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Recreation Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

D Two years of related experience in community service, event management, or recreational program administration A combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite ...

Recreation Specialist

Manassas, VA · On-site

$23.13/hr

D Two years of related experience in community service, event management, or recreational program administration A combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite ...

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Recreation Manager information

See Washington salary details

$32.3K

$73.4K

$116.7K

How much do recreation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation manager in Washington is $73,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $91,200.00 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Manager jobs in Washington?

For Recreation Manager jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Recreation Manager jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Recreation Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Recreation Manager job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,410 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Therapeutic Recreation Lifeguard - Recreation & Parks

Howard County Government

Ellicott City, MD

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Under the immediate supervision of the Therapeutic Recreation Manager and the Therapeutic Recreation Manager, the Lifeguard is responsible for guarding their area of responsibility, responding to any level of incident around the entire aquatic facility, enforcing the center rules fairly and politely, ensuring safety, and other tasks assigned by supervisors. DUTIES: Work shifts as a Lifeguard and follow the expectations of the position. Maintain constant surveillance and visually scan assigned areas of responsibility every 10 seconds.

Walk the area to monitor activities and prevent accidents. Rescue swimmers in danger of drowning and respond to all illness and injury incidents around the entire aquatic facility immediately and appropriately. This includes, but is not limited to performing Lifeguarding skills, First Aid, CPR, and other until arrival of emergency medical services.

Provide general information on pool operations to guests. Caution swimmers regarding unsafe practices and safety hazards; enforce aquatic facility rules and regulations. Maintain a clean, safe and orderly facility.

Inspect facility regularly and report any unsafe conditions/equipment to supervisor or facilities manager immediately. Attend and participate in all mandatory staff meetings and training courses. Maintain open communication with guests, participants and/or participants parents.

Set up and clean up the facility daily. Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, including abiding by uniform requirements. Complete additional duties assigned by supervisors.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS: Certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid and CPR/AED for the Lifeguard. Must be at least 16 years of age. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

Good decision-maker. Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Ability to work as an individual and within the framework of a team.

Understand and abide by the department's customer service standards. Maintain personal physical endurance and agility necessary to perform job functions. Reliable transportation and evening availability.

EXPERIENCE: Previous experience in lifeguarding preferred. RATE OF PAY: Contingent - Paraprofessional. Salary commensurate with experience and employment commitment.

$17.00-$20.00 per hour. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history

No paper applications will be accepted. Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks. At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application.

Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/)

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.