Core Competencies
Descriptions of the 39 competencies and proficiencies in the ORPCF
The purpose of the Outdoor Recreation Professional Comptency Framework identifies core competencies for people who plan, manage, and provide outdoor recreation as a public service. This framework supports consistency across current and future training, professional development, degree program, and certification providers, and will provide a path to employment in the outdoor recreation public sector workforce.
Public Speaking/Presenting
Entry-level: Effectively communicate with co-workers, partners, and the public using a variety of tools and methods. Full Performance: Communicate elements of recreation management (e.g. desired conditions, goals, techn...
Management Intent
Entry-level: Identify applicable laws and policies, site design standards, and desired conditions or goals for the recreation site, activity, or project. Full Performance: Understand and use management intent in plannin...
Program Assessment
Entry-level: Identify basic methods and tools used to assess recreation programs and projects. Recognize the purpose of monitoring and how assessment data informs planning and management decisions. Full Performance: Col...
Contract Administration + Management
Entry-level: Recognize contract requirements including the scope of work, budget, and timeline. Document contractor activities as directed by supervisor or contract administrator. Full Performance: Identify contract req...
Human Dimensions Tools + Data:
Entry-level: Demonstrate understanding of human dimensions concepts and the role of social science in outdoor recreation planning and management. Assist with data collection, documentation, and interpretation of findings...
Grants + Agreements
Entry-level: Recognize the elements of a grant proposal or a partner agreement including outcomes and specific tasks or requirements. Understand types of agreements and when they are applicable. Full Performance: Identi...
Site Design
Enry-level: Demonstrate foundational knowledge of recreation site design principles and their relationship to visitor experience, accessibility, safety, and resource protection. Full Performance: Apply site design princ...
Special Uses + Permits
Entry-level: Demonstrate knowledge of special uses authorities and the types of activities that require permits or other approvals. Assist with processing permit applications, maintaining case files, and monitoring permi...
Specialized Skill Competencies
Program and Operations Management Competencies
● Business Acumen ● Management Intent ● Operations and Maintenance ● Program Assessment ● &...
Business Acumen
Entry-level: Describe different funding sources and partnerships for recreation program planning, management, operations, and maintenance. Full Performance: Coordinate with partners, permit holders, concessionaires, and...
Professional Development
Entry-level: Recognize core competencies for outdoor recreation planning and management and identify skill development opportunities for yourself. Full performance: Identify knowledge and skill gaps to enhance your recr...
Leadership
Entry-level: Explain and understand the different leadership styles, including your own. Recognize components of both effective leadership and management. Full Performance: Identify and use the appropriate leadership st...
Information Gathering + Management Application
Entry-level: Describe information collection systems and use established methods for extracting and conducting basic analysis of biophysical, social-cultural and visitor information/data. Full Performance: Plan, manage,...
Customer Service
Entry-level: Effectively communicate with and respond to requests from visitors, partners, user groups, and members of the public, focusing on creating great customer experiences. Full Performance: Identify different cu...
Conflict Resolution + Consensus Building
Entry-level: Identify conflict resolution and consensus building processes and tools and when they should be used to support management outcomes. Recognize when there may be conflicts, and work to address or know when to...
Recreation Management Competencies
● Conflict Resolution + Consensus Building ● Customer Service ● Information Gathering + Management Application ● &nb...
Site-Specific Policy
Entry-level: Review and understand your organization's regulations, policies, and guidance related to the project area. Full Performance: Interpret and incorporate relevant laws, statutes, regulations, policies, and gui...
Scenery/Visual Resources:
Entry-level: Describe the scenic resources and aesthetic qualities for your unit or project area. Understand the contribution of scenery to the recreation experience. Full Performance: Identify landscape and setting cha...
Management Strategies
Entry-level: Understand common management strategies used in your organization or project area and why those strategies are employed. Identify how management strategies inform day-to-day roles and responsibilities. Full...