Recreation Manager

Essential & Related Job Functions

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 aquaticn

• 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), dental insurance through Delta Dental (100% premium paid by the City), retirement system, voluntary benefits (vision, flexible spending, life insurance, disability insurance, deferred compensation, pet insurance, critical illness, cancer, and accident insurance), paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, employee assistance program, and qualification under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

To be considered for this excellent…