Operations Manager - Recreation

Lafayette•Lafayette, CO

About The Position

The Operations Manager leads the daily operations of recreation facilities and aquatic amenities, ensuring safe, efficient, customer-focused service. The position oversees facility operations, guest services, fitness equipment, drop-in programs, and year-round and seasonal community recreation facilities. It supervises Aquatics, Guest Services, Fitness, and facility operations staff and collaborates across divisions to provide high-quality community experiences and safe, welcoming environments. The manager oversees facility scheduling, safety and risk management, customer concerns, room rentals, financial assistance programs, fitness equipment asset management, operational and capital budgeting, and cost-recovery strategies. The role monitors usage and financial data, prepares reports and recommendations, and identifies improvements to operational efficiency, revenue, sustainability, and equitable community access. The position works under the general guidance and direction of the Deputy Director of Recreation. Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment and involves regular interaction with others, customer contact, report preparation, and intermittent sitting, standing, and walking. Occasional duties include working alone and handling objects weighing up to 25 pounds. The position exercises independent judgment within authorized limits, with completed work reviewed for results and deadlines.

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.
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, aquatics operations, safety and risk management, customer service, staff supervision and development, facility scheduling, budgeting, financial assistance administration, accessibility, preventive maintenance, asset management, recreation management software, and applicable laws and standards.
Skills in team leadership, managing multiple facilities and priorities, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, emergency response, customer service, software use, planning, policy application, and operational data analysis.
Ability to foster safety, accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement; supervise and develop employees; prioritize and exercise sound judgment; operate facilities safely and efficiently; build collaborative relationships; resolve concerns professionally; apply policies and regulations; promote inclusive and equitable services; maintain records and prepare reports; adapt to changing needs; and inspect facilities.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Supervise and support facility operations, aquatics operations personnel (non-lifeguard), and customer service teams; ensure consistent training, performance management, and customer-focused service.
Implement and maintain safety standards, operating procedures, risk management practices, and emergency action plans for facilities.
Manage scheduling and coordinated use of facility spaces, including meeting rooms, party rooms, gymnasium, and aquatics areas.
Respond to and resolve customer concerns, operational issues, and incident reports.
Ensure facilities are inclusive, accessible, welcoming, and responsive to diverse community needs.
Manage operational budgets for staffing, equipment, service contracts, and operating supplies.
Oversee financial assistance programs for income-qualified individuals and families, supporting equitable access to facilities and services.
Monitor program usage, budget impacts, and funding levels; prepare reports and recommendations supporting sustainability and community access.
Track facility usage data, identify trends, and recommend improvements to efficiency, safety, and customer experience.
Oversee room rentals, including inquiries, reservations, contracts, pricing, billing coordination, and onsite support.
Manage fitness equipment assets and lifecycle planning, including preventive maintenance, repair coordination, and end-of-life replacement planning.
Prepare and manage annual budgets, forecast revenue, control expenses, and work toward 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 based on lifecycle assessments, usage data, and long-term operational needs.
Implement and monitor cost-recovery strategies for facilities, drop-in programs, and services.
Analyze revenue and expenditure trends, facility use, and operational efficiencies to maintain or improve cost recovery.
Identify opportunities for revenue growth, partnerships, and operational efficiencies without compromising service quality or community access.
Provide operational leadership and coordination across recreation facilities and amenities; directly 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 reports and correspondence.