public relations activities; support marketing efforts and execute basic promotional tasks

Goal: Ensure accurate understanding and execution of assigned task, maintain positive community interactions, increase awareness of programs and events by building basic marketing skills

SUPERVISION & OVERSIGHT
Skills

Time management
Receive and execute tasks effectively

Give and receive feedback
Basic communication
Monitor personal performance

Problem-solving
Receptive to coaching at the task level

Development Guide

Identify and understand job aids and checklists
Attend basic supervisory training

Participate in one-on-one coaching sessions

Shadowing experienced supervisors

Tools

Checklists, schedules, Basic Reporting Tools, One-On-One Meetings

Audience: Frontline Staff, Entry-Level Employees

Focus: Direct task management and team support

Goal: Ensure work gets done correctly and on time, build trust, and address immediate issues

PROGRAM/EVENT MANAGEMENT
Skills

Understand program/project/event scope and safety protocols
Develop a system of scheduling and task assignment

Understand basic incident reporting and documentation
Ensure program/project/event readiness (equipment, facilities, staffing)

Communicate with patrons
Support inclusion and accessibility
Provide input on program planning and activities

Development Guide

Obtain training on basic program/project/event management tools (e.g. Trello, Asana)

Participate in supervisor-led coaching
Train with task checklists and timelines

Introduction to program/project/event lifespan training

Tools

Daily checklists, schedules, activity plans and manuals, facility inspection forms, supervisor shadowing and mentorship

Audience: Frontline Staff, Project/Event Team Members, Patrons

Focus: Deliver individual programs/projects/events efficiently and accurately

Goal: Deliver safe, on-time programs/projects/events, resolve small issues independently, and ensure patron satisfaction at point of services

LEADERSHIP
Skills

Understand self-awareness and accountability
Effectively communicate

Develop appropriate time management
Motivate peers, direct reports and volunteers

Follow organizational values and standards

Development Guide

Participate in leadership fundamentals workshops
Practice giving and receiving feedback

Attend customer service and communication training

Engage in team-building exercises

Tools

Time/Task Management Apps, Feedback Tools

Audience: Peers, Direct Reports, Immediate Supervisors

Focus: Develop personal leadership and basic team guidance

Goal: Build credibility, foster teamwork, deliver individual and team results

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Skills

Active listening
Understand and practice empathy and respect

Build trust with peers, patrons, and supervisors
Basic interpersonal communication

Openness to collaboration

Development Guide

Participate in emotional intelligence workshops

Engage in team-building exercises

Practice active listening and feedback skills during daily interactions

Tools

In-Person Interactions, Email, Basic Communication Apps

Audience: Peers, Direct Supervisors, Immediate Team Members, Patron

Focus: Establish positive working relationships

Goal: Build trust and rapport within immediate workgroups and patrons

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Skills

Track and record program expenses and revenues using approved tools such as spreadsheets or financial software.

Understand petty cash, purchasing thresholds, and internal financial control policies
Follow procedures for procurement and vendor processes

Recognize cost drivers and support accurate expense tracking
Understand how to identify and report suspicious financial activity or risk indicators

Development Guide

Attend basic workshops on budgeting and financial management concepts
Practice using budget tracking spreadsheets and expense templates

Participate in shadowing finance or accounting staff
Review case studies of budget compliance issues and corrective actions

Understand basic internal controls and how to report misuse of funds or property
Participate in cross-training with the finance department

Tools

Basic spreadsheets, simple budgeting tools, expense tracking software, basic budgeting software

Audience: Individual Contributors, Frontline Supervisors, Program Participants

Focus: Basic financial awareness and management of small budgets; tracking expenses; adhering to policies

Goal: Maintain accurate records, prevent overspending, and follow financial policies to ensure accountability and compliance

TECHNOLOGY
Skills

Operate common software (email, word processing, spreadsheets)

Use department-specific tools (registration systems, scheduling software, reporting software)

Understand basic cybersecurity practices
Troubleshoot simple technical issues

Development Guide

Build comfort with basic software and tools

Troubleshoot common technical problems

Use technology to complete daily tasks efficiently
Learn to follow cybersecurity best practices

Tools

MS Office, Basic CRM, Canva, Reservation/Registration Platforms, Social Media Platforms

Audience: Program Managers, Supervisors, Team Members, Customers

Focus: Basic proficiency and safe use of technology

Goal: Confidently use technology to perform daily tasks efficiently and securely

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Skills

Proper care and use of tools/equipment

Awareness of efficiency practices and maintenance plans

Time management for assigned tasks
Inventory tracking support

Development Guide

Safely use and maintain equipment

Track use of supplies and materials
Practice waste reduction and efficiency

Manage personnel and volunteer resources effectively

Tools

Maintenance Logs, Sign-In Sheets, Supply Checklists, Maintenance Manuals

Audience: Self, Peers, Immediate Supervisor

Focus: Efficient use of materials, time, and equipment at the individual level

Goal: Conserve resources, support team efficiency, reduce waste

NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Skills

Follow environmental stewardship protocols
Identify common invasive species and hazards
Assist with trail maintenance and native plant care

Report environmental issues (erosion, wildlife activity, sea level rise, etc.)
Recognize cultural resources and follow established protection protocols

Perform routine maintenance without disturbing cultural assets
Engage respectfully with the public about local cultural features
Reports observed risks

Development Guide

Participate in on-the-job mentorship with experienced field staff
Orientation on ecosystem sensitivity and trail ethics
Attend training in equipment and tools

Attend orientation to natural resource impact resulting from recreational activities
Participate in basic cultural resource management training (i.e. heritage site sensitivity, Leave No Trace, etc.)

Learn to recognize types of cultural resources - historic, indigenous, archaeological
Shadow interpretive staff or rangers during tours
Practice accurate reporting of potential cultural concerns

Tools

Hand Tools, Machinery, Small Tractors, Mowers, and Backhoes, GPS Units, Basic Data Forms, Standard Operating Procedures, Volunteer Reporting Apps, Site Maps With Cultural Resource Zones, Radio/Logbooks for Incident Reporting, Basic Interpretive Signage, Safety/Ethics Training

Audience: Supervisors, Maintenance Teams, Public Visitors, Land Management Staff

Focus: Carry out basic conservation and maintenance tasks under supervision; awareness, protection and compliance support for cultural resources

Goal: Protect park environments through routine care, ensure visitor and ecosystem safety, build environmental awareness and responsibility, protect cultural sites from damage, identify and report issues, interact responsibly with the public

RISK MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY
Skills

Knowledge of workplace safety rules and risks
Recognize and report common operational risks and hazards

Understand risk reporting procedures, equipment checks (first aid)
Follow standard safety and operating procedures and compliance guidelines

Understand emergency response plans
Communicate clearly during incidents
Understand and apply personal accountability for risk awareness

Development Guide

Attend risk awareness and safety training
Participate in hazard identification exercises

Use risk reporting tools regularly
Participate in emergency drills (fire, weather, lockdowns)

PPE training (e.g. gloves, vests, lifting techniques)
Site-specific walk throughs

Tools

Safety and Risk Identification Checklists, Daily Logs and Reporting Forms, Safety Manuals, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Signage, Emergency Action Plans, Safety Data Sheet

Audience: Self, Immediate Team, Direct Supervisors, Program Participants

Focus: Apply safety procedures; identify, report and respond to basic risks within your work area

Goal: Maintain a safe work environment, ensure personal compliance, increase risk awareness and prevent incidents, ensure program participant and peer safety, report hazards early, reduce incidents to limit liability exposure

POLICY COMPLIANCE
Skills

Understand organization policies and codes of conduct
Participate in policy compliance training

Adherence to standard operating procedures, facility and equipment policies

Understand basic regulatory compliance and reporting of policy breaches

Development Guide

Attend orientation sessions covering key policies
Conduct facility rules walk- throughs

Understand and implement patron complaints
Incident reporting and escalation

Consistent application of policies
Understand ADA standards and policies

Tools

Checklists, Manuals, Standard Operating Procedures

Audience: Supervisors, Peers, Program Participants

Focus: Basic rule following and enforcement

Goal: Ensure policy adherence during service delivery, provided consistent public experiences

PLANNING (OPERATIONAL)
Skills

Understand work schedules and priorities
Provide input on logistics (weather, site needs, etc.)

Follow daily/weekly plans accurately

Observe and report barriers to effective task completion

Development Guide

Understand how daily and short-term plans are created and executed

Follow assigned plans accurately to build reliability
Participate in team briefings and debriefings

Understand alternative scenarios for course corrections
Learn to identify obstacles and communicate them promptly

Tools

Task Checklists, Work Orders, Basic Schedules

Audience: Direct Supervisors, Team Members

Focus: Participate in short-term task or program planning under direction

Goal: Execute plans effectively, learn planning basics through direct experience, support team readiness and operations

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PLANNING (STRATEGIC, MASTER, COMPREHENSIVE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT)
Skills

Read, interpret, and follow existing plans, procedures, maps, and site analyses
Collect and report data on park assets and conditions

Assist with routine maintenance and inspections

Understand basic terminology and goals of planning processes

Development Guide

Understand basic planning frameworks and asset conditions
Support data collection and reporting
Apply basic graphic and visual communication skills
Understand existing plans and procedures

Ability to solve problems using a balance of technical competence and creativity
Assist in routine inspections and maintenance

Use basic GIS/mobile apps
Awareness of public input methods
Understand broad urban planning and land-use principles

Tools

Inspection Checklists, Maintenance Logs, Basic GIS or Asset Tracking Apps, APA Resources

Audience: Supervisors, Peers, Maintenance, Operation, and Recreation Teams

Focus: Understand basics of planning and asset management; support data gathering and simple maintenance tasks

Goal: Build awareness of planning frameworks and asset conditions, contribute reliable data

DATA ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH
Skills

Gather and organize data accurately
Use basic data tools

Perform basic descriptive statistics (averages, counts, sums)

Understand data relevance to tasks
Report findings clearly and simply

Development Guide

On-the-job training on data entry and reporting
Learn basic spreadsheet functions (formulas, formatting) to track and report outcomes

Understand methods of gathering attendance, usage, and survey data accurately

Recognize patterns and report anomalies
Understand the importance of accurate data collection

Tools

Excel, Google Sheets, Basic Survey Tools (Survey Monkey), Analysis Platforms, Databases

Audience: Self, Immediate Team, Direct Supervisors

Focus: Collect and interpret basic data to support team tasks

Goal: Understand basic data collection and analysis in order to support team decisions, improve task efficiency, ensure data accuracy

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PROJECT COORDINATION / MANAGEMENT (Projects/Grants/Contracts)
Skills

Recognize types and purposes of projects/grants/contracts
Follow project/grant/contract deadlines

Maintain accurate records of grants, contracts, MOUs, and financial data

Communicate clearly with team and supervisors
Support reporting for projects/grants/contracts

Development Guide

Participate in workshops on project tracking and documentation
Shadow experience coordinators during grant and contract processes
Practice clear communication and following protocols
Learn to use basic project management tools (calendars, document systems)

Attend introductory training on grant types and processes, and general project coordination
Assist in organizing and filing project/grant documentation
Shadow grant coordinators and/or project coordinators during application cycles

Attend training on contract terminology and components
Assist with contract filing and tracking deadlines
Learn organizational policies and procedures
Shadow experienced contract administrators

Tools

Project/Grant/Contract Management Templates, Calendars, Basic Document Management Systems, Grant Funder Databases, Calendars

Audience: Supervisors, Project Teams, Vendors

Focus: Understand basics of project/grant/contract coordination and documentation

Goal: Build foundational knowledge, ensure timely and accurate coordination of assigned project/grant/contract elements

CRITICAL THINKING AND DECISION MAKING
Skills

Identify simple problems and gather relevant information
Analyze options based on immediate facts

Seek guidance when uncertain
Follow established procedures and guidelines

Minimal independent decision-making
Support team outcomes; low business risk

Development Guide

Understand basic problem-solving frameworks
Learn to gather and analyze relevant information

Follow policies and escalate complex issues

Build confidence in making routine decisions
Job shadowing to see how decisions are made

Tools

Checklists, Standard Operating Procedures, Basic Data Reports

Audience: Direct Supervisors, Team Members, Program Participants

Focus: Build awareness of problem-solving and basic decision-making processes

Goal: Develop ability to make informed decisions within defined parameters, build confidence in problem-solving

INTERPERSONAL
Skills

Apply active and empathetic listening
Understand clear and respectful verbal communication

Responsibility for assigned tasks, including meeting established deadlines

Embrace task variety and accept challenges, while collaborating with peers and supervisors
Maintain openness to feedback

Development Guide

Attend training on active listening and respectful communication

Role-play common workplace scenarios
Participate in team-building exercises

Remain open to feedback and continuous improvement

Tools

Face to Face Conversations, Email, Messaging Platforms, Verbal/Non-Verbal Communications, Professional Standards

Audience: Self, Peers, Direct Supervisors, Team Members

Focus: Build effective one-on-one communication and teamwork

Goal: Establish oneself as confident, adaptable, reliable, innovative, detail-oriented, motivated and respectful. Establish trust, foster positive team dynamics, resolve basic conflicts, understand rapport-building, and apply analytical thinking

ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN
Skills

Learn organizational charts and reporting lines

Understand roles and responsibilities within teams

Support team alignment activities
Participate in orientation and onboarding

Development Guide

Learn to read and interpret organizational charts
Participate in onboarding and orientation sessions

Assist with team alignment and role clarification activities

Observe team workflows and support collaboration

Tools

Organizational Charts, Team Directories, Collaboration Platforms

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Audience: Immediate Supervisor, Team Members

Focus: Understand basic organizational structures and roles

Goal: Build awareness of structure and roles, support team functions