What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Recreation and Guest Experience position at South Seas?
Our Property:
Captiva Island has been the destination of choice for generations of families. South Seas, for many, is where the destination has come to life. The 330-acre retreat and wildlife nature preserve on the Florida Gulf Coast offers elevated coastal experiences and world-class amenities designed to appeal to a multitude of guests. Join this passionate and hardworking team and enjoy working in paradise.
Our Core Values:
We are in the business of creating an authentic sense of place for families to return to time and time again while committing ourselves to creating memorable and fun experiencers through passionate, attentive service. This mantra is reflected in everything we do and every interaction we have whether it be in hospitality operations management, asset management, development, or sales & marketing. Our values define who we are.
The Director of Recreation and Guest Experience is responsible for leading and elevating the resort’s recreation, activities, and guest engagement programs. This role oversees all aspects of family and children’s programming, holiday and special event activations, waterpark and pool complexes, and beach operations. The Director drives guest satisfaction and engagement through creative programming while ensuring operational excellence, safety, and revenue growth across cabanas, daybeds, and recreational activities.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Programming
40 - 50 hours per week, flexible schedule, days, and times may vary based on need. Must be able to work flexible hours, including evening, holidays, and weekends.
While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).
Timbers Company is a developer and operator of exceptional boutique hotels, residence clubs and resort communities located in some of the most sought-after destinations in the world. We are passionate about creating remarkable experiences with world-class hospitality while exposing our Owners and guests to the humble authenticity of every location that we call home.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable federal, state and/or local laws, it is our policy to provide reasonable accommodation upon request during the application process to applicants in order that they may be given a full and fair opportunity to be considered for employment. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we intend to comply fully with applicable federal, state and/or local employment laws and the information requested on this application will only be used for purposes consistent with those laws. To the extent required by applicable law, The Company maintains a drug- free workplace.
Captiva Island has been the destination of choice for generations of families. South Seas, for many, is where the destination has come to life. The 330-acre retreat and wildlife nature preserve on the Florida Gulf Coast offers elevated coastal experiences and world-class amenities designed to appeal to a multitude of guests. Join this passionate and hardworking team and enjoy working in paradise.
Our Core Values:
We are in the business of creating an authentic sense of place for families to return to time and time again while committing ourselves to creating memorable and fun experiencers through passionate, attentive service. This mantra is reflected in everything we do and every interaction we have whether it be in hospitality operations management, asset management, development, or sales & marketing. Our values define who we are.
- Be Authentic
- Practice Humility
- Cultivate Teamwork
- Value Time
- Be Trustworthy
- Low-cost Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
- Paid Life Insurance
- Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Paid Time Off & Holidays
- 401(k) with 100% match up to 4%
- Commuter and Company-paid Toll Programs
The Director of Recreation and Guest Experience is responsible for leading and elevating the resort’s recreation, activities, and guest engagement programs. This role oversees all aspects of family and children’s programming, holiday and special event activations, waterpark and pool complexes, and beach operations. The Director drives guest satisfaction and engagement through creative programming while ensuring operational excellence, safety, and revenue growth across cabanas, daybeds, and recreational activities.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Programming
- Develop, schedule, and oversee daily kids’ activities, seasonal kids’ camp, and family-friendly programming.
- Create and execute signature resort events for holidays, festivities, and special occasions, ensuring memorable experiences that reflect the resort’s brand.
- Continuously innovate and enhance programming to increase guest participation, satisfaction, and return visits.
- Direct the operation of Captiva Landing Pool Complex, including splash pads, slides, lazy river, large pool, pool deck, and arcade.
- Oversight of full waterpark operation with Food & Beverage venue.
- Oversee the Bayview Pool Complex, featuring multiple pools and slides.
- Partner with engineering and maintenance to guarantee pool systems and features remain fully operational.
- Manage North and South End beach operations, including complimentary chair and umbrella setups.
- Ensure smooth daily setup, guest service excellence, and proper staffing.
- Follow all environmental rules and guidelines (Sea Turtle Season, etc.)
- Lead the sales and operations of cabanas, daybeds, and premium poolside experiences to maximize profitability.
- Develop pricing, packages, and promotions for cabanas, activities, and events.
- Monitor financial performance, track KPIs, and adjust strategies to achieve revenue goals.
- Create daily revenue goals and incentives.
- Recruit, train, and manage a diverse team of recreation, activities, and beach operations staff.
- Foster a culture of exceptional guest service, safety, and engagement.
- Provide coaching and professional development to build a strong, motivated team.
- Schedule staff effectively to meet guest demand while managing labor costs.
- Maintain all recreation facilities, pool decks, equipment, and cabana areas to the highest standards.
- Implement and enforce health, safety, and risk management policies across all operations.
- Collaborate with resort leadership, marketing, and F&B to align recreation offerings with resort-wide initiatives.
- Develop and manage department budgets, including forecasting, expenses, and revenue projections.
- Creative and guest-focused mindset with a passion for delivering memorable experiences.
- Collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume resort environment.
- Detail-oriented and proactive in anticipating guest needs and operational challenges
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Recreation Management, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 5–7 years of progressive leadership in resort recreation, waterpark, or hospitality operations.
- Strong background in event programming, family/children’s activities, and aquatic operations.
- Proven success in driving guest satisfaction and generating revenue through recreational offerings.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO) and/or lifeguard certification strongly preferred. Ability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as required by resort programming.
- Must have a valid driver’s license, motor vehicle background check will be completed
- Fluent in English language; bilingual is a bonus.
- Assist and advise where needed with all recreational needs throughout the department, including the pool, beach, daily activities, special events and group events.
- Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions, high heat, and humidity. Directly involved with hurricane preparedness and other extreme weather conditions monitored daily.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, stand for long hours, and be able to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment.
- Ability to lift/move heavy objects. Must be able to lift 40 pounds and push or pull 300 pounds in a cart.
40 - 50 hours per week, flexible schedule, days, and times may vary based on need. Must be able to work flexible hours, including evening, holidays, and weekends.
While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).
Timbers Company is a developer and operator of exceptional boutique hotels, residence clubs and resort communities located in some of the most sought-after destinations in the world. We are passionate about creating remarkable experiences with world-class hospitality while exposing our Owners and guests to the humble authenticity of every location that we call home.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable federal, state and/or local laws, it is our policy to provide reasonable accommodation upon request during the application process to applicants in order that they may be given a full and fair opportunity to be considered for employment. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we intend to comply fully with applicable federal, state and/or local employment laws and the information requested on this application will only be used for purposes consistent with those laws. To the extent required by applicable law, The Company maintains a drug- free workplace.
