The skill to use computers for communication or data and program analysis is becoming an essential part of many positions. For resource educators, greeting visitors at a visitor center and sharing knowledge of the park in programs is still essential, but the ability to design and conduct environmental education workshops for teachers or develop effective programs for both children and adults requires a greater depth of training. Similarly, natural and cultural resource managers, including skilled maintenance technicians, must have knowledge and skills to use the most modern methods of restoration and preservation, continually monitoring, evaluating, and updating their work as new methods and technologies become available. Managers must have more than knowledge of laws and policies, and the ability to administer fiscal programs. Today's and tomorrow's effective managers will be able to lead communities in resolution of conflicts in resource allocation or other management issues.
Professionalism is achieved through education, an ongoing process.
The responsibility to achieve and maintain professionalism is shared equally by the park and each employee. Through empowerment of employees at all levels and training to update knowledge, skills and abilities, the workforce can meet the challenge of resource protection and public service in the national park system.