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Recreation Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Recreation Manager

Federal Way, WA · On-site

$108K - $137K/yr

Oversee assigned recreational facilities and operations. Provide mentorship and opportunities for professional growth within the organization. Work closely and partner with Community Center Manager ...

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Recreation Manager information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$32.4K

$73.8K

$117.2K

How much do recreation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation manager in Seattle, WA is $73,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,100.00 and $91,600.00 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Manager jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Recreation Manager jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Recreation Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Recreation Manager job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,762 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Recreation Manager

City of Federal Way

Federal Way, WA • On-site

$108K - $137K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise and oversee recreation programs, facilities, and operations including Athletics, Special Events, Community Recreation, Senior and Inclusion Programs.

  • Hire, train, schedule, evaluate, and manage staff and contracted personnel involved in recreation services and programs.

  • Develop, implement, and supervise recreation programs, manage budgets, and coordinate with community partners and stakeholders.


Job description

Basic Function Under the direction of the Parks Director, supervise the recreation department to include Athletics, Special Events, Community Recreation, Senior and Inclusion Programs; plan, implement, schedule, supervise and evaluate assigned recreation and leisure programs. Hire, train and supervise assigned full-time, part-time, temporary, contracted and seasonal staff. Assist with the development and implementation of the division budget and long-range planning.

Oversee assigned recreational facilities and operations. Provide mentorship and opportunities for professional growth within the organization. Work closely and partner with Community Center Manager and employees at the Federal Way Community Center.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Develop, implement and supervise recreation programs and user fees in assigned area of expertise and assists with division long-range planning. Hire, train, supervise, schedule and evaluate full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary staff and contracted recreation services; evaluate, create goals, and suggest direction for coordinators and the department. Comply with City and department policies, procedures, and guidelines; hold staff accountable for performance of essential job duties.

Oversee all Athletic programs including leagues, tennis lessons, sports tournaments and all field rentals; coordinate with maintenance on field lights and schedules. Oversee the Federal Way Farmer's Market and its employees. Hire, train and guide market staff and recruit vendors.

Maintain records and track the market budget. Track the overall recreation budget and make adjustments as needed; monitor expenditures and revenues in area of responsibility. Provide oversight of picnic rentals, and special event permits; hire and train picnic attendant staff.

Lead the implementation of the Parks & Recreation program guide; set deadlines, proof and approve final edits. Work closely with the Arts Commission to include oversight of work plans and serve as the liaison between commission and council committees when needed. Oversee staff for the Youth Commission and provide guidance when needed.

Assist with customer service when needed; answering questions and accepting registrations. Monitor citizen, employee, contractor comments, complaints, questions and issues regarding programs, facilities, personnel, safety or other related issues and recommend appropriate action. Maintain effective communication with City staff, school district staff, businesses, community groups, organizations, and individuals.

Prepare agendas for Recreation staff meetings; coordinate with management team on staff retreats and trainings. Maintain records related to division recreation program statistics. Interpret policies and explain policies and regulations; remain current regarding applicable laws, codes, rules and procedures.

Maintain communications and effective working relationships with City employees, Commissions, government agencies and groups, and general public; coordinate operation with other departments. Handle emergency or crisis situations; may be required to perform emergency care. Maintain regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Education and Experience Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Recreation and Leisure Services or related field and total of five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in recreation programming, marketing, budget planning and supervision. Licenses and Other Requirements: Successful completion of employment reference and background check. Valid Washington State driver's license.

Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of: Policies, procedures and activities of the Parks Department Recreation Division as they pertain to the performance of the duties of the Recreation Manager. Methods involved in planning, organizing, implementing, managing, and supervising recreation and leisure activities and programs in areas assigned. Methods and techniques for evaluation of programs.

Recreational needs of specific community groups and programs to meet these needs. Principles and practices of administration, leadership, supervision and training. Budgeting, revenue and expense management, and long-range planning.

Marketing principles. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Safety and security procedures and policies. Record keeping techniques. Ability to: Assist with planning and implementation of the Recreation Division budget.

Prepare and maintain a variety of records. Plan recreation and leisure activities for wide ranges of interest, ages and abilities. Perform basic mathematic computations.

Negotiate contracts and agreements. Resolve conflicts in a positive manner. Work independently with little direction.

Prepare clear and concise correspondence and written materials. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Use personal computers for word processing and recreation information, input and retrieval using software such as RecTrac-Vermont Solutions.

Promote community interest through recreational program. Prioritize and schedule work. Meet schedules and timelines.

Recruit and select employees, volunteers and contracted instructors. Provide leadership and guidance. Demonstrated ability to positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal.

Identify and meet recreation needs of segments of the Community. Work long, irregular hours including evenings and weekends. Physically perform the essential functions of the job.

Environmental Conditions/Physical Effort: Work is performed primarily in an office environment. Employee may be exposed to noise from basic office equipment operation. Performs light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

May require travel to a variety of locations to perform work and attend meetings. May be required to work long hours (12 -14 hours) periodically on days of special events. Requires ability to operate various vehicles including vans.