Recreation and Activities Manager

Mountain Lake LLC; Mountain Lake (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Mountain Lake is seeking a seasoned Recreation & Activities Manager to design, schedule and operate year‑round guest experiences at the mountain resort. Reporting to the Assistant Hotel Manager, you will supervise staff, coordinate with conservation and other departments, and ensure programs run safely, on time and as advertised.

The role emphasizes hands‑on leadership, guest engagement, and proactive communication.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of relevant resort recreation, hospitality, activities, outdoor recreation, attractions, events or guest-experience experience preferred; prior staff supervision strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Hospitality, Tourism, Parks & Recreation or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Strong organizational, scheduling, guest-service, public-speaking, problem-solving and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead diverse groups and coordinate multiple simultaneous activities; familiarity with Microsoft Office and scheduling tools.
• Knowledge of outdoor activity safety, trail operations, risk management and guest engagement preferred.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification required within a timeframe established by Mountain Lake; valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required for assigned vehicle duties.

Responsibilities

• Design and supervise year-round recreation and guest activities.
• Coordinate guided hikes, nature walks, tours, and equipment rentals.
• Oversee the Game Room and ensure guest-ready spaces.
• Develop and manage activity calendars and staffing.
• Collaborate with other departments on the guest activity calendar.
• Maintain safety standards and lead staff briefings.
• Monitor guest satisfaction and activity revenue and adjust programs.

Skills

Staff supervision

Public speaking

Scheduling

Written communication

Outdoor recreation knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Hospitality, Tourism, Parks & Recreation or related field

CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Scheduling tools

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Recreation and Activities Manager

Recreation & Activities Manager Management Pembroke, VA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1012

Salary: $55,000.00 Annually

MOUNTAIN LAKE

Job Description

Recreation & Activities Manager (Salary)

Department

Recreation & Activities

Reports To

Assistant Hotel Manager / Director of Operations

Classification

Direct Reports

Recreation & Activities Associates

Position Summary

The Recreation & Activities Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating and executing year-round recreation and guest activities throughout Mountain Lake. Reporting to the Assistant Hotel Manager / Director of Operations, this hands-on management position directly supervises Recreation & Activities staff and works closely with all resort departments and the Mountain Lake Conservancy to deliver engaging, safe, well-timed guest experiences.

Operating with a resort “Cruise Director” philosophy, the Manager knows what activities are scheduled, where they occur, who leads them, what resources they require, and how guests learn about them. The Manager ensures advertised experiences are ready, staffed and delivered as promised—not simply listed on a calendar.

The Mountain Lake Promise

“We create unforgettable experiences and memories by taking care of our guests, caring for each other, and preserving this mountain for generations to come.”

Year-Round Activity Design, Planning & Scheduling

• Design and maintain annual, seasonal, monthly, weekly and daily recreation and activities plans; update programming continuously based on guest interests, occupancy, seasons and business needs.
• Build a balanced mix of complimentary, paid, scheduled and self-guided activities for families, couples, children, groups and local visitors.
• Prepare and circulate accurate activity calendars detailing dates, times, locations, staffing, equipment, capacities, costs, reservation requirements and weather alternatives.
• Plan well ahead for holidays, signature weekends, festivals, conferences, weddings, elopements and group itineraries; develop new signature Mountain Lake experiences.

Daily Coordination & Guest Experience

• Verify each activity is staffed, set up, safe and ready before the advertised start time; monitor timing and quality of execution.
• Serve as the primary on-property coordinator for recreation activities, resolving schedule conflicts, delays, changes and guest concerns.
• Be visible and approachable; personally host, introduce or assist with programs when appropriate, encouraging guest participation.
• Prepare alternative programming or timely communication when weather, staffing or operational conditions require changes.

Recreation Operations, Trails & Tours

• Coordinate guided trail hikes, nature walks, tours, outdoor recreation, lawn games, equipment rentals and other appropriate mountain activities.
• Oversee the Game Room at Mary’s Barn, including presentation, game readiness, inspections, inventories and scheduled programming.
• Ensure recreation spaces, trails used for scheduled programming, equipment and supplies are guest-ready; coordinate repair and maintenance needs with Facilities.
• Maintain equipment check-out procedures, inventories, inspections and records; remove unsafe equipment from service promptly.
• Work closely with Mountain Lake Conservancy personnel on trail hikes and tours, naturalist experiences, wildlife and environmental education, and other mutually coordinated programs.
• Coordinate with Sales, Catering & Events, Front Office, Food & Beverage, Marketing, Housekeeping, Facilities and other departments on the guest activity calendar and operational needs.
• Respect Conservancy stewardship priorities and leadership responsibilities; coordinate access, schedules, safety requirements and guest messaging for Conservancy-related experiences.

Events, Festivals, Groups, Conferences & Celebrations

• Assist with planning and execution of recreation-related components of resort events, festivals and special seasonal experiences.
• Coordinate activities for corporate groups, meetings, conferences, team-building programs, weddings, elopements, reunions and other social gatherings.
• Partner with Sales & Events to confirm activity scope, timing, locations, guest counts, staffing, equipment, pricing and contingencies for contracted programs.
• Support the resort’s event planning and banquet-event-order processes when recreation activities are part of a contracted event.

Staff Supervision & Training

• Directly supervise Recreation & Activities associates; assist with hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, performance evaluations and corrective action in accordance with policy.
• Create staffing schedules matched to activity demand, guest occupancy, special events and seasonal requirements.
• Lead pre-shift briefings, assign activity leaders, verify readiness and hold staff accountable for punctuality, service, appearance and safe execution.
• Cross-train team members to support varied activities and provide coverage during busy periods.

Safety, Stewardship & Guest Communication

• Follow and enforce applicable activity procedures, waivers, inspections, emergency plans and staff qualification requirements.
• Monitor weather, trail conditions and other hazards; modify, postpone or cancel activities when necessary for safety.
• Promptly report incidents, injuries, unsafe conditions and equipment issues through established resort procedures.
• Provide timely, accurate activity details and schedule changes to Guest Services, Marketing, group contacts and other affected departments.
• Support preparation and management of the departmental operating budget, payroll, supply costs, inventories and equipment replacement requests.
• Monitor attendance, participation, guest feedback, activity revenue and costs; recommend improvements and new paid experiences where appropriate.
• Maintain operational records, calendars, checklists, reports and activity documentation required by the Assistant Hotel Manager / Director of Operations.

Presence Preparation Energy Communication Execution Accountability Stewardship. The Manager must understand the resort’s daily activity rhythm and be able to answer: What is happening now? What happens next? Who is leading it? Are we ready? Do guests know? Was the experience delivered well?

Qualifications & Experience

• Three to five years of relevant resort recreation, hospitality, activities, outdoor recreation, attractions, events or guest-experience experience preferred; prior staff supervision strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Hospitality, Tourism, Parks & Recreation or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Strong organizational, scheduling, guest-service, public-speaking, problem-solving and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead diverse groups and coordinate multiple simultaneous activities; familiarity with Microsoft Office and scheduling tools.
• Knowledge of outdoor activity safety, trail operations, risk management and guest engagement preferred.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification required within a timeframe established by Mountain Lake; valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required for assigned vehicle duties.

Work Schedule & Physical Requirements

This salaried hospitality management position requires nights, weekends, holidays, special-event coverage and other periods when guests are present and participating in resort activities. Work hours are driven by the guest experience and operational schedule, not a standard Monday–Friday office routine. Duties include working indoors and outdoors in changing mountain weather; extended standing and walking; navigating uneven terrain; and assisting with recreation equipment setup. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Performance Measures

Performance will be assessed through guest satisfaction and participation; quality and timeliness of scheduled activities; staff coverage, training and performance; safety and equipment readiness; accuracy of calendars and communication; coordination with the Conservancy and other departments; event and group execution; budget and payroll stewardship; and development of fresh, engaging year-round programming.

Position Acknowledgment

This description outlines the general duties and expectations of the position and is not an exhaustive list. Duties may change based on resort needs. Employment classification and other employment terms are governed by applicable law and Mountain Lake policies.

Associate Name: __________________________________ Date: __________________

Associate Signature: ________________________________