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Playground Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PlayCore

Project Designer - GameTime

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Working experience in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Interior Design, Playground industry, or related design field is preferred. Travel * Travel will be at a minimal with occasional trips to ...

PlayCore

Design Technician - ID Sculpture

Gunnison, CO · On-site

Summary ID Sculpture designs and manufactures climbing boulders, playground sculptures, and fine ... The Design Technician uses specific skill sets to support preproduction, design, and sales with ...

Evermark LLC

CAD Designer

Newcomerstown, OH · On-site

$22 - $30.25/hr

... playground, supporting you in ways you've never experienced. Even better, as an ESOP company you ... Create CAD drawings for stair systems, including layouts, elevations, and detailed part drawings ...

Landscape Structures

Custom Design Engineer

Delano, MN · On-site

... playground equipment in the world for more than 50 years. Our employee-owned company designs ... The Custom Design Engineer will apply Engineering and Design for Manufacturability principles to ...

Evermark LLC

CAD Designer

Newcomerstown, OH · On-site

$22 - $30.25/hr

... playground, supporting you in ways you've never experienced. Even better, as an ESOP company you ... Create CAD drawings for stair systems, including layouts, elevations, and detailed part drawings ...

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All JobsPlayground Design Jobs

Playground Design information

See salary details

$42K

$114.5K

$201.5K

How much do playground design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for playground design in the United States is $114,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in playground design, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in playground design often encounter challenges such as balancing safety regulations with creative, engaging designs, accommodating diverse accessibility needs, and working within tight budget constraints. Collaborating closely with landscape architects, community stakeholders, and regulatory bodies is essential to ensure that the final playground is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for all children. Staying updated with current safety standards and universal design principles can help address these challenges, while open communication with clients and project managers can assist in finding innovative solutions within budgetary limits.

What is the difference between Playground Design vs Playground Equipment Installer?

AspectPlayground DesignPlayground Equipment Installer
CredentialsDesign certifications, landscape architecture degreesTechnical training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice, design studios, on-site planningConstruction sites, installation locations
Industry UsagePlanning and conceptualizing playgroundsAssembling and installing equipment
Common Search IntentDesign process, planning, conceptsInstallation procedures, safety standards

Playground Design focuses on creating the overall layout, aesthetics, and safety features of playgrounds, often involving planning and design skills. Playground Equipment Installers, on the other hand, specialize in the physical setup and installation of playground equipment on-site. Both roles are essential in playground projects but differ in their focus, credentials, and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Playground Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Playground Designer, you need a background in landscape architecture or design, familiarity with safety standards, and knowledge of child development. Proficiency with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and relevant certifications like CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector) are typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate with clients and contractors are vital soft skills. These abilities ensure that playgrounds are not only engaging and imaginative but also safe, accessible, and compliant with regulations.

What is playground design?

Playground design is the process of planning and creating play spaces that are safe, accessible, and engaging for children of various ages and abilities. It involves selecting appropriate equipment, materials, and layouts to encourage physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play. Designers must also consider safety standards, accessibility requirements, and community needs to ensure the playground benefits everyone. The goal is to create an inclusive environment that supports healthy child development while providing fun and creative play opportunities.
More about Playground Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Playground Design jobs? Cities with the most Playground Design job openings:
What states have the most Playground Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Playground Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Playground Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Playground Design jobs are:
Playground Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Playground Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $114,491 per year, or $55 per hour.
Project Manager/Community Playspace Build Manager

Project Manager/Community Playspace Build Manager

KaBOOM!

Bethesda, MD

$121K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Who We Are:
KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ensuring that every kid, in every community, has an amazing place to play. Our mission is to end playspace inequity – the reality that playspaces are not available to every child, especially in communities of color. We unite with communities to build kid-designed playspaces that can spark joy and foster a sense of belonging for the kids who are often denied opportunities to thrive.
What We Offer:
At KABOOM!, we believe in supporting your well-being, financial security, and professional growth. Our total rewards package includes:
  • 403(b) retirement plan with up to 6% employer match
  • Annual bonus eligibility based on team and individual performance
  • Student Loan Assistance Program
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Life insurance, wellness resources, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Flexible and generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 12 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays
  • Opportunities for professional development
About the Role:
The Programs Team is seeking an organized, passionate, and community-oriented critical thinker to lead the execution of KABOOM! community-build projects. Each project culminates in a transformative volunteer experience that unites communities to create lasting positive change. This position involves collaborative efforts across teams in preparation for playground projects and reports to the Director of Project Management. The PM will work closely with vendors, professional installation teams, community organizations, funding partners, and a diverse range of community amp; corporate volunteers to deliver playspace projects on time and within budget.

We’re excited to offer not just a job, but a career path full of opportunities for growth and advancement. You’ll be positioned at the forefront of community engagement, gaining invaluable experience that sets you on a trajectory toward leadership roles within our organization and the broader field.
What You’ll Do:
Community-led Design
  • Facilitate an interactive and inclusive community-driven design process where diverse ideas are sought, encouraged, and seamlessly integrated into the playground design.
  • Conduct a hands-on site walk to assess the future playground location, take measurements, outline site preparation requirements, and creatively solve logistical challenges.
  • Lead an exciting design session for 20-30 kids where they can bring their dream playground to life, along with a dynamic adult meeting where community members share their feedback and priorities for the design.
  • Facilitate a collaborative planning session with community members, organization staff, and the funding sponsor to kick off a shared planning phase in preparation for the 3-day build.
  • Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure the playspace design aligns with the dreams of the community and kids.
Project Planning
  • Lead weekly strategic planning calls to coordinate project execution requirements: volunteers, food, tools, etc.
  • Manage construction and logistics to ensure seamless project facilitation and an exceptional volunteer experience.
  • Collaborate with vendors to order materials, confirm designs, and schedule deliveries.
  • Develop and document a comprehensive installation plan by coordinating with the installation supervisor, community partner, and key project stakeholders.
  • Oversee and manage the construction budget effectively.
  • Prepare timely closing documentation to wrap up projects smoothly.
Construction Site and Event Leadership
  • Lead an energizing 3-day playground installation event from start to finish.
  • Coordinate and energize subcontractors, staff, volunteers, and partner staff to install the playground and site amenities. Create detailed plans and demonstrate excellent critical thinking skills to ensure a memorable experience for volunteers and partners.
  • Monitor the job site to ensure all materials and tools are readily available. Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient site.
  • Conduct on-site volunteer training for small and large groups.
  • Collaborate with Installation Supervisors to ensure the playground installation is precise and on schedule. Conduct checklist walkthroughs before leaving the site.
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of all volunteers and staff on site.
  • Leverage volunteers and organization staff to manage logistics, including volunteer registration, meal service, and music.
  • Create a lively and organized atmosphere by leading kickoff, midday, and closing announcements.
  • If applicable, coordinate the completion of post-build action steps needed for the playground within approved timelines.
Additional Responsibilities
  • Maintain strong relationships with facilities leads on municipal entities and child-serving nonprofits.
  • Provide support to the Programs team as needed, including managing vendor relations, developing and refining policies and procedures, maintaining project management supplies, overseeing team training, and other work to meet team needs.
  • Collaborate with the community partner and Outreach Manager in developing engaging post-build programming and ensuring long-term site maintenance.
What You’ll Bring:
Required Skills
  • Experience in volunteer management and/or event management.
  • Minimum of two years in Project or Event Management experience; preferred, but not required, in the fields of Construction or Recreation.
  • Ability to facilitate a participatory design process, listening to, uplifting, and guiding community voices to redesign spaces that meet their needs.
  • Innovative thinking and ability to proactively solve challenges and achieve desired outcomes.
  • Confidence in navigating and leading others through uncertainty, shifting timelines, or changing circumstances.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Flexibility to travel up to 60% of the year within the U.S., with occasional travel to Canada.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
Preferred Skills
  • Ability to communicate in a language other than English, particularly Spanish
Ideal Candidate Attributes
  • Strong project coordination skills across multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities effectively.
  • Experience working with vendors, partners, and community stakeholders.
  • Strong communication and facilitation skills.
  • Ability to operate in dynamic, cross-functional environments.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
  • Comfort working in active outdoor build environments with extended hours, variable weather, and frequent movement throughout the day.
  • Ability to support safe on-site execution, including coordination of basic hand tools, materials, and build-day logistics in accordance with safety practices.
  • Ability to support on-site setup and execution, including assisting with project materials and equipment, such as toolboxes, pelican cases, supplies, and signage, in coordination with vendors and build partners.
  • Ability to manage travel demands associated with high-energy, multi-day events, including early departures, long days, and schedule adjustments.
Other Position Details
  • This position is full-time
  • Location: Bethesda, Maryland (Hybrid)
  • Salary: $65,000
Equal Opportunity Statement
Building an inclusive, high-performing team that is diverse across lines of personal identity is integral to our success and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. This means we do not discriminate against any job applicant or employee because of their race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
We actively strive and evolve to develop and maintain fully inclusive workspaces. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those associated with this position and may be necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This job description does not constitute an employee agreement between the employer and the employee: this description is subject to change by the employer as the needs and requirements of the position change.

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