Recreation Manager

LJA Mission Statement:

The mission of Lake Junaluska is to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body.  

Position Summary

The Recreation Manager oversees daily operations of  the pool and recreation programs and facilities from April - September, ensuring high-quality guest experiences and efficient team performance. This role is responsible for supervising staff, managing staffing schedules, and cross-functional collaboration on the development of recreation-focused event packages. The manager plays a key role in maintaining operational excellence and fostering a positive, service-oriented recreation environment.

Essential Functions

• Provide direct supervision to recreation staff, including Recreation Attendants & Lifeguards.

• Supervise the day to day operations of pool and beach areas, including opening/closing procedures. Ensure that the Pool is opened and closed daily.

• Manage timecard approvals, attendance tracking, and staff scheduling at least 2 weeks in advance.

• Conduct ongoing staff training, onboarding, coaching, and performance development to maintain high service standards.

• Adhere to all safe and efficient operations of the pool including but not limited to; compliance with all state statutes and health department regulations.

• Oversee the Cherokee IV boat tour guides in collaboration with the Director of Event Operations. 

• Assist with conducting boat tours and ticket sales-communicate closures/rain delays to guests & issue refunds if needed.

• Responsible for daily water samples and monitoring PH and chlorine readings.  Add chlorine tablets and change water filters as required.

• Prepare daily records of pool use and occupancy.

• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

• Maintain check-in & check-out records for all equipment (boats, flotation devices, etc.)

• Lead the operations of the snack bar-exceed revenue goals, proper utility of POS system, Inventory management-rotating stock/expiration dates, pricing accuracy, cleanliness, ordering snacks & receipt reconciliation.

• Balance POS cash drawer & reconcile credit cards daily. Verify deposits and submit to Accounting. Follow proper cash handling procedures and implement change orders (cash) throughout the day.

• Routinely inspect all equipment and keep an inventory sheet up to date. Report broken equipment

• Responsible for the maintenance and operation of lights, filters, restrooms and the overall safety of the pool facility and beach

• Opens and closes the recreation facilities, secures the area when needed. 

• Collaborate with internal departments to design, enhance, and promote recreation-focused event packages (e.g., team-building activities, themed recreation events, group experiences).

• Provide overall leadership in the department to consistently strive to deliver quality service and meet company hospitality standards.

• Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures and report any unsafe activities or conditions immediately to supervisor or the Human Resources Department

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned and required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate’s degree in Parks and Recreation and a minimum of 2 years relevant supervisory experience. 

• CPR/First Aid certified. Reimbursement is available.

• Lifeguard Certification desired. Reimbursement is available.

• Valid Driver’s License

• CPO Certification desired but not required

• NC Boaters License preferred but not required 

• Must possess excellent hospitality skills and a strong desire to foster an attitude of Christian hospitality to “exceed guest expectations”.  

• Must have demonstrated good communication skills, client relation skills, and a commitment to providing responsive and conscientious customer service.

• Must be detail oriented with knowledge of a wide variety of software systems, word processing and spreadsheet applications, prefer Microsoft Suite.

• Must be flexible and able to adapt to changing needs, multiple task demands, and work structures. Ability to solve practical problems.

• Ability to effectively present job related information upon request to customers, clients, and employees of the organization. 

• Proven computer skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills are required.  

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, emails, and memos.

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule formats.

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule during the summer season.

Working conditions

• Moderate to heavy physical activity performing strenuous and non strenuous activities with moderate to loud noise. 

• Primarily working outdoors exposed to elements such as; heat, sun, cold, snow, rain and wind.

• Ability to coordinate work, continuously moves about, able to stand for prolonged periods of time, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, talk to and hear staff and customer requests,  and also lifts or otherwise move objects weighing up to 75 pounds.

• Must have adequate vision to carry out daily activities. Good peripheral vision is necessary.

• Pool Hours: Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday through Sunday, 10:00am to 8:00pm.  

Lake Junaluska is an Equal Opportunity Employer