Operations Manager - Recreation

Lafayette Recruitment Team•Lafayette, CO

1d•$78,824 - $110,333

About The Position

The Operations Manager leads the daily operations of recreation facilities and aquatic amenities, ensuring safe, efficient, and customer-focused service delivery. The position oversees facility operations, guest services, fitness equipment, drop-in programs, and a portfolio of year-round and seasonal community recreation facilities. The manager supervises Aquatics, Guest Services, Fitness, and facility operations staff and collaborates across divisions to provide high-quality community experiences and safe, welcoming environments. The role manages facility scheduling and rentals, operational safety and risk management, customer concerns, financial assistance programs, facility and equipment maintenance, budgets, cost recovery, and operational data. It develops recommendations and plans to support long-term sustainability, equitable community access, revenue growth, and efficient operations. The position works under the general guidance and direction of the Deputy Director of Recreation. Work is performed within authorized limits prescribed by the Director and/or policy, with independent judgment exercised in interpreting information, handling deviations, and resolving problems. Finished work is reviewed for attainment of objectives and adherence to deadlines. Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment and involves working closely with others, customer contact, report creation, writing, and intermittent sitting, standing, and walking. Duties may occasionally involve working alone and light lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds, as well as reaching, bending, crouching or stooping, twisting, and squatting. Equipment includes a telephone, copier, computer and associated software (including recreation software, Excel, and Microsoft Word), other office equipment, and a personal or City vehicle.

Requirements

Three years of progressively responsible experience in recreation, aquatics, facility operations, or customer service management, including one year of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Valid Colorado Driver's License or ability to obtain one.
CPR/AED and First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.
Knowledge of recreation facility operations and management principles; aquatics operations; risk management, safety, emergency response, and incident reporting; customer service; staff supervision and development; facility scheduling; budgeting and financial management; financial assistance administration; ADA accessibility and inclusion; facility systems, preventive maintenance, and asset management; recreation management software, registration systems, and point-of-sale applications; and applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Ability to lead, supervise, motivate, evaluate, and develop employees; manage multiple facilities, programs, priorities, and operational demands; make sound judgments; respond effectively in emergencies; resolve customer concerns and conflicts professionally; apply policies and regulatory requirements; promote inclusive and equitable services; and adapt to changing operational needs.
Skill in team leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, verbal and written communication, customer service, software use, planning and coordination, interpreting policies and regulations, and collecting, analyzing, and reporting operational data.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, manage multiple concurrent tasks, and perform duties involving reading, detailed work, confidentiality, problem-solving, and reasoning.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration, Parks and Recreation Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Facility Management, or a related field.
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or related professional certification.

Responsibilities

Supervise and support facility operations staff, aquatics operations personnel (non-lifeguard), and customer service teams; ensure consistent training, performance management, and customer-focused service delivery.
Implement and maintain safety standards, operating procedures, risk management practices, and emergency action plans for all facilities.
Manage scheduling and coordinated use of internal facility spaces, including meeting rooms, party rooms, gymnasium, and aquatics areas, to support programs, rentals, and community needs.
Respond to and resolve customer concerns, operational issues, and incident reports across managed areas.
Ensure recreation facilities are inclusive, accessible, welcoming, and responsive to diverse community needs.
Manage operational budgets, including staffing, equipment, service contracts, and facility operating supplies.
Oversee financial assistance programs for income-qualified individuals and families, ensuring equitable access to recreation facilities and services.
Monitor program usage, budget impacts, and funding levels; prepare reports and recommendations supporting long-term sustainability and community access goals.
Track facility usage data, identify trends, and recommend improvements to efficiency, safety, and customer experience.
Oversee room rentals, including customer inquiries, reservations, contracts, pricing, billing coordination, and onsite support.
Oversee fitness equipment asset management and lifecycle planning, including preventive maintenance, repair coordination, and end-of-life replacement planning.
Prepare and manage annual budgets for assigned areas, forecast revenue, control expenses, and achieve established cost recovery targets.
Recommend membership and fitness fee adjustments, operational changes, and program modifications based on financial performance, market benchmarks, and community needs.
Prepare budget projections and capital improvement recommendations using lifecycle assessments, usage data, and long-term operational needs.
Implement and monitor cost recovery strategies for recreation facilities, drop-in programs, and services.
Analyze revenue and expenditure trends, facility use, and operational efficiencies to maintain or improve cost recovery outcomes.
Identify opportunities for revenue growth, partnerships, and operational efficiencies while maintaining service quality and community access.
Coordinate operational leadership across recreation facilities and amenities and supervise Aquatics Operations, Guest Services, Fitness, and facility operations staff, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.
Inspect facilities and identify operational, maintenance, and safety concerns; maintain accurate records and prepare clear reports and correspondence.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
401A retirement plan with 10.2% City contribution and 8% employee contribution; immediately 100% vested upon hire.
Life insurance equal to one year’s salary, up to $150,000, with an equal amount of AD&D coverage.
Tuition assistance up to $5,000 per year for approved expenses.
Employee Assistance Program, including counseling, travel assistance, and legal aid.
Short- and long-term disability.
Bilingual pay.
Deferred compensation and Roth options.
Voluntary life insurance and AD&D.
Identity theft program.
Recreation Center pass.
Wellness Punch Card with 100 punches per year for use at facilities such as the golf course and waterpark.
First-year vacation accrual of 80 hours.
Sick leave.
Floating holiday leave.
11.5 paid City holidays.
Other leave programs, including FMLA, parental, and bereavement leave.