Outdoor Recreation Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $15.00 - $17.00 Hourly
Location : City of Roanoke - 215 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 03436
Department: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
The City of Roanoke's Parks and Recreation Department are seeking Recreation Instructors to serve in multiple sections of the Recreation Division - Outdoor Recreation, Youth Development, Community Recreation.
- Performs responsible outdoor recreation programs instructing participants in outdoor adventure activities and skills while promoting safe, ethical and sound outdoor environmental practices.
- Responsible for assisting in planning, promoting, implementing and evaluating outdoor adventure recreation programs for all ages and abilities.
- Popular programming areas of focus include, but are not limited to: kayaking, canoeing, SUP, rock climbing, mountain biking, Skateboarding, hiking, caving, and various other seasonal high adventure activities. Instructors must be able to show a demonstrated ability and competency in preferred activity or activities of focus.
- Conducts research in order to develop new program ideas.
- Implements the established risk management plan to protect participants, staff and the department and to provide care for equipment and facilities,
- Implements a safe transportation system to meet the needs of program, maintenance and safety.
- This position is expected to work part time. Hours will vary but typically require evening and weekend work; schedule is negotiated with Supervisor.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Youth Development is seeking a Recreation Instructor to be responsible for planning, implementing, leading and facilitating youth development and recreation programs and activities at the Eureka Center. The successful candidate will implement the risk management plan to protect participants and staff and assist in the recruitment and training of staff and volunteers. Requires knowledge of youth development and community activities including but not limited to: fitness and movement, art, nature study, crafts and be able to assist children with homework assignments. Must have the ability to develop new creative programs, build and maximize neighborhood and community relations, and utilize effective communications (both orally and in writing).
Must be able to collect registration documents, write receipts, make deposits, and complete assignments on computer. Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to two (2) years of college with emphasis on recreation program planning and implementation and one year experience in a day-care or after-school setting as well as possession of a valid driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Certifications required upon request-ARC Standard First Aid and CPR. The program is administered during the regular school year so the position is expected to work approximately 40 weeks/work approx. 20-25 hours per week.
OUTDOOR RECREATION RECREATION INSTRUCTOR:
Experience and/or knowledge of educational methodologies.
Broad knowledge of natural sciences.
Must have the ability to work with people of all ages and abilities in front country outdoor settings
Provide a safe, unique and enjoyable outdoor recreation program while being sensitive to the needs of the group.
Ability to research, develop and execute programs with little supervision.
Ability to express self clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Knowledge of first aid procedures and safety precautions necessary in recreational work.
Ability to act swiftly and appropriately in an emergency situation.
Knowledge of outdoor recreation industry safety standards.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RECREATION INSTRUCTOR:
Knowledge of youth development principles, recreation programs, and age appropriate activities.
Knowledge of safety practices and risk management procedures.
Skill in planning and leading recreational activities.
Ability to develop and implement creative programs and activities.
Ability to engage and communicate effectively with children, youth, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
Ability to assist children with homework and educational activities.
Ability to build positive neighborhood and community relationships.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow established safety procedures.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to two (2) years of college with emphasis on outdoor recreation program planning and implementation and evaluation. Proven experience in
using and teaching appropriate safety considerations, technical adventure skills, understanding participant expectations and discipline in a recreation setting.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Appropriate certifications, as applicable, in outdoor and high adventure activities. Current First Aid and CPR certification or within 30 days of hire. Must be available weekends.
Examples of Duties
OUTDOOR RECREATION- Outdoor Recreation is seeking Recreation Instructors that must be available for weekend work. Duties for the role include:
- Performs responsible outdoor recreation programs instructing participants in outdoor adventure activities and skills while promoting safe, ethical and sound outdoor environmental practices.
- Responsible for assisting in planning, promoting, implementing and evaluating outdoor adventure recreation programs for all ages and abilities.
- Popular programming areas of focus include, but are not limited to: kayaking, canoeing, SUP, rock climbing, mountain biking, Skateboarding, hiking, caving, and various other seasonal high adventure activities. Instructors must be able to show a demonstrated ability and competency in preferred activity or activities of focus.
- Conducts research in order to develop new program ideas.
- Implements the established risk management plan to protect participants, staff and the department and to provide care for equipment and facilities,
- Implements a safe transportation system to meet the needs of program, maintenance and safety.
- This position is expected to work part time. Hours will vary but typically require evening and weekend work; schedule is negotiated with Supervisor.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Youth Development is seeking a Recreation Instructor to be responsible for planning, implementing, leading and facilitating youth development and recreation programs and activities at the Eureka Center. The successful candidate will implement the risk management plan to protect participants and staff and assist in the recruitment and training of staff and volunteers. Requires knowledge of youth development and community activities including but not limited to: fitness and movement, art, nature study, crafts and be able to assist children with homework assignments. Must have the ability to develop new creative programs, build and maximize neighborhood and community relations, and utilize effective communications (both orally and in writing). Must be able to collect registration documents, write receipts, make deposits, and complete assignments on computer.
Typical Qualifications
OUTDOOR RECREATION:
Experience and/or knowledge of educational methodologies.
Broad knowledge of natural sciences.
Must have the ability to work with people of all ages and abilities in front country outdoor settings
Provide a safe, unique and enjoyable outdoor recreation program while being sensitive to the needs of the group.
Ability to research, develop and execute programs with little supervision.
Ability to express self clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Knowledge of first aid procedures and safety precautions necessary in recreational work.
Ability to act swiftly and appropriately in an emergency situation.
Knowledge of outdoor recreation industry safety standards.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT:
Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to two (2) years of college with emphasis on recreation program planning and implementation and one year experience in a day-care or after-school setting as well as possession of a valid driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Certifications required upon request-ARC Standard First Aid and CPR. The program is administered during the regular school year so the position is expected to work approximately 40 weeks/work approx. 20-25 hours per week.
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