Recreation Lead
Jellystone Park™ Grayling
Customer Satisfaction - Growth - Teamwork - Integrity - Passion
Position Overview
The seasonal Recreation Lead plays a key role in delivering the fun, engaging, and family-focused experience that Jellystone Park™ is known for. This position oversees the daily operations of the Recreation Department, ensures activities run smoothly, manage scheduling, and leads a team of Recreation staff to provide exceptional guest experiences.
This leader is energetic, organized, and passionate about creating memorable moments for guests of all ages. They help plan, coordinate, and execute activities while ensuring staff are trained, prepared, and consistently meeting Jellystone Park™ standards.
Key Responsibilities
Recreation Leadership
-
Lead the daily operation of the Recreation Department, ensuring all activities and events run on time and to standard.
- Serve as the go-to supervisor for recreation staff, offering guidance, direction, and support.
- Maintain a strong presence at activities to ensure quality, safety, and guest engagement.
- Foster a fun, positive, and enthusiastic atmosphere among the team.
Scheduling & Staffing
-
Create weekly schedules for the recreation team based on park occupancy and event needs.
- Coordinate staffing for large events, special weekends, and high-traffic times.
- Ensure adequate coverage for all activities, character appearances, and event preparation.
- Support seasonal hiring and assist with interviews when needed.
Team Accountability & Training
-
Train new team members on activity procedures, safety standards, and guest interaction expectations.
- Model excellent guest service, communication, and enthusiasm.
- Provide coaching, feedback, and corrective action when necessary to maintain performance and professionalism.
- Hold staff accountable to punctuality, uniform policies, and job responsibilities.
Activity Planning & Execution
-
Assist with designing and planning weekly activity schedules, themed weekends, and special events.
- Ensure all supplies, props, costumes, and equipment are prepped and organized before activities begin.
- Coordinate character appearances (Yogi Bear™, Boo Boo™, Cindy Bear™) and ensure costumes are maintained.
- Oversee setup and teardown of activities, games, crafts, and events.Guest Experience
- Provide fun, welcoming interactions and encourage guest participation.
- Respond to guest questions or concerns related to activities, events, or recreation amenities.
- Help create a safe, inclusive environment for children and families.
- Track activity attendance and help identify trends to improve programming.
Safety & Standards
-
Ensure all activities meet safety guidelines and are supervised appropriately.
- Conduct regular checks of recreation equipment, pool safety procedures (if applicable), and activity areas.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization within the recreation building, craft areas, and equipment storage.
- Uphold Jellystone Park™ brand standards in presentation, energy, and guest engagement.
Administrative Support
-
Assist with inventory of rec supplies and place requests for needed materials.
- Monitor activity budgets and ensure cost-effective use of supplies.
- Provide updates to the Operations Manager on staff performance, guest feedback, and activity success.
- Maintain the updating of the activities on all apps.
Qualifications
-
Prior experience in recreation, events, hospitality, or working with children and families.
- Leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Friendly, outgoing personality with the ability to engage guests of all ages.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, seasonal environment.
- Comfortable working outdoors, on feet, and in costume-filled, high-energy settings.
- Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays during peak season.
Physical Qualifications
To successfully perform this role, the Recreation Lead must meet the following physical requirements:
-
Ability to stand, walk, and be on feet for extended periods (4–8 hours at a time).
- Ability to lift, carry, or move supplies, props, equipment, or craft materials up to 30–40 pounds.
- Ability to run short distances or move quickly during large activities or emergencies.
- Ability to bend, stoop, reach, stretch, and perform repetitive motions related to activity setup.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (sun, rain, heat, cool temperatures).
- Ability to safely operate recreation equipment, such as inflatables, sports gear, or craft tools.
- Ability to wear character costumes when needed (heat tolerance, limited visibility, and mobility considerations).
- Ability to work in fast-paced, high-energy environments with children and families.
Ideal Candidate Traits
-
Energetic and enthusiastic
- Responsible and dependable
- Strong leadership presence
- Creative and great with ideas
- Excellent with kids and families
- Calm under pressure
- Team-first attitude
