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Parks And Recreation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Southport

Parks & Recreation Director

Southport, NC · On-site

$83K - $128K/yr

The Parks and Recreation Director serves as a department head and reports directly to the City Manager. The Director works collaboratively with City staff, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee ...

City of Stow, OH

Seasonal Parks & Recreation

OH · On-site

$15/hr

Parks and Recreation Division: Parks and Recreation Programs Opening Date: 04/01/2026 Position Title Seasonal Parks and Recreation Programs/Internships Essential Functions Seasonal Recreation ...

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How much do parks and recreation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for parks and recreation in the United States is $20.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some jobs in the recreation industry?

Jobs in the recreation industry include positions such as recreation coordinator, park ranger, fitness instructor, lifeguard, sports coach, and outdoor adventure guide. These roles often require skills in customer service, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like CPR or lifeguard training, depending on the specific job environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Parks and Recreation professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Parks and Recreation professionals often encounter challenges such as managing limited budgets, balancing diverse community needs, and maintaining facilities with constrained resources. Addressing these challenges typically involves creative problem-solving, effective communication with stakeholders, and building strong partnerships with local organizations. Additionally, professionals in this field must stay adaptable and proactive in seeking grants or alternative funding sources to enhance programs and services. Collaborating closely with team members and community volunteers also helps to maximize impact and ensure a positive experience for residents.

What are their jobs on parks and Rec?

Jobs in parks and recreation include roles such as park rangers, recreation coordinators, maintenance workers, and program instructors. These positions involve managing park facilities, organizing community activities, maintaining outdoor spaces, and ensuring safety and accessibility for visitors. Skills in customer service, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like CPR are often required.

What Are Parks and Recreation Jobs?

Jobs in parks and recreation encompass various positions throughout the country, some of which take place in an office setting and others which, unsurprisingly, take place at parks and recreation facilities. Parks and recreation employees are government workers who strive to protect the environment and enhance the quality of life for people in their communities, operating recreation centers and creating low-cost or free options to enjoy the outdoors. Entry-level jobs include lifeguards, aquatic center or recreation coordinators, and parks maintenance workers. With some experience, you might transition into a career as a manager, supervisor, or even a parks and recreation director.

How much do park aides get paid?

Park aides typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the location and level of experience. They often work part-time, outdoors, and may require basic certifications or training in first aid or safety procedures.

What are parks and recreation jobs?

Parks and recreation jobs involve managing, maintaining, and programming public parks, recreational facilities, and community spaces. These roles can include park rangers, recreation coordinators, groundskeepers, and program leaders who organize activities and ensure facilities are safe and enjoyable for the public. Employees in this field often work with local governments or community organizations to promote outdoor activities, healthy lifestyles, and environmental stewardship. The work can be both physically active and community-focused, offering opportunities to make a positive impact on public well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Parks and Recreation professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Parks and Recreation professional, you typically need a background in recreation management, environmental science, or a related field along with knowledge of program planning and facility operations. Familiarity with reservation systems, budgeting software, and certifications such as CPR/First Aid or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) are often required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you engage the community and effectively manage teams or public interactions. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, enjoyable, and well-organized recreational experiences for the public.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Jobs in sales, such as high-performing real estate agents or insurance brokers, can pay $4,000 or more weekly through commissions. Skilled trades like certain construction managers or elevator installers may also reach this income level with experience, certifications, and overtime work.

What is the difference between Parks And Recreation vs Recreation Therapist?

AspectParks And RecreationRecreation Therapist
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related fieldUsually requires a degree in recreation therapy, therapeutic recreation, or similar, often with certification
Work EnvironmentPublic parks, community centers, recreational facilitiesHealthcare settings, hospitals, rehabilitation centers
Employer & IndustryMunicipal, state, or federal government, community organizationsHealthcare providers, hospitals, mental health facilities
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on community recreation and public programsFocus on therapeutic activities for health and recovery

While both roles involve promoting leisure and activity, Parks And Recreation professionals primarily work in community and public settings to organize recreational programs. Recreation Therapists focus on using recreation as a therapeutic tool to improve health outcomes in clinical environments.

More about Parks And Recreation jobs
What cities are hiring for Parks And Recreation jobs? Cities with the most Parks And Recreation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Parks And Recreation jobs? The most popular types of Parks And Recreation jobs are:
What states have the most Parks And Recreation jobs? States with the most job openings for Parks And Recreation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Parks And Recreation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Parks And Recreation jobs are:
Parks And Recreation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Parks And Recreation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,252 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Parks & Recreation Director

City of Southport, NC

Southport, NC • On-site

$83K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Salary: $83,211.01 - $128,144.95 Annually
Location : 1029 N. Howe Street, Southport, NC
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00080
Department: Parks & Rec
Division: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
The City of Southport operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The Parks and Recreation Director serves as a department head and reports directly to the City Manager. The Director works collaboratively with City staff, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, community organizations, volunteers, and partner agencies to develop, implement, and enhance recreational programs, facilities, and services that align with the City's goals and priorities.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and visionary leader to rebuild and shape the future of parks and recreation in the City of Southport. Following a department reorganization, the successful candidate will have the rare opportunity to build a department from the ground up by recruiting staff, developing programs, establishing operational procedures, cultivating community partnerships, and creating a long-term vision for recreational services that enrich the quality of life for residents and visitors.
The Parks and Recreation Director will lead the strategic planning, development, implementation, and administration of the City's parks, recreational facilities, community programs, special events, and future recreational initiatives. Working closely with the City Manager, elected officials, advisory committees, community organizations, volunteers, and residents, the Director will establish a culture of innovation, accountability, customer service, and community engagement.
The ideal candidate is an energetic, enthusiastic, and innovative leader who demonstrates initiative, embraces new ideas, and actively seeks opportunities to expand programs, strengthen community partnerships, and improve services. The successful candidate will be motivated to build and grow a thriving Parks and Recreation Department by embracing innovation, expanding opportunities, taking a proactive approach to serving the community, and continually improving services.
Why Join the City of Southport?
This position offers a rare opportunity to leave a lasting impact on one of North Carolina's most vibrant coastal communities. The next Parks and Recreation Director will have the support of City leadership to develop a modern, innovative department that reflects the needs and interests of residents while creating exceptional recreational opportunities for generations to come.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate all Parks and Recreation programs, services, facilities, and operations.
  • Recruit and build a high-performing Parks and Recreation team through thoughtful hiring, onboarding, coaching, and employee development.
  • Train, supervise, coach, mentor, motivate, and evaluate departmental staff and volunteers while fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
  • Develop departmental operating procedures, performance standards, and organizational structure.
  • Evaluate existing parks, facilities, and recreational assets to identify opportunities for improvement and future investment.
  • Establish short-term priorities and a long-range strategic vision for the department.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, teamwork, and exceptional customer service.
  • Develop new recreational programs, events, and community activities that meet the evolving needs of residents and community members.
  • Take initiative in identifying opportunities to improve parks, facilities, programs, and customer service.
  • Build partnerships with schools, civic organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to expand recreational opportunities.
  • Develop annual departmental goals, measurable performance objectives, and strategic initiatives.
  • Prepare, administer, and monitor departmental budgets while actively pursuing grants, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities.
  • Coordinate facility rentals, athletic programs, youth and senior activities, camps, and special events.
  • Ensure parks and recreational facilities are safe, clean, attractive, and well maintained.
  • Develop policies, procedures, and operational improvements that promote efficiency and excellent customer service.
  • Plan and oversee park improvements, facility enhancement projects, and future capital improvement initiatives.
  • Promote departmental programs through marketing, social media, public outreach, and community engagement.
  • Respond professionally to citizen inquiries, concerns, and requests.
  • Work collaboratively with City departments, community organizations, and advisory boards.
  • Stay informed of current trends and best practices in parks and recreation and implement innovative ideas when appropriate.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience leading organizational change or building new programs is highly desirable.
  • Ability to inspire and motivate employees through periods of growth and organizational development.
  • Strong fiscal management with demonstrated ability to prioritize limited resources.
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, solve problems, and work independently.
  • Ability to think creatively and develop innovative recreational opportunities.
  • Excellent communication and public relations skills.
  • Ability to build positive relationships with staff, volunteers, community organizations, and the public.
  • Strong project management and organizational planning abilities.
  • Knowledge of budgeting, grant administration, and municipal operations.
  • Ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail.

Desired Characteristics
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
  • Enthusiasm for serving the community.
  • A proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • Initiative in identifying opportunities rather than waiting for direction.
  • Creativity and innovation in program development.
  • A positive, energetic, and team-oriented attitude.
  • Strong leadership through collaboration and accountability.
  • Passion for creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
  • Comfortable leading organizational change and building successful teams from the ground up.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, Recreation Management, Sports Management, or a related field preferred.
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is preferred or the ability to obtain certification within one year of hire.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation administration, municipal government, or a closely related field, including at least three years of supervisory and budget management experience.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
This full-time position qualifies for our complete benefit package. Please visit the City's benefits page for details.

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