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 […]
Park Ranger
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, […]
Communication in Parks Panel Discussion
A common theme from the People of Parks Project has been a frustration with communication between leadership, admin staff, and staff in the field. When I hear the same thing come up often I know we need to lean into it a little bit more. I know this isn’t a problem I could properly address on my […]
Can You Have Fun and Still Be Professional?
For this episode, we invited a guest to return for the first time. Commander Bill Overby joins us to take questions from park rangers in the field. So far, the most listened to episode has been Don’t Let the Park Define You with Commander Bill Overby. I invited Bill back because you like him, and […]
Parks are in the Business of People with Austin Bradley
Former Washington State Parks Director, Rex Derr, told me about the State Parks Leadership School. This School was founded by the National Association of State Park Directors. Upon learning more about the school, I knew anyone who attended would likely be a good guest for the Park Leaders Show. I called a few people who […]
What Will Your Legacy Be? with Richard Rojas, Sr.
I know Park Leaders is on a roll when I end up talking with someone like Richard Rojas. It is a sign to me the dots are starting to connect. I was introduced to Mr. Rojas through Jose Gonzalez of Latino Outdoors. I was introduced to Jose through John Griffith of the California Conservation Corps. […]