Outdoor Recreation Initiative - Project Manager

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary – $34.73 - $56.80 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Tim Conyers | tconyers@utah.gov

Application Deadline – 9/30/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

Job Title: Outdoor Recreation Initiative - Project Manager

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

This position will provide staffing support for project management duties through the Outdoor Recreation Initiative (ORI) and Outdoor Recreation Planning Assistance (ORPA) funded recreation projects. These projects may range from infrastructure maintenance needs to environmental analyses, site studies, or other outdoor recreation improvement projects. The ORI program is guided by innovative long-range strategic planning and involvement from regional recreation councils. This role will increase capacity for the ORI program team and be responsible for adding needed project management capacity for awarded applicants. Many of these projects will be done in collaboration with federal land managers, state agencies, local governments, or NGOs, and will utilize state procurement and other efficiencies to ensure effective, compliant project delivery. This position will be the first of its kind within DOR and will be tasked with developing and implementing systems to track progress and status of projects. The individual will work on a dynamic team of outdoor recreation planners and professionals.

Principal Duties:

• Work with a dynamic program team to identify projects to advance from long-range plans and regional priorities.
• Provide staffing support to ORI regional councils as needed.
• Act as the primary liaison between Utah’s Division of Purchasing, private contractors, local municipalities, and federal agencies (USFS, BLM, or NPS) to streamline project approvals, compliance, and oversight as necessary.
• Utilize long-range planning documents and ORI regional councils to identify priority projects where state capacity will expedite project delivery.
• Ensure projects are built to comply and adhere to all necessary federal, state, and local standards.
• Lay the foundation for DOR to increase its project management capabilities by implementing project tracking systems, etc.

Why you should join our team:

Shape Utah’s outdoor recreation future by adding necessary capacity to ensure diverse projects are delivered efficiently and effectively. These projects may include restoration of campgrounds, trailheads, to new legacy style projects that will leave a positive impact on generations to come. Enjoy a challenge working on a large variety of subjects for a newly formed agency. You will have the opportunity to support recreational activities for the general public and Utah’s visitors to enjoy. From the work you do to the people you meet along the way, the Division of Outdoor Recreation will keep you on your toes and fully engaged in your work. Additionally, the State of Utah offers great benefits and generous paid time off so you can spend more time with your family and have a positive work-life balance.

Qualifications

Typical Qualifications:

• Project management experience with diverse stakeholders and projects on public lands.
• Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation, Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Geography, City and Metropolitan Planning, Ecology, or other related fields.

Preferred Requirements:

• Familiarity and experience with environmental permitting and requirements necessary to advance outdoor recreation infrastructure and planning projects.
• Excellent organization and proven experience coordinating between diverse stakeholders to deliver complicated environment/design/build projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders to find mutual gains when conflict arises.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Has 3-5 years of project management experience on federally managed lands and experience with state or local government procurement processes.
• Expertise of NEPA and other requirements pertaining to environmental quality, public safety, etc.
• Ability to balance multiple projects at once ranging in complexity, timelines, and necessary project management involvement.
• Work well as a team member to facilitate program development and administrative needs.
• Ability to assess land management agency priorities and align with state priorities.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across various stakeholders and lead public meetings (i.e. federal land managers, consultant/vendor, the public, DOR staff etc.).
• Excellent organization skills and comfortable using Google suite, Adobe products, ArcGIS products, and project management software.
• Familiarity and passion for Utah’s diverse landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Supplemental Information

Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated, e.g. safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. in back country or rough terrain. This is a full-time position, and may occasionally require irregular hours, including evenings and some field work. Overnight travel within Utah, and occasionally outside of the state, is occasionally required to attend meetings, conferences, support outdoor recreation planning and development projects, etc. Valid Driver's License Estimated 15% of employee's time may be spent traveling to site visits, meeting with stakeholders, etc.

About Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation:

In 2022, the Utah State Legislature recognized the growing importance of the outdoors to Utah's economic prosperity and quality of life and created the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR). As part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, DOR combines the nation’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation with other state recreation management programs, including Utah’s Boating Program, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, and recreation law enforcement officers. DOR is committed to ensuring every Utahn can live a healthy and active lifestyle through outdoor recreation and access to natural space. DOR’s areas of focus include recreational access; safety and education; stewardship and sustainable visitation; and economic growth and opportunity through outdoor recreation. For more information, visit recreation.utah.gov.

About the Role

Location – 1594 West North Temple Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116 United States

Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Drug Test Required – Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here.

Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

For more information: https://recreation.utah.gov/

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.