Recreation Manager

The City of Onalaska is seeking a dedicated, dependable, and service-oriented full-time Recreation Manager to join the Parks & Recreation Department. This leadership role is responsible for planning, delivering, and continuously improving a comprehensive portfolio of community recreation programs - including youth, adult, senior (55+), aquatics, facility rentals, and special events—that promote health, inclusion, and community connection. Under the direction of the Parks & Recreation Director, the Recreation Manager oversees day-to-day program operations and staff supervision, supports departmental planning and budgeting, and ensures a high-quality customer experience across recreation and aquatic services.

• Plan, organize, and direct a diversified series of recreation programs; evaluate community needs and support innovation and new program development.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, supervise, and conduct programs, tournaments, and special events.
• Coordinate, promote, and develop activities, social events, tournaments, and special events for youth, adults, and 55+ participants, including programming associated with the Dash Center.
• Oversee special community service programs, including Community Garden, WPRA Discount Tickets, Urban Deer Hunt, Dog Park Passes, and DNR Trail Passes.
• Research and develop new recreation programs and services to enhance participation and customer satisfaction.

• Oversee hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, motivation, evaluation, discipline, and work assignment for employees assigned to recreation and the aquatic center.
• Schedule, coordinate, and supervise the use of recreation facilities to support safe, efficient, and high-quality service delivery.

• Provide public relations and community outreach, including meeting with individuals, organizations, and the public.
• Respond to and resolve customer complaints and issues related to youth, adult, senior programs, aquatics, rentals, and special events.
• Communicate with prospective customers (including outside standard business hours as needed) to assess and meet facility rental needs.
• Work with sponsors and public service groups to secure resources and funding to support recreation programs and special events.

• Perform administrative duties including assistance with budget preparation and review, marketing plan/business plan development, grant applications, and daily office functions.
• Ensure proper purchasing of supplies and equipment, seek competitive pricing when applicable, and ensure payments are processed appropriately.
• Assist with the development of departmental policies and reports.

• Assist in development of long and short-range plans for parks, recreational facilities, programs, and special events.
• Assist in supervising maintenance, repair, and development of park grounds and facilities.
• Attend Park & Recreation Board meetings and other monthly committee meetings as requested by the Director.

• Contribute to a cooperative working environment by assisting others and completing special projects as scheduled or requested, recognizing the interdependency of municipal operations.

The 2026 annual salary range for this exempt position is $74,862 (step
1) through $99,666 (step 11). Starting salary up $79,036 (step
3) depending on qualifications. Eligible for annual wage advancement upon approval.

Benefits Include:
Health insurance effective the first of the month following 60 days of employment. 2026 most affordable plan (Quartz West): $225.36/month (single). $554.72/month (family). No deductible or co‑insurance. Dental insurance through Delta Dental (100% premium paid by the City). Automatic enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (pension plan). Voluntary benefits: vision, flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance.

Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.…