I'm a little late to the show here. Game, I can relate somewhat to your situation. I worked in the Parks and Rec field for 7-8 years and couldn't advance how I envisioned so I decided to change fields a couple years back. Not sure how it is in Texas, but Parks in Rec in WI is a quite a close nit group across the state, at least at the municipal level. Everyone knows everyone or at least knows somebody in a different part of the state. It's a huge domino effect when there's a job opening and unless you all ready know somebody it's difficult. It sounds like you have experience now in the field that you're looking towards so that's great! Coaching, officiating, and grounds keeping are other ways to get yourself in the door so to speak. Heck, maybe even volunteer to teach a class relating to wildlife or something at the local community center. Anything to get yourself in that organization somehow so people know your name. General tidbits I've learned along the way: Much of the "right thing" to do when applying for a job is crap (IMO). Don't waste your time trying to get a name of who to send you info to. You will rarely get ONE specific person reading your application end it doesn't really matter (unless your applying to be somebody's personal office manager maybe). Plus if you address it incorrectly or misspell a name your worse off than had you just sent it to whom it may concern. Basically if they don't bother to tell you who to send it to don't bother trying to find out. Don't bother with call backs. Use your time to search out more opportunities. If they're interested they'll call you. References available on request is fine. Just make sure you have some ready to go if you're asked! I usually bring mine along to an interview and leave them with the appropriate person. Don't sell yourself short because you don't have the specific amount of experience listed in a job description. It doesn't hurt to apply anyway if you really like the job. Be creative in your experience and how it applies to the specific job. Almost every job has overlapping qualifications in some aspects, like customer service. Always tailor your resume to fit the job description. Experience still trumps education. Another job may open the door to THE opportunity you're looking for. Don't shut out a particular opportunity because it isn't in 'your field'. Make use of all your ability. While I work in Technology now, I haven't completely shut the door on Recreation. I'm working for a small college that has a new recreation facility on the table so somewhere along the line I may have the opportunity shift back if I want. Just my two cents.