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Recreation Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Management, or related major; no work experience required ... CORE WORK ACTIVITIES Supporting Recreation Operations Supervises employees and supports day-to-day ...

Oversee daily operations of the Sports & Recreation department across a client account, ensuring ... Manage inventory for all sports equipment and facilities, ensuring they are maintained in top ...

Oversee daily operations of the Sports & Recreation department across a client account, ensuring ... Manage inventory for all sports equipment and facilities, ensuring they are maintained in top ...

Recreation Attendant

Bald Head Island, NC ยท On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Monitor and manage recreation areas, check-ins, and assigned activity stations * Enforce Club rules ... Gain valuable experience in hospitality, aquatics, and recreation operations If you bring energy ...

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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 Sep 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 a recreation operations manager?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation operations manager?

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 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.

Is a recreation operations manager degree worth it?

A recreation operations manager typically benefits from a degree in recreation management, leisure studies, or a related field, which provides knowledge of program planning, facility management, and customer service. While some positions may accept relevant experience in lieu of a degree, having formal education can improve job prospects and advancement opportunities in the field.
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Infographic showing various Recreation Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Director of Pool and Recreation

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort and Villas

Indian Wells, CA โ€ข On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Step into a key leadership role at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells, where the resort's signature waterpark, pools, poolside food and beverage service, and curated recreation experiences come together to create unforgettable guest moments.
The Director of Pool and Recreation is responsible for the overall strategy, safety, service excellence, and daily operations of the resort's aquatic and outdoor recreation experiences. This position leads the pool team, including lifeguards, pool and recreation attendants, recreation coordinators, and poolside food and beverage staff.
The Director will create and execute a dynamic calendar of inclusive, high-quality activities for guests of all ages, from poolside games and family events to adult-focused activations, seasonal programming, and group experiences. This role requires a high-energy, guest-centric leader who is passionate about hospitality, team development, safety, creativity, and operational excellence.
The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $95,000. This is the pay range Grand Hyatt Indian Wells reasonably expects to pay. Final compensation will depend on factors such as experience and education.
Key Responsibilities
Pool, Waterpark, and Recreation Operations
  • Lead the overall operation of the resort's pools, waterpark, cabana program, recreation areas, and outdoor guest experiences.
  • Oversee daily opening, closing, cleanliness, organization, and presentation of all pool and recreation areas.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, health, sanitation, aquatic, and brand standards.
  • Maintain and enforce emergency action plans, pool rules, surveillance procedures, rescue protocols, and incident-reporting requirements.
  • Monitor water quality, pool chemicals, equipment, inspections, and maintenance needs.
  • Coordinate with Engineering, Security, vendors, and other departments to address repairs, operational concerns, and facility improvements.
  • Investigate and document accidents, injuries, guest concerns, and other incidents, ensuring appropriate follow-up.
  • Evaluate guest feedback, attendance patterns, and business trends to improve service delivery and operational performance.

Poolside Food and Beverage Operations
  • Oversee poolside food and beverage operations, ensuring seamless coordination between pool operations, service teams, culinary teams, and other departments.
  • Maintain high standards for guest service, product quality, presentation, cleanliness, and timeliness.
  • Manage staffing, scheduling, inventory, ordering, receiving, storage, cash handling, and point-of-sale procedures.
  • Monitor food safety, sanitation, allergen awareness, responsible alcohol service, and health department compliance.
  • Review menus, offerings, pricing, product waste, and guest feedback to support service quality and profitability.
  • Train food and beverage staff in hospitality, safe food handling, responsible service, and resort standards.

Activities and Guest Engagement
  • Create, promote, manage, and execute dynamic, inclusive, and memorable resort-wide activities for guests of all ages.
  • Develop a seasonal calendar of engaging, high-quality programming, including poolside games, family nights, adult activities, wellness offerings, special events, and group activations.
  • Drive guest engagement through creative recreation offerings that enhance the overall resort stay, build community, and encourage brand loyalty.
  • Ensure activities are safe, well organized, properly staffed, and aligned with the resort's standards and brand identity.
  • Collaborate with Food and Beverage, Sales, Events, Marketing, Spa, Fitness, Kids Club, and other departments to develop and promote programming.
  • Serve as a visible, energetic presence throughout pool and recreation operations.

Team Leadership
  • Recruit, hire, train, schedule, develop, and evaluate lifeguards, pool attendants, recreation attendants, recreation coordinators, and food and beverage team members.
  • Build a diverse, engaged, and guest-focused team culture centered on safety, professionalism, hospitality, and accountability.
  • Maintain staffing levels appropriate to operating hours, guest volume, programming, waterpark capacity, and regulatory requirements.
  • Lead daily briefings, team meetings, training sessions, and safety reviews.
  • Ensure all team members maintain required certifications, licenses, and training.
  • Provide coaching and feedback, recognize strong performance, and address performance or attendance concerns promptly.
  • Serve as a hands-on leader who is comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.

Financial and Administrative Management
  • Prepare and manage operating schedules, staffing plans, departmental budgets, forecasts, and reports.
  • Monitor payroll, labor costs, inventory, supplies, revenues, expenses, and programming return on investment.
  • Use financial and operational data to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and profitability.
  • Maintain accurate records, including schedules, training documentation, inspections, water-quality logs, inventory records, and incident reports.
  • Develop and update policies, procedures, operating standards, and departmental goals.
  • Participate as a key department head in leadership meetings and resort-wide planning.

Why Join Us?
  • Lead operations at an iconic resort with standout aquatic and recreational amenities.
  • Shape the next generation of pool, waterpark, food and beverage, and recreation experiences.
  • Work within a collaborative, high-performing hospitality culture.
  • Access opportunities for professional growth and advancement within Hyatt.
  • Enjoy the benefits of a premier desert resort location with year-round sunshine.

Benefits
Hyatt colleagues work in an environment that demands exceptional performance while offering meaningful rewards, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage after 30 days of full-time employment
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
  • Life insurance, 401(k) with matching, flexible spending account, and employee assistance program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Complimentary employee meals and parking
  • Referral bonuses
  • Free and discounted room nights, including Friends & Family discounts, subject to applicable waiting periods
  • Growth and relocation opportunities within Hyatt