Qualities to Look for When Hiring an RV Park Manager

Hiring the wrong manager can sink your RV park business. On the contrary, when you recruit the right candidate for this role, you can get the maximum return on your investment.

We sometimes refer to RV park managers as ‘workampers.’ That’s because most RV parks and campgrounds offer space, rent, and utilities to park managers in exchange for their services. Some parks and campgrounds also offer an hourly wage and/or free living expenses. 

What are the Responsibilities of an RV Park Manager?

Smaller parks may have a single manager overseeing the office, landscaping, cleaning, and maintenance. Larger RV parks may have a team of two or more managers that reside on-site. Some high-end parks also have marketing teams and concierges on staff.

However, for most parks, a single manager takes control of the entire park. The manager collects payments, pays utility bills, and answers the phone. The manager may also supervise assistant managers responsible for maintaining and cleaning restrooms and common areas. The RV Park manager also ensures the park’s plumbing and lighting are operational.

Qualities of a Good RV Park Manager

Research findings reveal that the recreational parks industry has thousands of RV parks nationwide. As the recreational vehicle industry continues to witness rising sales numbers, there will be an increasing need for people to manage RV parks.

The average salary for an RV park manager is around $58,000 a year. As a result, many retired business managers and professionals from the hospitality industry aspire to become RV park managers because of the benefits.

For instance, many parks offer extra perks to their managers, such as health benefits, a free place to stay, and much more. People who want to leave the corporate grind also look for these jobs as an opportunity to live closer to nature.

However, hiring an RV park manager is more challenging than it seems. The RV Park manager you hire should have some experience working in an administrative position. In addition, the individual should be friendly, organized, and have some knowledge the local area.

If you want to hire a seasoned or experienced manager to get the most out of your RV park business, here are the qualities to look for in your RV park manager.

Certification

Large-scale and renowned RV parks may look for certified RV park managers, but some parks may also consider candidates with sufficient experience in a similar position.

If you prefer hiring certified managers, there are three types of certifications that you should look for:

• CPRE: Certified Park and Recreation Executive Certification
• CPRP: The Certified Park and Recreation Professional certification
• CPSI: The Certified Playground Safety Inspector certification

Trained professionals receive high-quality educational programs focusing on the principles and practices applicable in the campground and RV industry. 

In addition to these certifications, you may hire individuals who have received some basic training from professional RV camp training programs. 

People Skills

Another quality to look for in a candidate is whether they have good people skills. Since your managers will have to deal with the park’s guests and other stakeholders, they must have good communication skills.

We also refer to these skills as interpersonal skills. The RV manager is the go-to person for everyone when there is a problem in the park. So ensure you hire someone who can understand and resolve issues through communication.

Experience

The manager you hire should thoroughly understand how an RV park operates. For example, they should know how to manage reservations, maintenance, and guest services. In addition, they should be familiar with the local and federal regulations to ensure that all operations in the park follow required rules and regulations.

Sales and Marketing Skills

Look for marketing and sales skills in your candidate because the RV park manager you will hire must attract new guests. Your manager must create and promote advertising campaigns and retain important partnerships. Your RV park manager should have enough selling skills to attract new and keep current guests. 

Technical skills

The manager you hire should have decent technical skills in electrical systems and popular RV park management software. Other important skills to look for include a basic understanding of plumbing and other maintenance-related areas. 

Leadership Skills

Look for leadership skills in a candidate before hiring an RV park manager. The person you choose should be capable of making tough decisions and take complete responsibility for their actions. Hire a professional who is a skilled problem solver and a creative thinker. Today’s RV park campers are becoming demanding, and catering to their different requests requires out-of-the-box solutions.

Multilingual Skills

If your RV park entertains a diverse customer base, having a multilingual RV resort manager can be a great advantage. That way, your manager will easily communicate with your guests and provide better customer service. 

A Positive Attitude

The responsibilities of an RV manager include providing and maintaining a welcoming environment for everyone. Workers and RV campers should feel at home to create a positive atmosphere. Since an RV manager must conduct regular inspections and oversee the repair or renovation of the entire park, make sure you choose someone with an open and positive attitude.

Conclusion

People who manage an RV park should be presentable, have good interpersonal skills, and be capable of handling problems independently. Look for people with the training and experience to manage an RV park. Most individuals apply for this job, thinking it would be a fun-filled experience. However, trained and experienced RV park managers know this job can be both demanding and rewarding.

From promoting the RV park to guests and other stakeholders to offering suitable discounts, there are many decisions that your RV park manager must make. However, only dedicated and hardworking individuals can perform the duties and responsibilities needed for a successful RV Park. Make sure you follow our guide and look for these skills in your next RV park manager.