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Parks And Recreation Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The City of Southport operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The Parks and Recreation Director serves as a department head and reports directly to the City Manager. The Director works ...

Recreation, parks, & Cultural affairs Manager Department: Recreation, parks, & Cultural affairs FLSA Status: Exempt Summary of Position: Under the supervision of the Recreation Manager, the ...

Recreation Manager I/ GS 19 Sports/ Recreation Services Division Join our Great City The City of ... Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria's diversity and spirit, and our people ...

Recreation Manager I

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$64K - $86K/yr

Recreation Parks & Cultural Activities Division: RECREATION SERV Opening Date: 07/14/2026 Closing Date: 8/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Bargaining Unit: N/A Recreation Manager I/ GS 19 Sports/ Recreation ...

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How much do parks and recreation manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for parks and recreation manager in the United States is $20.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the highest paying recreation jobs?

In the recreation field, senior roles such as Recreation Director or Parks and Recreation Manager tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $70,000 annually. Executive-level positions, specialized roles like Athletic Director, or jobs requiring advanced certifications and extensive experience typically offer higher compensation.

What are some common challenges faced by Parks and Recreation Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Parks and Recreation Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing limited budgets with the need to maintain and improve facilities, coordinating diverse community programs, and responding to public feedback or concerns. Effective communication with staff, volunteers, and the public is crucial for addressing these challenges. Managers can also benefit from staying updated on best practices in facility maintenance and community engagement, as well as seeking partnerships with local organizations to enhance program offerings.

What is the highest paying manager position?

The highest paying manager positions in parks and recreation typically include Director of Parks and Recreation or Recreation Superintendent roles, which oversee large departments and budgets. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and relevant certifications, and they can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually depending on the size of the municipality or organization.

What does a Parks and Recreation Manager do?

A Parks and Recreation Manager oversees the planning, development, and administration of public parks, recreational facilities, and community programs. Their responsibilities include managing staff, budgeting, organizing events, and ensuring parks are safe and well-maintained. They also work with local government and community groups to enhance recreational opportunities and improve public spaces. This role is essential for promoting healthy, active lifestyles and fostering community engagement.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Parks and Recreation Manager?

The responsibilities of a parks and recreation manager include directing and coordinating recreation programs for a community, such as 4th of July fireworks, summer camps, and sporting events. You are also expected to oversee staff members and maintain parks and facilities. You plan and develop community activities and programs, assist with negotiating and designing city improvement projects, manage the budget of community athletics, supervise athletic facilities operations, and provide support to related committees. Other duties include evaluating the efficiency of your department and continuously improving procedures while consulting with your manager. You prepare statistical reports and present them to management and city departments, offering them your recommendations.

Is a recreation management degree worth it?

A recreation management degree can be valuable for a Parks and Recreation Manager, as it provides knowledge of program planning, facility management, and community engagement. It often complements experience in parks operations, customer service, and certifications like CPR and first aid. The degree can enhance career advancement and salary potential in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Parks and Recreation Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Parks and Recreation Manager, you need a background in recreation management, public administration, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with facility management software, budgeting tools, and, in some cases, certifications like CPR/First Aid or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) are typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help in engaging the community and managing diverse teams. These skills are crucial for delivering safe, enjoyable, and sustainable recreational programs that meet community needs.

What is the difference between Parks And Recreation Manager vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectParks And Recreation ManagerRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications like CPR/First AidHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer related certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees parks, facilities, and programs; manages staff and budgetsAssists in program planning and implementation; interacts directly with participants
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal parks departments, community centers, recreation agenciesRecreation departments, community organizations, sports leagues

The Parks And Recreation Manager typically holds a higher level of responsibility, overseeing entire programs and staff, while the Recreation Coordinator focuses on assisting with program execution and participant engagement. Both roles require related credentials and work within similar environments, but the manager has broader oversight duties.

How to become a park manager?

To become a park manager, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in parks and recreation, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant experience in park operations, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of safety regulations are also important; some positions may require certification in first aid or CPR.
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Infographic showing various Parks And Recreation Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,252 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Parks & Recreation Manager

Parks & Recreation Manager

City of Pico Rivera, CA

Pico Rivera, CA • On-site

$103K - $137K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary : $103,812.00 - $137,304.00 Annually
Location : Parks and Recreation Building, 6767 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA
Job Type: At-Will
Job Number: 202606- P&R Manager
Department: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Description
PARKS AND RECREATION MANAGER
Full-Time/At-Will
Open/Competitive

Open Until Filled
The City of Pico Rivera's vision and values are to safeguard the public's trust through open and transparent business practices that consistently maintain our credibility of strong ethical stewardship of all resources. We strive to provide responsive and consistent customer service to the community and our employees; who we trust to always own the problem and solution of all our business challenges. We recognize that we must engage our workforce in productive and respectful dialogue as our success internally hinges on the dynamic and interdependent partnerships within; thus improving our chances of external success.
The goal is to positively impact our community by optimizing and engaging our workforce to improve the human experience and quality of life in the City of Pico Rivera. The City is committed to forging a model of 21st Century government to better serve the community and its employees.
The Department
The Parks and Recreation Department oversees Parks and Programs, REACH, Senior Services, Contract Classes, Media and Communications, Special Events, Transportation, and the Pico Rivera Golf Course.
The amenities provided by the Parks and Recreation Department are enjoyed by thousands of people every year. The amenities include 100 acres of parks and open spaces, swimming pool, athletic fields, walking paths, Senior Center, and batting cages.
The Position
The City of Pico Rivera is seeking a dynamic, community-driven Recreation & Parks Manager to oversee major program areas including Citywide Special Events, Senior Center operations (including the City's Veterans Affairs support), Citywide Farmers Market, Aquatics, and a portfolio of special programs and community recreational services.
This role provides leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for programming that supports residents of all ages and ensures safe, engaging, and equitable services for the community.
City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Employees work a 4/10 schedule from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. This position could also be required to work non-traditional hours including nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays based on the needs of the department.
Essential Duties
The ideal candidate will have the ability to perform the following essential tasks and functions:
  • Oversee planning, coordination, and execution of Citywide Special Events, ensuring compliance with procurement and contract routing requirements.
  • Manage Citywide Farmers Market operations and vendor participation, consistent with market oversight found in multiple City market-related agenda materials.
  • Assist the Director with Aquatics oversight, including program planning, staff scheduling, and safety compliance
  • Direct operations of the Senior Center, including enrichment, nutrition, wellness, and resource programs.
  • Oversee the City's Office of Veterans Affairs services delivered within the Center.
  • Direct operations and programming at Pico Park and all programming associated with this facility.
  • Provide leadership and training on all citywide recreational programs, classes, afterschool programs, family programs, senior services, community events, and seasonal programs.

Staff Leadership & Administration
  • Supervise full-time, part-time, seasonal, and contract staff.
  • Develop program goals, evaluate service delivery, analyze program needs, and implement improvements.
  • Prepare reports, procurement requests, and agenda documents.
  • Administer budgets and monitor expenditures aligned with departmental fiscal practices.
Community Engagement
  • Serve as departmental liaison to community partners, nonprofit service providers, neighborhood groups, and vendors.
  • Support City Council initiatives and represent the department at meetings, public events, and stakeholder engagements.

Qualifications
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will:
  • Bring creativity and innovation to special events, senior services, aquatics, veterans programming, and citywide markets.
  • Excel in fast-paced environments with competing priorities.
  • Demonstrate strong organizational skills, communication, and inclusive leadership.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Leadership & Supervision
  • Coaches and develops staff; models professionalism and accountability.
  • Demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making.

Program & Project Management
  • Coordinates complex projects and overlapping timelines.
  • Ensures procurement and contract compliance, including vendor routing and documentation.

Community & Customer Service
  • Builds positive relationships with community members, partners, and stakeholders.
  • Responds effectively to resident needs.

Communication
  • Prepares clear written materials (reports, agenda items).
  • Communicates professionally with staff, leadership, and the public.

Fiscal & Resource Management
  • Oversees program budgets and monitors expenditures.
  • Follows City fiscal protocols.
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Recreation, Human Services, Public Administration or a related field from an accredited college or university is required.
  • Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in recreation, community services, or event management, including supervision is required.
  • Two (2) years of supervisory experience is required.
  • Two (2) years of public contact experience is required.
  • One (1) year of budget/policy experience/leadership experience is required.
  • Aquatics experience is highly desirable.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Three years or more of comparable managerial experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.
Proof of education such as but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees must be submitted online with your application. Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply.
Failure to provide all required documents will result in elimination from the selection process.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Requirements:
Ability to operate a variety of automated office machines, including a calculator, copier, personal computer and applicable software programs; coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing slightly skilled movements, such as data entry; exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, typically involving lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, sitting, and/or walking; maneuver and steer equipment and machinery requiring simple, but continuous adjustments, such as the operation of an automobile.
Supervisorial Responsibilities:
Ability to assign, review, plan, and coordinate the work of other employees; provide instruction and guidance to staff; approve the transfer, promotion, salary increase, discipline or discharge of staff; assess the work of employees and write performance appraisals; promote staff development and motivation; oversee a program for orientation and training of all department employees; analyze problems that arise in the areas under supervision and recommend solutions. Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Mathematical Ability:
Ability to interpret descriptive economic, financial and statistical reports.
Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability:
Ability to develop, implement and maintain sound accounting and financial reporting systems and procedures; ability to assess and evaluate data processing needs and evaluate computer hardware and software; ability to exercise independent judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the direction, control and planning of an entire program or multiple programs; ability to develop new policies and modify existing policies, strategies and/or methods to meet unusual conditions within the context of existing management principles; ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to define consequences and to consider and select alternatives; ability to decide the time, place and sequence of operations within a system or organizational framework, as well as the ability to oversee their execution.
Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication:
Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information, such as financial statements, technical operating manuals, procedures, guidelines, ordinances, and accounting methods; advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations; communicate effectively with coworkers, vendors, elected and appointed officials, and the general public, both verbally and in writing; effectively make public presentations; management and direct a group of workers, including the ability to provide counseling and mediation; ability to persuade, convince and train others.
Licenses and Certifications
  • Must possess a valid Class C California Driver's License, and a safe driving record throughout the course of employment. City employees are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Employee Pull Notice Program.
  • Proof of car insurance (to be eligible for mileage reimbursement based on the IRS issued rates).
  • Candidates must possess a current American Red Cross (ARC) or American Heart Association (AHA) Infant/Child/Adult CPR, Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), and Community First Aid and Safety certification. Online certifications not acceptable.
  • Aquatics certification highly desirable.

Veteran's credit will amount to 10 points to be added to the interview score. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application materials in order to be eligible for veteran's credit. Veterans who wish to utilize this credit must have served on a full-time basis (not reserve or auxiliary) in the armed forces for a minimum of six months (180 days).
TESTING:
Candidates who pass all qualifying phases of the recruitment process (e.g., minimum qualification review, written and/or oral examinations) will be placed in an eligibility pool for the hiring department to initiate the selection process. Please note: recruitment timelines may vary. Updates will be provided to candidates throughout the process.
FINAL FILING DATE:
Recruitment will remain open until the position is filled; however, we reserve the right to close the recruitment at any time without prior notice. Selection of applicants will be on a first come, first served basis. As employment applications are received, they will be immediately reviewed.
SELECTION PROCESS:
It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all information provided on the application and/or supplemental questionnaire is accurate and complete. Incomplete applications and/or supplemental responses will not be accepted. Resumes may be included, but will not be accepted in place of required application materials (e.g., high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalent, and/or typing certificate, if applicable). This is a competitive process; applicants must clearly demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications. Your application will only be accepted if it clearly shows you meet the requirements. The information you give regarding your experience and education will determine your eligibility and is subject to verification at any time. False statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the Eligibility List, or discharge from employment. List each job title and employer separately. Do not group your experience. Specify the beginning and ending dates for each job. If you have supervised staff, indicate how many. Based on a review of application materials, only the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the testing process to further evaluate their job-related experience, education, knowledge, skills and abilities.
AI and the Hiring Process
We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, tr