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Recreation Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Recreation Manager

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

Provide overall leadership, direction, and accountability for recreation operations at Sunset Beach and the Bayview Pool Complex. * Directly manage and develop Recreation Supervisors, ensuring ...

City Of Sharonville

Recreation Supervisor

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Serve as Manager on Duty during facility operations, providing oversight of daily operations and safety compliance * Assist with oversight of recreation facility operations, cleanliness standards ...

City Of Sharonville

Recreation Supervisor

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Serve as Manager on Duty during facility operations, providing oversight of daily operations and safety compliance * Assist with oversight of recreation facility operations, cleanliness standards ...

City of O'Fallon

Recreation Superintendent

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$79K - $85K/yr

... operations of the Renaud Center. • Support Recreation Managers in managing programs and facilities outside the Renaud Center. • Direct hiring, training, performance evaluations, and discipline ...

City of O'Fallon

Recreation Superintendent

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$79K - $85K/yr

... day operations of the Renaud Center. • Support Recreation Managers in managing programs and facilities outside the Renaud Center. • Direct hiring, training, performance evaluations, and ...

City of O'Fallon

Recreation Superintendent

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$79K - $85K/yr

... operations of the Renaud Center. • Support Recreation Managers in managing programs and facilities outside the Renaud Center. • Direct hiring, training, performance evaluations, and discipline ...

Liberty

Montview Recreation Attendant

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.77/hr

... Rec Operations Manager on shift. 4. Responsible to ensure clean and organized indoor facilities ... Montview Recreation to assist with Campus Recreation operations and programming. 9. Works ...

Marriott

Recreation Manager

Lahaina, HI

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES Supporting Recreation Operations Supervises and manages employees. Supports day-to-day operations. Understands employee positions well enough to perform duties in employees ...

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Recreation Operations Manager information

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$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do recreation operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation operations manager in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Recreation Operations Manager vs Recreation Program Coordinator?

AspectRecreation Operations ManagerRecreation Program Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications like CPR, First AidUsually requires a bachelor's degree or relevant experience; certifications like CPR, First Aid are common
Work EnvironmentOversees facility operations, staff management, budgeting in recreation centers or parksAssists in program planning, community outreach, and event coordination within recreation departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by municipal parks, recreation departments, and private recreation facilitiesCommonly employed in community centers, parks, and recreational organizations

The Recreation Operations Manager focuses on managing the overall operations, staff, and facilities, ensuring smooth daily functions. In contrast, the Recreation Program Coordinator primarily handles program development, community engagement, and event planning. Both roles require similar certifications and work within the recreation industry, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What does a recreation manager do?

A recreation operations manager oversees the planning, coordination, and management of recreational programs and facilities. They ensure programs run smoothly, supervise staff, manage budgets, and promote community engagement, often requiring strong organizational and communication skills. They may also handle safety protocols and work with vendors or partners to enhance recreational services.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Operations Manager, you need strong leadership abilities, experience in facility management, and a background in recreation or hospitality, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and risk management systems is typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and customer service orientation help you excel in managing teams and engaging participants. These skills ensure smooth daily operations, high customer satisfaction, and safe, efficient facility management.

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

Recreation Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing budget constraints with the need to offer engaging programs, managing seasonal staffing fluctuations, and ensuring all facilities meet safety and compliance standards. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong organizational and communication skills, fostering a flexible team environment, and staying up to date with industry regulations and best practices. Additionally, effective collaboration with other departments and community partners can help streamline operations and enhance the quality of recreational offerings.

What are the highest paying recreation jobs?

High-paying recreation jobs include positions such as Recreation Director, Sports Complex Manager, and Recreation Operations Manager, often requiring leadership skills, certifications, and experience in facility management. Salaries vary based on location, organization size, and level of responsibility, with managerial roles typically earning higher wages than entry-level positions.

What jobs can an operations manager do?

An operations manager can work in various industries such as recreation, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality. They oversee daily operations, manage staff, develop processes, and ensure organizational efficiency, often requiring skills in leadership, problem-solving, and familiarity with management tools. Their roles may include coordinating teams, budgeting, and implementing policies to improve service delivery or productivity.

What is the highest paying job in sports management?

In sports management, executive roles such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or President typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often a background in business or sports administration.

What are Recreation Operations Managers?

Recreation Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of recreational facilities, such as community centers, sports complexes, or parks. They manage staff, coordinate activities and programs, ensure facility safety and maintenance, and handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and well-run environment for patrons. Additionally, they often work with the public to address concerns and improve services. Effective Recreation Operations Managers combine strong leadership, organizational, and customer service skills.
More about Recreation Operations Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Recreation Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Recreation Operations Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Operations jobs? The most popular types of Recreation Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Recreation Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreation Operations Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Recreation Operations Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Operations Manager jobs are:
Recreation Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.
Parks & Recreation Director

Parks & Recreation Director

Cordova Recreation and Park District

Rancho Cordova, CA • On-site

$158K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 hours ago

Job description

Salary : $158,887.05 - $202,784.61 Annually
Location : 11070 White Rock Road, Suite 130, Rancho Cordova, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00000614
Department: Recreation
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
The Cordova Recreation & Park District (District) is seeking a Parks & Recreation Director to join our dynamic management team!
We are an award-winning agency that thrives on positive relationships and partnerships in our community.
View the Recruitment Brochure at:
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an experienced, collaborative, and people-focused public sector leader with a strong background in parks and recreation administration, operational management, personnel leadership, and community engagement. The successful candidate will demonstrate a leadership style that values relationship-building, employee engagement, mentorship, transparency, and teamwork while fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. This individual will possess strong organizational and communication skills, sound judgment, political acumen, emotional intelligence, and the ability to effectively lead and support diverse teams in a dynamic environment.
The ideal candidate will also possess:
  • Strong knowledge of parks and recreation operations, facility management, maintenance practices, recreation programming, and capital project administration.
  • Experience in public sector budgeting, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
  • A strong understanding of public sector human resources practices, employee performance management, and workplace investigations.
  • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and risk management practices affecting parks and recreation operations.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and customer service skills.
  • The ability to build strong professional relationships with staff, community members, contractors, consultants, and public agencies.
  • Experience preparing and presenting reports, recommendations, and presentations to executive leadership and governing boards.
  • The ability to effectively manage sensitive and complex situations with professionalism and discretion.

Summary Description
Under the direction of the General Manager, assists in the overall leadership, management, and administration of District operations; plans, directs, manages, and oversees the programs, services, operations, and activities of the Parks & Recreation Divisions, including recreation and golf program administration, park and facility operations, capital improvement projects, landscape and open space maintenance, and the maintenance and oversight of parks, recreation areas, golf course facilities, and related buildings and infrastructure. Oversees departmental planning, budgeting, personnel management, operational effectiveness, and strategic initiatives; coordinates assigned activities with other departments, governmental agencies, contractors, consultants, and community organizations; collaborates on public outreach and community engagement efforts; and provides highly responsible, complex, and confidential administrative support and policy recommendations to the General Manager.
Who We Are
Established in 1958, Cordova Recreation & Park District is an independent special district governed by an elected Board of Directors. In California, special districts are local government agencies established to deliver specific services to designated communities. Their primary funding comes from property taxes, special assessments, and program fees, with minimal reliance on federal funding.
We provide quality recreational programs, parks and services for our diverse and growing region. We currently operate over 50 parks and facilities across more than 600 acres of urban and open space. We also operate Cordova Golf Course which is a full-service 18-Hole course with a lighted driving range, pro-shop and lessons from PGA professionals. We host dozens of events throughout the year and provide athletic, educational and creative outlets for children and adults of all ages.
Who We Serve
We proudly serve communities within Sacramento County including the City of Rancho Cordova and the communities of Gold River, Larchmont, Mather, Riviera East, Rosemont and additional unincorporated portions of Sacramento County.
Essential Functions
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
  • Assume full responsibility for all Parks & Recreation Department services, operations, programs, and activities, including recreation and golf program administration, capital improvement projects, maintenance and operations of parks and open space areas, golf course operations, landscape maintenance, recreation facilities, and related buildings and infrastructure.
  • Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Parks & Recreation Department by developing, implementing, and monitoring departmental goals, objectives, priorities, and performance measures aligned with District strategic initiatives and community needs.
  • Develop, recommend, and administer policies, administrative procedures, operational standards, and best practices applicable to parks, recreation, golf, facilities, and public sector administration.
  • Monitor and evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness of service delivery methods, operational procedures, staffing structures, and customer service standards; identify opportunities for continuous improvement and organizational effectiveness.
  • Assess departmental workload, operational systems, internal controls, reporting relationships, and administrative processes; implement improvements to enhance efficiency, accountability, communication, and service delivery.
  • Plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate the work of management, supervisory, professional, technical, maintenance, recreation and support staff; assign projects and programmatic responsibilities; establish performance expectations and monitor outcomes.
  • Select, supervise, train, mentor, motivate, coach and evaluate assigned personnel; provide leadership development opportunities and coordinate employee training programs to support organizational effectiveness and succession planning.
  • Administer personnel management functions in accordance with public sector human resources best practices, applicable labor laws, District policies, and risk management principles, including recruitment, classification, compensation, performance management, corrective action, discipline, workplace investigations, and employee relations.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, respectful, and collaborative workplace culture that emphasizes employee engagement, accountability, communication, safety, professional development, and high-quality public service.
  • Collaborate with Human Resources staff and legal counsel on personnel matters, workplace accommodations, leave administration, policy interpretation, employee performance concerns, and compliance with federal and state employment regulations.
  • Ensure departmental compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards related to parks and recreation operations, workplace safety, public contracting, risk management, and public agency governance.
  • Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the departmental operating and capital improvement budgets; approve forecasts for staffing, equipment, materials, contracted services, and supplies; monitor expenditures and implement budget adjustments as necessary.
  • Evaluate current and future community needs for parks, recreation programs, facilities, open space, amenities, and services; develop long-range planning strategies and operational recommendations to support District growth and sustainability.
  • Assist with the acquisition, planning, design, development, construction, renovation, maintenance, and operation of parks, recreational facilities, landscapes, trails, and related public infrastructure within the District.
  • Prepare, oversee, and administer the Parks & Recreation Department's operating and capital budgets; direct budget development activities, monitor revenues and expenditures, evaluate financial performance, and ensure responsible fiscal management in alignment with District goals and priorities.
  • Participate in the planning, negotiation, coordination, and implementation of Capital Improvement Projects, including consultant oversight, project scheduling, budget management, grant administration, and interagency coordination.
  • Oversee consultant and contractor services related to grant writing, park development, recreation programming, assessment district administration, community facilities, professional studies, and specialized operational services.
  • Collaborate with communications staff and leadership to support public outreach, marketing, community engagement, and informational efforts related to District programs, facilities, services, events, and initiatives.
  • Provide staff support and strategic recommendations to the General Manager and Board of Directors; prepare and present staff reports, presentations, agenda materials, correspondence, and policy recommendations.
  • Represent the Department and District in meetings with governmental agencies, community organizations, professional associations, regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, and the public; coordinate activities with internal departments and external partners.
  • Explain, justify, and defend departmental programs, policies, projects, priorities, and activities to the public, Board of Directors, community stakeholders, and regulatory agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive, complex, and controversial issues.
  • Respond to and resolve difficult, sensitive, and complex citizen concerns, complaints, and service issues in a professional, timely, and solution-oriented manner.
  • Participate in professional organizations, boards, committees, and regional partnerships related to parks, recreation, public administration, human resources, and municipal operations; maintain awareness of emerging trends, technologies, and industry best practices.
  • May serve in the capacity of the General Manager in their absence as assigned.
  • Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of:
  • Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive Parks & Recreation program.
  • Advanced principles and practices of program development and administration.
  • Principles and practices of strategic leadership in public administration related to the mission and purpose of the public recreation and parks industry.
  • Theories, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information sources, and trends in the field of recreation and leisure activity programs.
  • Methods, terminology, principles, techniques, and materials used in the construction, maintenance and repair of parks, landscaping, and associated facilities, including environmental and sustainability practices.
  • Public recreation facility management operations and techniques.
  • Principles and practices of grant administration, compliance, and application.
  • Methods, techniques, principles, and procedures used in good internal and external customer service
  • Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
  • Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
  • Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
  • Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to:
  • Manage and direct a comprehensive Parks & Recreation program.
  • Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures.
  • Analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments.
  • Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs in a timely manner.
  • Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower-level staff.
  • Delegate authority and responsibility.
  • Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
  • Manage a multicultural workforce, promote an equitable workplace environment, and apply equitable program practices to District services.
  • Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
  • Balance the business needs of multiple customers and fulfillment of those needs with consideration of broader organizational, business, legal and community issues and requirements.
  • Comprehend and prepare reports and forms such as accident and incident reports, inventory lists, budget documents, correspondence, attendance records, news releases, e-mail, policy manuals, timesheets, procedure manuals, and calendars.
  • Identify and determine the nature of potential safety hazards and correct or institute corrective courses of action.
  • Apply administrative and technical knowledge to assure compliance with contracts; follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials; detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
  • Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
  • Prepare cl

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