Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy
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In-Demand Skills

Outdoor Recreation Economy Needs

Oregon State University has been working closely with leaders in different segments of the outdoor recreation economy to identify the skills and needs they see in this industry. Through our conversations, meetings, retreats, surveys and communication, we have a pretty good idea of some emerging trends.

Leaders in this sector have identified a number of necessary skills for current and future employees. These include problem solving skills; the ability to represent information, ideas and designs clearly and in a compelling way; a desire to reflect and rapidly apply learning; a knack for connecting ideas, information and designs; and clear and effective communication skills.

87

%
require experience
87% of surveyed industry leaders agree that experience is highly valuable in hiring.
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Industry Leader Needs

According to a recent survey we conducted of industry leaders:
  • 87% agree prior industry experience is highly valuable when hiring.
  • Only 26% agree their organization is meeting its desired diversity goals when hiring.
  • 62% agree professional development/continuing education is essential for career advancement.
  • Only 29% agree each job position has a clearly defined path for career advancement.
The modern-day workforce is constantly growing and evolving, and nowhere is this more true than in outdoor recreation. Employees in this sector rely on the latest technologies and need to respond quickly to rapidly changing situations and landscapes.
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Outdoor recreation economy industry leaders look for a wide range of skills and experience during the hiring process.

Industry Must-Haves

According to our research, the future must-haves for this workforce include:
 
  • Strong social and data analytics skills
  • An ability to keep pace with changing industry demands
  • Storytelling skills and capabilities
  • A knack for collaborating internally and across multiple networks
  • Philanthropy and nonprofit management experience
  • Knowledge of outdoor recreation economy overall
  • Sustainable designs and conscious product creation
  • Conservation and advocacy experience
  • Digital/ecommerce skills and social media know-how
  • Leadership skills in helping guide through growth and change
  • Policy experts
  • Corporate and social responsibility
  • Revenue management and business analytics
  • Customer insights, user research and experience design
  • Advanced IT skills
  • Strong communication and persuasion skills
  • Recreation planning skills to manage increase in demand, such as congestion, site capacity issues and environmental impacts of recreation
  • Cultural competencies and trainings
  • Sustainable technologies
  • Research and development of new technologies
  • Ability to speak multiple languages
  • An ability to identify and consider rural and urban needs
  • Technical manufacturing and trade skills
  • Internship / training prerequisites
  • Increased leadership expectations across all positions
 
At Oregon State, we are committed to building trainings and programs that help address all of these areas and prepare our learners to lead this workforce in the future.
people
$16.4 BILLION
in Oregon consumer spending
money%20(1)
$5.1 BILLION
in wages
+28%25
$749 MILLION
in state and local tax
revenue
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175,000
in Oregon jobs
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Discover What's Out There for You

About OREI

The outdoor industry is a powerhouse of meaningful job creation and a driving force of Oregon’s economy, creating a unique quality of life in rural and urban areas and attracting new businesses and professional talent to our communities.
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Workforce Training

Oregon State University has a proven track record of building custom and non-credit workforce trainings, from self-paced learning opportunities to online continuing education classes, and is uniquely positioned to do this work for the outdoor recreation economy.
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Career Pathways

There are many job opportunities in the outdoor recreation economy for those with the right skills and experience. We are currently building a database of job openings along with various pathways to help you build out your credentials and get to work.
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OREI

Who We Are

OREI was created to join forces with private and public partners to strategically address a critical need for workforce development identified in Oregon and beyond.

Learn more about the OREI team.

Get Involved

Take the first step to get involved with accelerating the growth of this rapidly expanding industry.

Contact us

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know if you have any questions or comments about the initiative!
541-737-4197
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