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Recreation Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Community Recreation

Waverly, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Community Recreation Manager Function of Position: Oversee all activity for community rec youth flag football during evenings and weekends. Principal Duties and Responsibilities: * Oversee all ...

Ice Arena Shift Leader

Ames, IA · On-site

$7.25 - $21.19/hr

Distributed Responsibilities: Assist Recreation Manager in training new Shift Leaders and Cashiers. Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our ...

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, works with the Recreation Assistants in providing recreational services and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) assistance to participants attending the ...

Outdoor Recreation Assistant

Grinnell, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Responsibilities include assisting with the management of the climbing wall, assisting with the ... recreation or emergency preparedness. * 6 months or less of work experience. * Ability to drive ...

New

Recreation Staff

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$11.25 - $16.75/hr

The recreation staff performs various part-time duties including gym supervision, youth and adult officiating, and program instruction/assistance. Employees will provide support to individuals and ...

Job Summary The Recreation Assistant primary duties include administration, coordination, instruction, and supervision of participants related to parks and recreation activities. Duties * Interact ...

Job Summary The Recreation Assistant primary duties include administration, coordination, instruction, and supervision of participants related to parks and recreation activities. Duties * Interact ...

PT Recreation Assistant Lead

Marion, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Job Summary The Recreation Assistant Lead supports the coordination, supervision, and ... tear-down, and equipment management. * Communicate effectively with participants, parents ...

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Recreation Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$26.8K

$60.9K

$96.7K

How much do recreation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation manager in Iowa is $60,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $75,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation manager?

Recreation managers oversee facilities, staff, and operations of a recreation program. They may work for a municipality, school, or public park. As a recreation manager, you create and maintain the activity schedule, hire and train staff, and coordinate contracts with vendors. Qualifications for a recreation manager include a bachelor’s degree in recreation management or a related field and several years of experience running recreation programs.

What is the difference between Recreation Manager vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation ManagerRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications like CPR, First AidSimilar educational background; certifications like CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs, manages staff, and handles administrative tasks in community centers, parks, or recreation departmentsAssists in program planning, coordinates activities, and supports staff in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by municipal parks and recreation departments, community centers, and private recreation facilitiesCommonly employed in the same settings, often as entry or mid-level roles

The main difference is that Recreation Managers have broader responsibilities, including staff management and program oversight, while Recreation Coordinators focus on supporting program activities and assisting with daily operations. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to community recreation services.

What does a recreation manager do?

A Recreation Manager oversees the planning, organization, and implementation of recreational programs and activities for communities, organizations, or facilities. They are responsible for managing staff, budgeting, promoting events, and ensuring that facilities and programs meet the needs of participants. Recreation Managers work in various settings such as community centers, parks, resorts, and fitness clubs, aiming to enhance the quality of life through engaging recreational opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Manager, you need expertise in program planning, staff supervision, and facility management, usually supported by a degree in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and sometimes certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Strong interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills help build community engagement and manage diverse teams. These competencies are essential for creating safe, enjoyable, and well-organized recreational experiences that meet the needs of participants.

How does a recreation manager typically collaborate with other departments or external partners to enhance program offerings?

Recreation Managers frequently work with other municipal departments, local schools, community organizations, and vendors to develop and deliver engaging programs. Collaboration may involve coordinating schedules with facility managers, partnering with local businesses for sponsorships, or working alongside event planners to ensure smooth execution of large activities. These partnerships help expand resources, reach a broader audience, and maintain a diverse lineup of recreational opportunities. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for building and sustaining these collaborative efforts.
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Manager jobs in Iowa? For Recreation Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Recreation Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Recreation Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreation Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,879 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Community Recreation

Wartburg College

Waverly, IA • On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

WARTBURG COLLEGE
Title of Position: Community Recreation
If you are a Wartburg Student, please apply at Handshake. https://www.wartburg.edu/handshake/
Community Recreation Program Assistant
Function of Position:
Oversee recreational programming for youth and adults as an instructor or official.
Principal Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Youth Sports Instructor:
  • Review activity plan before each session. On practice days, plan specific games, drills, and skills. On game days, make sure the schedule is set.
  • Teach fundamentals and rules of a sport.
  • Make sure all participants learn and play the various positions of the sport.

Youth Activity Instructor:
  • Teach and supervise preschool and elementary age children during activities of arts and crafts, games, sports, and music.
  • Be fully informed of all rules and regulations of the activity.
  • Keep records of each day's activities.

Youth Sports Official:
  • Attend all scheduled games as assigned.
  • Maintain control of the game by knowing the rules, make calls without hesitation, and be consistent and fair.
  • Report game results.

Adult League Supervisor:
  • Keep records of each day's activities (i.e. attendance, game results, etc.)

Duties that apply to all roles:
  • Gather and maintain all issued equipment and materials.
  • Dress appropriately.
  • Arrive 15 minutes early to site to ensure environment/facility is safe.
  • Teach concepts of good sportsmanship and ensure that it is exhibited by all participants and instructors. Promote fun and participation, not competition.
  • Maintain good public relations with parents, staff, and spectators.
  • Be the last person to leave the location making sure all participants have left the site, lights are off, equipment is picked up, and doors are locked.
  • Understand policy for inclement weather and enforce it when necessary.
  • Adhere to the policies and procedures of the Waverly Parks and Recreation Department.
  • Assist individuals who encounter an injury and complete the proper paperwork if an incident/accident occurs.
  • Keep the Recreation Supervisor informed of any problems (i.e. injuries, damages, etc.) that arise.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Current CPR/AED, and First Aid Certifications
  • Knowledgeable of sports or activity.
  • Works well with children of all ages.

Community Recreation Manager
Function of Position:
Oversee all activity for community rec youth flag football during evenings and weekends.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Oversee all activity for youth flag football during evenings and weekends.
  • Manage student employees who referee games.
  • Schedule student employees to work certain fields for games.
  • Communicate with teams about schedule changes.
  • Communicate with teams about cancellations.
  • Schedule pictures for teams.
  • Make sure different sites have all necessary equipment.
  • Answer questions from coaches and parents.
  • Assist individuals who may encounter an injury and complete the proper paperwork if an incident/accident occurs.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Current CPR/AED, and First Aid Certifications

Application Procedure:
Please select "Apply for this Position" below.