Carver Recreation Center Manager
City of Charlottesville
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The City of Charlottesville is seeking a Carver Recreation Center Manager to oversee daily operations of a large community facility in Charlottesville. You will lead staff, manage scheduling, budgets, safety, and program delivery to ensure high-quality services for residents of all ages.
Ideal candidates bring a degree or equivalent experience in recreation, facility management, or related field, plus 2+ years supervisory experience.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in recreation, physical education, hospitality, business administration, or closely related field AND 3 years of progressively responsible experience in recreation operations, facility management or related area, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience in a recreation environment.
- Associate degree in recreation, physical education, hospitality, business management, or related field AND 5 years of progressively responsible experience in recreation operations, facility management or related area, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience in a recreation environment.
- High School Diploma or GED AND 7 years of progressively responsible experience in recreation operations, facility management or related area, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience in a recreation environment.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
Responsibilities
- Manages, oversees, and evaluates all aspects of operations at a large recreation facility.
- Directs the overall center scheduling, opening/closing, to ensure facility accessibility.
- Supervises, schedules, trains, motivates, coaches, assigns/directs work, and evaluates the performance of subordinate staff; makes final decisions on interviewing, hiring, and administration of disciplinary action.
- Develops and maintains professional working relationships with community and corporate partners, and other agencies.
- Develops and maintains the annual Recreation Center budget; monitors financial reports and budget justifications.
Education
Job description
The Carver Recreation Center Manager performs responsible work overseeing and managing the daily operations of a recreational facility, including the development, execution and evaluation, directing the overall operations, services, staff and maintenance of a large recreational facility. Work is performed independently, under the limited supervision of the Recreation Operations Division Manager.
Carver Recreation Center is a 33,000+ square-foot community recreation facility located within the historic Jefferson School City Center in Charlottesville. The facility serves as a hub for recreation, wellness, athletics, arts, and community programming for residents of all ages.
Carver offers a diverse range of spaces and amenities, including a fitness center, gymnasium with basketball and volleyball courts, gymnastics and dance studios, group fitness studios, an arts and crafts studio, locker rooms, a family changing room, and a 4,200-square-foot multipurpose room with an elevated stage and warming kitchen. The facility also hosts a variety of drop‑in activities, recreational classes, camps, fitness programs, youth and family activities, and community events throughout the year.
- Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $65,757.80 - $77,565.13 annually. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full‑time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, health insurance with employer contribution, employer‑paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following leave and retirement benefits:
- Vacation Leave: 3.09 hours accrued bi‑weekly (increases with YOS).
- Sick Leave: 4.62 hours accrued bi‑weekly, approx. 120 hours per year with no limit on accumulation.
- 13 Paid Observed City Holidays
- 1 Floating Holiday which must be taken during the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)
- Choice of retirement plan:
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5‑year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
- Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
- Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan
The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the “Benefits” tab within this posting or visit the City’s Employee Benefits webpage.
- Manages, oversees, and evaluates all aspects of operations at a large recreation facility.
- Directs the overall center scheduling, opening/closing, to ensure facility accessibility.
- Supervises, schedules, trains, motivates, coaches, assigns/directs work, and evaluates the performance of subordinate staff; makes final decisions on interviewing, hiring, and administration of disciplinary action, in accordance with established personnel policy and procedures.
- Maintains efficient and effective operations, including in response to sudden changes in staffing and workloads.
- Ensures facilities are properly prepared for activities and coordinates needs with P&R staff.
- Handles complex problems/situations and provides technical expertise to staff.
- Effectively utilizing automated registration software.
- Oversees the rental, use, and/or maintenance of applicable vehicles, facilities, and equipment; and/or other items needed for special events.
- Coordinates efforts to optimize revenue production and customer satisfaction.
- Conducts service delivery evaluations using a variety of tools for use in developing future and improved services.
- Advices management in the development of short-, medium-, and long‑term strategies, goals and objectives of center operations; and implements those strategies and objectives.
- Develops, prepares, submits and monitors the annual Recreation Center budget. Develops budget justifications for capital equipment, staffing and annual operating supplies, making budget recommendations to management.
- Accountable for accurate time and attendance reports and accident reports for subordinate staff; checks, verifies, updates, and/or corrects program payroll, timesheets, and time records for approval.
- Forecasts needed equipment and supplies and makes purchase and/or purchase requisition in order to maintain inventory as necessary.
- Authorizes, allocates, inventories and purchases equipment and recreation supplies within authorized limits. Allocates equipment and operating supplies in accordance to budget goals and guidelines.
- Plans, schedules, conducts and documents specialized on‑site staff training.
- Develops and maintains professional working relationships with community and corporate partners, and other agencies.
- Responds to and communicates with participants, parents, co‑workers, and the public effectively, professionally, courteously, and thoroughly, including in the handling of complaints and concerns.
- Works with other department divisions to coordinate programs and provide services.
- Enforces, implements, and complies with all applicable policies and procedures, evaluates their effectiveness and recommends changes.
- Compiles and retains operational and safety records and complies with federal, state and City safety standards.
- Ensures that all facilities meet quality standards for housekeeping, cleanliness, and maintenance; coordinates issues with appropriate P&R staff.
- Ensures that programs, facilities, and personnel meet all standards and compliance for certifications and licenses, health and safety standards, department program standards, and operational procedures related to the area of assignments; including completing safety assessments, maintaining a hazard free environment, and documenting issues to identify risk areas and recommendations.
- Ensures that all required certificates, licenses, permits and operating requirements are current and posted.
- Completes, maintains, and submits various financial, administrative and statistical reports.
- Operates a vehicle to transport equipment, supplies, etc.
- May be required to work weekends, nights, holidays or to be called back to work in weather or non‑weather emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public.
- Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
- Regular and reliable attendance.
- Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.
Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.
- Bachelor’s degree in recreation, physical education, hospitality, business administration, or closely related field AND 3 years of progressively responsible experience in recreation operations, facility management or related area, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience in a recreation environment.
- Associate degree in recreation, physical education, hospitality, business management, or related field AND 5 years of progressively responsible experience in recreation operations, facility management or related area, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience in a recreation environment.
- High School Diploma or GED AND 7 years of progressively responsible experience in recreation operations, facility management or related area, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience in a recreation environment.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
- Parks & Recreation Professional certification (CPRP).
- CPR/First Aid/AED certification or the ability to become certified within 3 months of hire.
- Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
- Required to successfully pass a pre‑employment background check and pre‑employment drug screen.
- Thorough knowledge of the operations, planning, implementation, and best practices related to recreation facility management.
- Thorough knowledge of group work methods and activity facilitation.
- Thorough knowledge of applicable local, State, and Federal policies, procedures, regulations, and fiscal management.
- Knowledge of first aid methods and safety precautions used in recreational work.
- Knowledge of fiscal record keeping and inventory procedures.
- General knowledge of customer service methods and procedures.
- General knowledge of required software applications.
- General knowledge of methods to motivate, supervise, and evaluate staff and to develop and implement staff training programs.
- Intermediate: ability to read and understand written materials such as newspapers, magazines, journals, multi‑step instruction manuals, and reference materials.
- Intermediate: ability to organize data and write clear and concise reports, prepare materials such as business letters, explanations, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Ability to prepare financial, administrative, and operational reports.
- Intermediate: ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.
- Intermediate: Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with patrons, parents, co‑workers, staff, citizen groups, and the public. Provides information on current and revises policies and procedures. Contacts that may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Requires the consideration of different points of view to reach understanding and gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.
- Requires Limited Direction: normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.
- Skilled: comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision‑making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Intermediate skill in Microsoft Office applications, departmental software, and peripheral equipment.
- Develops, prepares, and submits annual budget for assigned facility/program, providing justifications for capital equipment, staffing and annually operating supplies. Responsible for monitoring budget/fiscal expenditures for a work unit of less than department size (programs, activities, projects or small organizational units). May recommend budget allocations.
- Manages, oversees, and monitors performance for a regular group of employees. Makes decisions on hiring, discipline, work objectives/goals, performance evaluation and work assignments.
- Organization and time management skills; sometimes under strict time constraints.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Works closely with others as part of a team.
- Independently balances multiple complex tasks.
- Works effectively with sensitive and confidential issues and information.
- May require emergency response.
- May be required to work additional hours outside of normal schedule.
- May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.
- Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Remains in a stationary position to a significant degree.
- Requires moderate balancing, stooping, walking; and frequent reaching, standing, repetitive motions.
- Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
- Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.
- Work is usually performed where there may be exposure to a computer screen for extended periods of time and monitor glare.
- Work is performed inside facility where there may be exposure to extreme temperatures, extreme brightness and darkness, vibration, moving mechanical parts and/or confined space(s), chemicals/hazardous waste, blood‑borne pathogens, acidic or harsh substances, electrical hazards, fumes/airborne particles and fuels.
- The noise level is usually moderate but may at times be loud.
The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy‑related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.
Updated February 9, 2026
Benefits cited represent those for regular 40‑hour employees and may differ for Management Level, Part‑Time, and/or Library positions. Long‑term temporary employees are eligible for all benefits except retirement. Interns, temporary, seasonal, substitute, and relief employees are not eligible for benefits.
- LEAVE:
Vacation: Need some time off? Use it, you earned it.
0 -
3 -
5 -
10 -
15 -
20 -
3.09
3.85
4.62
5.4
6.16
6.93
7.7
Sick: Under the weather? Earn 4.62 hours biweekly, approximately 120 hours a year, with no limit on accumulation to be used to care for yourself and qualifying family members.
Enjoy 13 paid holidays per year. Including 1 Floating Holiday, which must be taken during the Fiscal Year (July 1 - June 30):
New Years Day
Dr. Martin Luther King Day
Presidents’ Day
Liberation & Freedom Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
1 Floating Holiday
Paid leave for participating in an authorized event as a volunteer, subject to Section 9‑3, Code of Ethics & Conflicts of Interest. Regular full‑time employees receive up to 8 hours and all regular part‑time employees are eligible to receive pro‑rated leave each calendar year.
- INSURANCE: Aetna Medical Plans: Coverage is effective on the first of the month following date of hire.
- Choose from two options:
- Select HMO with City‑funded HRA ($0 premium for employee‑only coverage)
- Choice POS ($13.02 biweekly premium for employee‑only coverage)
- Prescription Card: ($10 generic, $30 lower cost name brand, $55 higher cost name brand, 20% up to $150 for specialty drugs)
- Mail Order Maintenance Prescription Drug Program ($20 generic, $60 lower cost name brand, $110 higher cost brand) not available for specialty drugs)
- Diagnostic and Preventative–100% of allowable charge; Basic Dental Care-80%; Major Dental Care- 50%
- Primary - $50 deductible, 80/20; Prosthetic and Complex Restorative -$50, 50/50
- $1,500 Annual benefit maximum
- $1,000 Orthodontic benefit (children to age 19)
- $2.50 premium paid bi‑weekly for employee‑only coverage. Dependent care coverage also available.
- Eye health exam, dilatation, prescription and refraction of glasses covered after $10 co‑pay
- $130 allowance for frames, after co‑pay, plus additional discounts where accepted.
In the event of your death, your beneficiary will receive twice your annual salary. Supplementary policies for you and your dependents are available.
Upon approval for along‑term illness or injury, you can receive up to 60% of your earnings after a 90‑day wait period.
Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity insurance; Short‑Term Disability; Identity Theft Protection
- Pension
- Choose from two (2) options:
- A Defined Benefit Pension plan pays a monthly benefit in retirement using a defined formula based on the employee’s earnings history, tenure of service, and age. Our plan has a 5‑year vesting period and an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
- A Defined Contribution 401a plan in which fixed contributions are paid into an individual’s account by the employer, the contributions are invested, returns (positive or negative) are credited to the account, and the account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. The vesting schedule for our 401a plan is 33% after one year of service, 67% after two years of service, and 100% vesting after three years of service. There is no required contribution from salary. (Note: the Defined Contribution retirement plan is the only plan available for Library employees).
- Wellness
- Gym Membership Reimbursement Program (up to $34.00 per month)
- Bicycle Commuter Program: Reimbursement up to $20 per month for reasonable bicycle commuting expenses
- Online wellness resources and Lunch‑and‑Learn Sessions
- Employee Assistance Program
- A variety of confidential, personal professional services for you and your family available 24 hours a day.
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Up to $1,500 for job‑related certificates, trade programs, undergraduate coursework or up to $3,000 for graduate level courses per fiscal year for career‑related courses.
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Expense accounts available for healthcare, dependent care and parking/mass transit.
- Bachelors degree or higher
- Associates degree
- High School Diploma
- None of the above
- No experience.
- Less than three (3) years.
- Three (3) to less than five (5) years.
- Five (5) to less than seven (7) years.
- Seven (7) years or greater.
- No experience in a supervisory capacity.
- Less than two (2) years.
- Two (2) to less than four (4) years.
- Four (4) to less than six (6) years.
- Six (6) years or greater.
- Yes
- No
- Yes; I possess a valid driver's license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
- No; However, I am willing and able to obtain a valid driver's license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
- No; I do not have a valid driver's license, nor am I willing or able to obtain one, and/or am not willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
Deferred Compensation 457 available for you to invest your own money for additional retirement savings.
01
Please indicate your highest level of education obtained: (Your response must be verifiable in reference to the Education History section of your online application.)
02
How much experience do you have in recreation operations, facility management or related area? (Your response must be verifiable in reference to the Work History section of your online application.)
03
How many years of supervisory experience do you have in a recreation or similar environment? (Your response must be verifiable in reference to the Work History section of your online application.)
04
Have you provided the expiration date and name of each certification you possess in the ‘Certificates and Licenses’ section of your application?
05
This position requires driving to perform essential job duties and requires a valid driver's license. The candidate selected for this position must meet the driver eligibility requirements of the City and must provide a certified copy of their DMV driving record. Do you possess a valid driver's license and are you willing to provide a certified copy of your DMV driving record, if selected as a finalist, for the City to confirm your driving eligibility?
06
To be considered, qualifying education and experience, including City of Charlottesville employment, must be clearly documented in the education, work history, and additional information sections of the employment application. Resumes can be attached but should not be used as a substitute for the required information on the application. I understand that an attached resume may not be accepted in place of a completed employment application and that my qualifications should be stated on the employment application itself.
07
I certify that the information above is true and correct, and I certify that it can be verified with reference to the information in my basic application. I understand that my application may be rejected if the responses to supplemental questions do not match my basic application.
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