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At this level, one performs essential, task-based work under direct supervision; focuses on accuracy, reliability, and learning core operations.  Decision-Making and Impact may include minimal independent decision-making; supports team outcomes; and poses a low business risk.  This is the AWARENESS stage of one’s journey – basic recognition that the skill or topic exists, with an early understanding of its purpose and context.

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

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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

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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, ensure patron satisfaction at point of services

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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
  • Engage in team-building exercises
  • Practice giving and receiving feedback
  • Attend customer service and communication training

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

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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

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FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Skills 

  • Understand basic budgeting concepts, categories, and policies.
  • 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



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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



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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

 



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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
  • Preform 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

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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

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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



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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, https://www.planning.org/choosingplanning/skills/

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 

  • Follow existing plans and procedures
  • 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
  • Assist in routine inspections and maintenance
  • Understand existing plans and procedures
  • Use basic GIS/mobile apps
  • Awareness of public input methods

Tools
 Inspection Checklists, Maintenance Logs, Basic GIS or Asset Tracking Apps

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



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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, 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/project 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

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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

 

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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

 

 

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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