In this episode of the Park Leaders Show I am joined by Donald Forgione, retired director of Florida state parks. Now I also get to welcome him as the host of the podcast, Tailgate Talks, which offers more conversations for park professionals. Donald’s diverse skillset made him a valuable asset among park professionals. As he […]
Park Ranger
Get Your Park Ready for Summer
“If you educate and train your employees on the very front end, it makes for so much better summer season.” Spring is here and the parks are already starting to get busy with visitors. That is why it is important that you get your park ready for summer well in advance of their arrival. Part […]
Maintaining View Sheds in Parks
“Leadership is hard because it’s a gray decision. It’s not a black and white decision. You have to take a breath, take two steps back, and figure out what the objective is and why the resource is being protected in order to make the right decision.” – Phil Gaines Phil Gaines recently attended the California […]
How to Deal with a Shortage of Seasonal Staff
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss the ways parks can manage seasonal staff shortages. While park careers have their perks, the challenge of filling them is increasing in today’s climate. As Phil explains, recruiters are not only struggling to compete with other industry compensations but also […]
Park Visitors Notice Your Standards
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss standard awareness in parks. Based on true stories, Jody and Phil discuss how parks should handle their facilities during financial hardships. Since one of the most important buildings in the park is the bathroom, park rangers must take care of […]
A Park Ranger is Part of the Park Experience
On this episode of Park Leaders Show Phil Gaines joins me to talk about the changes in the recreation experience over the last few years. With the increase in crowds a ranger is a part of the park experience, possibly now more than ever. After a recent trip to Glacier National Park I noticed that […]
Customer Service for Maintenance Staff
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss customer service for maintenance staff. Key Takeaways While many parks have training programs for new staff, developing cultures of customer care is a better alternative. As Phil explains, the key comes down to training versus education. With training, you’re conditioning […]
Supporting Your Team To Do Work That Matters
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, special guest Sara Milbourne, Park Ranger at Rocky Gap State Park, joins the show to discuss supporting your team as park leadership. A Maryland Park Service Ranger and interpreter for almost two decades, Sara has a reputation for management and team building. Having pioneered dog-friendly initiatives and […]
Should Parks be Self-Sufficient
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss why parks should be financially sufficient. While a complex topic in execution, the bottom line for a park’s financial structure is simple: Each state park should be sufficient to maintain operating expenses including maintenance and personnel. As Phil explains, this […]
Wisdom From the Oldest Park Ranger in America with Betty Soskin
This episode of the Park Leaders Show felt like I was talking to history. Betty Soskin is the oldest park ranger in the United States. Betty is 93 years old. Yes, that is impressive. But even more impressive is Betty did not become a park ranger until she was 85 years old. Talking with Betty, […]