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The familiar park ranger, in full uniform, is probably one of the most recognizable images of the conservation world. However, the career possibilities are much broader than the most visible jobs, embracing dozens of different professions. While graduates work primarily for government agencies, and increasing number of students are working in private business and with nonprofit organizations (see job titles of CSS below).

Trends in Employment

Fueled by rapid change in the environment, technology, society, and public policy, outdoor recreation and resource-based tourism industries continue to grow at a rapid rate - between 10-20% annually through 2006 - with a 4-6% annual increase in jobs. Recreation and tourism now comprise the largest and one of the most dynamic industries in the world, generating 11% of the global economy; 200 million jobs; 8% of total employment; and an expected 5.5 million new jobs per year until 2010.

With over 189 million participants annually, the outdoors is a rich component of American culture and an important stimulus to the U.S. economy. There are approximately 250,000 parks and resource recreation workers in the U.S., more than any other land management profession. Another 1.5 million are employed in the tourism industry, with many of them in the fast growing areas of resource-based tourism, ecotourism, and adventure tourism.

Job Titles of CSS Alumni