How to Be Recreation Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 22, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increased use of technology in everyday activities has caused a dramatic decrease in physical activity and an increase in sedentary lifestyles. This has led to a surge in cases of obesity and other lifestyle diseases in the population, putting an immense strain on public healthcare systems. In order to tackle this problem, Recreation Managers have become increasingly important in promoting physical activity and providing safe and fun recreation opportunities for the public.

They design and implement programs that encourage people to get out and enjoy physical activities such as walking, running, biking, swimming, and team sports. Not only do these activities improve physical health, but they also have been shown to improve mental health by providing social opportunities, reducing stress, and improving self-esteem.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelors degree in recreation or leisure studies, parks and recreation, or a related field is typically required to become a recreation manager. Programs typically include courses in recreation planning, recreation facility management, leadership, and budgeting.
Gain Experience. Many employers prefer to hire recreation managers who have at least one to three years of experience in recreation management or a related field. Internships and volunteer positions can provide valuable experience.
Get Certification. Certification is not required for all positions, but many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The NRPA offers certifications for park and recreation professionals, therapeutic recreation specialists, and aquatics professionals.
Obtain a Supervisory Role. Recreation managers typically begin as recreation coordinators or supervisors in charge of a particular activity or area before advancing to a managerial role. Through this experience, they gain an understanding of the daily operations related to recreation management and learn important skills, such as budgeting, personnel management, and event planning.
Pursue Continuing Education. The NRPA offers continuing education courses and workshops in areas such as park operations, facility management, and human resource management. Completing these courses may help recreation managers stay up-to-date on industry trends and regulatory changes.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as a Recreation Manager, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. Staying informed on new programs and activities that are available, maintaining knowledge of current safety standards, and implementing new approaches to recreational management can help to ensure that your facility remains competitive and successful. Additionally, networking with other professionals in the field, attending educational conferences, and reading industry publications can provide you with valuable insight and resources that can be applied to your own position. With these measures in place, Recreation Managers can remain ahead of the curve and qualified for their roles.

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Job Description

Develop and implement recreation, leisure and fitness programs.
Coordinate and manage staff, volunteers and program participants.
Monitor budgets, financial records and program documentation.
Promote and market recreational activities, programs and facilities.
Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations and sponsors.
Monitor safety of staff, volunteers and participants.
Oversee maintenance of recreational facilities and equipment.
Respond to customer inquiries and complaints.
Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness.
Develop and implement policies, procedures and training materials.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation management.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement recreational programs and activities.
Ability to monitor and evaluate recreation program activities.
Knowledge of recreational equipment and supplies used in recreation programs.
Ability to promote and market recreational activities.
Knowledge of applicable safety standards and procedures.
Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public.
Ability to develop and manage budgets related to recreational activities.
Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, codes, and policies governing recreation activities.
Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, and rules to ensure safety and enjoyment of recreational activities.
Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate the performance of staff and volunteers.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Proficient computer skills with the ability to use software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite products.

Recreation managers are responsible for overseeing recreational activities and programs in a variety of settings. The most important skill they need to possess is the ability to effectively manage people and resources. This requires strong organizational and communication skills, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to multitask.

recreation managers must have sufficient technical and business knowledge in order to successfully plan, implement, and manage recreational activities and programs. This includes understanding the needs of their clients, budgeting, scheduling, and marketing for various recreational activities. Furthermore, recreation managers must have an extensive knowledge of safety regulations, insurance requirements, and liability issues to ensure that all participants in the recreational activities and programs remain safe and healthy.

With these skills, recreation managers are able to successfully manage recreational activities and programs in order to provide enjoyable experiences for their clients.

Recreation Coordinator, Recreational Vehicle Inspector, and Recreational Vehicle Parts Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the recreation field?
What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful recreation manager?
How do you handle a difficult customer or situation?
How do you motivate staff and maintain a positive team environment?
Describe a time when you had to create a program or event from scratch.
What challenges have you encountered when it comes to budgeting for recreation programs?
How do you ensure safety during recreational activities?
What strategies have you implemented to ensure customer satisfaction with your services?
Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision in the recreation field.
How do you stay up to date with the latest trends in recreation?

Common Tools in Industry

Event Management Software. allows recreation managers to plan and manage events, such as festivals and conferences (eg: Eventbrite).
Scheduling Software. allows recreation managers to create, manage and share schedules efficiently (eg: 10to8).
Budget Management Software. enables recreation managers to monitor and control budgets (eg: Float).
Accounting Software. helps track and manage financial transactions (eg: Quickbooks).
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. helps recreation managers stay organized and manage customer relationships (eg: Salesforce).
Work Management Software. assists recreation managers with planning and organizing tasks and projects (eg: Asana).
Survey Software. enables recreation managers to gather feedback from customers and stakeholders (eg: SurveyMonkey).
Social Media Management Software. allows recreation managers to manage their social media accounts (eg: Hootsuite).
Online Booking Software. enables recreation managers to book and manage reservations online (eg: Reservation Genie).
Membership Management Software. allows recreation managers to manage memberships, subscriptions, and payments (eg: MemberClicks).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA)
International Association of Park and Recreation Administrators (IAPRA)
National Parks and Recreation Association (NPRA)
National Association of Sports and Physical Education (NASPE)
American Society of Park Executives (ASPE)
World Recreational Games Association (WRGA)
Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP)
Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA)

We also have Recreational Vehicle Parts Specialist, Recreational Aquatic Facility Operator, and Recreational Vehicle Accessory Installer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Recreational Facilities. Areas where recreational activities take place, such as parks, pools, and playgrounds.
Programming. The development and implementation of activities, events, and services that meet the needs and interests of the facility's visitors.
Budget Management. The management of funds allocated for the recreation program, including tracking expenditures and developing a budget.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and managing potential risks that could affect the safety and well-being of a facility's visitors.
Event Planning. The process of organizing and coordinating all activities and services necessary for the successful execution of an event.
Public Relations. The practice of maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders and promoting the facility and its services to the public.
Volunteer Coordination. The process of recruiting, training, and managing volunteers to help with the facility's programs and activities.
Team Building. The practice of creating an environment of collaboration and cooperation among staff members and volunteers to ensure successful outcomes.
Policy Development. The process of creating rules, regulations, and guidelines to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors at the facility.
Facility Maintenance. The practice of ensuring all equipment, structures, and grounds are kept in good condition for visitors to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Recreation Manager?

A Recreation Manager is a professional responsible for managing recreational activities and facilities, such as parks, sports leagues, and community centers.

What qualifications do Recreation Managers typically need?

Recreation Managers typically need a combination of education, experience, and certifications, such as a bachelors degree in recreation management and CPR/First Aid certifications.

What are some of the duties of a Recreation Manager?

The duties of a Recreation Manager include overseeing recreational activities and facilities, developing recreational programs, managing budgets, hiring and training staff, and ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.