Park manager

What does a park manager do? – Tasks and work environment

A park manager is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining public parks, green spaces, and sometimes nature reserves. Tasks often include project management for new installations or renovations, budget responsibility, procurement of contractors, and follow-up on operations and maintenance. Contact with the public, politicians, and suppliers is common, requiring good communication skills. The work is conducted both at the office and in the field, involving a mix of administrative duties and on-site presence in parks and green areas.

Salary development over time

Salary levels for park managers have steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,300 SEK per month, which increased to 45 200 during 2023 – a rise of approximately 12%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary increase has plateaued somewhat, reaching 45 700, corresponding to a growth of just over 1%. The significant increase between 2022 and 2023 can partly be explained by the increased demand for expertise in sustainable urban development and green space management. The slightly slower growth in the most recent year suggests that the market has stabilized, but the profession continues to maintain a relatively high salary level compared to many other civil service roles within nature management and urban planning.

Park manager salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 45 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 34,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, high school education)
• Highest salary: 49,300 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, unspecified education)
• Hourly wage (average): 275 SEK
• Gender differences: Men earn 48 700 SEK, women 41 300 SEK (85% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a park manager, a university degree in landscape architecture, horticulture, environmental science, or similar fields is usually required. Practical experience in green space maintenance and operation is often advantageous, as are skills in project management and public administration. Many employers also seek knowledge of sustainability issues and environmental legislation.

• Formal education: University degree in landscape architecture, horticulture, or related field (3–5 years)
• Certifications/courses: Project management, public procurement, environmental legislation
• Internships: Internships or trainee positions within park management or municipal operations are common
• Prerequisites: High school diploma with a science or technical orientation is recommended
• Tips for choosing: Interest in both nature and urban planning is an advantage when selecting education

Common benefits and compensations

Park managers are often offered perks such as wellness allowances, paid training, flexible working hours, and opportunities for remote work for administrative tasks. Pension schemes, extra vacation days, and subsidized travel may also be included depending on the employer and employment type.

Competition and challenges

The job market for park managers is characterized by moderate competition, but the availability of positions varies across regions. The main challenge is often to combine technical and ecological knowledge with administrative demands and budget responsibilities. The role also requires balancing citizens’ wishes with legal and financial constraints. Since the profession belongs to a broad occupational group, clear career paths are sometimes lacking, which can make it difficult to stand out in the job market. The limited number of positions in some locations may also mean that mobility is an advantage for job seekers in the field.

Tips for aspiring park managers

To succeed as a park manager, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in nature and urban development. Gaining early experience through internships or summer jobs in park operations or municipal management is highly recommended, as practical insight is very valuable. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and the public, and project management skills give you an edge when working on larger initiatives. Being solution-oriented and flexible helps with unforeseen challenges, and a structured working style is crucial for managing budgets and timelines. Finally, the ability to see the big picture and think long-term is an important trait, especially regarding sustainable development and urban planning.

Key facts about park managers

• Salary range: 34,400–49,300 SEK/month
• Gender differences: Women earn 85% of men's salaries
• Education level: University degree (3–5 years) recommended
• Number of job openings: 360
• Typical work environment: Alternation between office and outdoor work

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a park manager, there are opportunities to advance to leadership roles such as department head, project manager within urban development, or specialist roles focusing on biodiversity or sustainable city planning. Advisory roles within municipalities or consulting firms are also common career options. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for agriculture specialists and advisors, no specific assessment is made for park managers due to limited data, but with 360 job openings, demand is expected to remain stable. The future outlook is positively influenced by society’s increased focus on sustainable and attractive urban environments, which benefits the profession in the long term.

Frequently asked questions about park managers

• What does a park manager earn?
  - A park manager has an average salary of 45 700 SEK per month. The salary range is between 34,400 and 49,300 SEK depending on experience, gender, and employer.
• What are the gender differences in park manager salaries?
  - Men earn an average of 48 700 SEK while women have an average salary of 41 300 SEK, which corresponds to 85% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a park manager?
  - A university degree in landscape architecture, horticulture, or similar fields is recommended, often complemented with internships or specialized courses.
• What are the job responsibilities of a park manager?
  - The work involves planning, operation, and development of parks, budget responsibility, procurement of contractors, and collaboration with various stakeholders.
• What are the future prospects for park managers?
  - There are approximately 360 vacant positions in the profession, and demand is considered stable, although no precise forecast exists due to limited data.
• Are there regional salary differences for park managers?
  - No detailed data is available regarding regional salary differences for the profession.
• What personal qualities are important for a park manager?
  - Analytical skills, good communication, flexibility, and an interest in environment and urban planning are especially valuable.