URBAN AND NATIONAL PARKS IN AUSTRALIA: ROLE, RESPONSIBILITIES, CAREERS AND EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS

Both urban and national park agencies have great potential to transform and enrich our cities as well as the national estate. The role and responsibilities of these agencies differ in levels and degrees of technical knowledge, business management, human resource management, communication and marketing. Similarly, the service side of the profession offers varied career opportunities that range from recreation, conservation and environment, horticulture and park and resource planning, through to implementation of urban park services, natural resource management to conservation and outdoor recreation. The objective of this study was to compare the role, responsibilities and functions of the middle level urban and national park manager and to seek out recruitment in terms of experience and training, required knowledge, skills and abilities, the level and type of qualification, and career expectations. Results showed similarities in infrastructure and span of control and differences in acceptable experience and training, required knowledge, skills and abilities, and the level and type of qualification between the middle level urban and national park manager.