Operations and Recreation Manager (Parks)

Outagamie County Core Values

Invested in Serving

Better Together

Create Progress

Support Through Compassion

Position Purpose

Reporting to the Parks Director, the Operations and Recreation Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the daily operations and recreational programming of the Outagamie County Parks System. This position manages and coordinates the work of the Parks Project Technician and seasonal lake staff, ensuring high standards of facility upkeep, project delivery, and recreational services. The Manager fosters a collaborative work environment, oversees resource allocation, and drives continuous improvement in both operations and recreation to meet departmental goals and community needs.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are most critical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Parks Project Technician, providing guidance on daily operations, project management, and professional development
• Oversee and coordinate all parks activities, ensuring facilities, grounds, and equipment are safe, well-maintained, and meet community expectations
• Oversee and administer park rentals including scheduling, customer service, policy enforcement, contract administration, and coordination of setup/cleaning to maximize customer satisfaction and facility utilization.
• Administer financial operations of the parks system, including processing pay vouchers, completing journal entries, reconciling credit card statements, paying approved bills, and completing personnel actions in the payroll system.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate recreation programs and facility usage to maximize community engagement and satisfaction
• Develop and manage operational and project budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of resources
• Lead the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure safe, efficient, and effective use of park and recreation resources
• Collaborate with the Parks Director in strategic planning, capital improvement projects, and long-term departmental goals
• Coordinate project timelines and resources for park upgrades, repairs, and new initiatives, ensuring timely and on-budget completion
• Foster strong relationships with community organizations, local governments, contractors, and other stakeholders to enhance recreational opportunities and park services
• Respond to emergencies, security incidents, and ordinance violations as needed, ensuring proper documentation and resolution
• Oversee the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing training of operations and recreation staff, promoting a positive and productive work environment
• Prepare and present reports, correspondence, and promotional materials to support departmental operations and public relations efforts
• Ensure compliance with all county, state, and federal safety and operational regulations, working closely with Risk Administration and Emergency Management
• Attend relevant seminars, conferences, and meetings to remain current with industry trends and regulatory requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Parks Director

Education/Certifications/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Facility Management, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks operations, facility management, or recreation programming, including supervisory experience
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and ability to maintain

Required or Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams
• Experience with financial administration including payroll systems, accounts payable processes, journal entries, and financial reconciliation.
• Strong knowledge of parks maintenance practices, project management, and recreation programming
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor budgets, policies, and procedures
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively with staff, the public, and stakeholders
• Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office Suite, financial management systems and recreation management software
• Ability to analyze operational challenges, propose solutions, and implement improvements
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team atmosphere
• Commitment to providing exemplary customer service and fostering a positive workplace culture
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required
• Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Work is performed in both office and outdoor park settings, with exposure to varying weather conditions and physical tasks as needed
  • Must be able to lift and carry objects up to 50 lbs., and perform tasks requiring standing, walking, climbing, stooping, and kneeling

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.

Outagamie County offers Benefit options and paid time off for team members that work 20+ or more hours per week. Learn more today by visiting: https://www.outagamie.org/government/departments-f-m/human-resources/employee-benefits-information

Outagamie County Diversity Statement:

Outagamie County is committed to developing, nurturing, and sustaining an equitable community and workforce where all individuals can thrive. We pledge to amplify the voices of under-represented communities or those who were historically excluded, by removing barriers that result from racial, social injustice and inequities. We strive to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion are embedded at all levels of Outagamie County programs and departments through acknowledging, analyzing, and addressing the root causes of inequities. We will create and advance equitable polices, practices and procedures, including, but not limited to County services, recruitment and retention, policies and practices, budgeting and procurement. We commit to being transparent and will continually evaluate and update our values when identified goals and objectives are not being achieved or sustained. Outagamie County will strive to create an inclusive environment where every community member feels like he/she/they belong.

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.