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Playground Design Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

KABOOM!

Project Management Intern

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$2.5K/mo

The Project Management Team partners with communities to design, plan and build a playground through a community mobilization effort. KABOOM! and community members will work together for three months ...

KaBOOM!

Project Management Intern

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$2.5K/mo

The Project Management Team partners with communities to design, plan and build a playground through a community mobilization effort. KABOOM! and community members will work together for three months ...

AEA Investors

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Washington, DC · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Review development projects and provide design recommendations. * Coordinate with planners on ... Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification. * Landscape Architecture License or ...

KID Museum

Shop Manager

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$60K - $68K/yr

... design, fabrication, and maintenance of interactives for Maker Playground, school field trips, and Open Explore. This role is also responsible for ongoing shop and tool maintenance, as well as ...

KID Museum

Shop Manager

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... design, fabrication, and maintenance of interactives for Maker Playground, school field trips, and Open Explore. This role is also responsible for ongoing shop and tool maintenance, as well as ...

KID Museum

Shop Manager

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$60K - $68K/yr

... design, fabrication, and maintenance of interactives for Maker Playground, school field trips, and Open Explore. This role is also responsible for ongoing shop and tool maintenance, as well as ...

Jobless

Shop Manager

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... design, fabrication, and maintenance of interactives for Maker Playground, school field trips, and Open Explore. This role is also responsible for ongoing shop and tool maintenance, as well as ...

KID Museum

Shop Manager

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$60K - $68K/yr

... design, fabrication, and maintenance of interactives for Maker Playground, school field trips, and Open Explore. This role is also responsible for ongoing shop and tool maintenance, as well as ...

Kid-Museum-2

Shop Manager

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... design, fabrication, and maintenance of interactives for Maker Playground, school field trips, and Open Explore. This role is also responsible for ongoing shop and tool maintenance, as well as ...

Phasecraft

Quantum Algorithms Scientist - US

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

... VC, Playground Global. Phasecraft's unprecedented access to today's best quantum computers ... Strong understanding of quantum circuit design, compilation, and optimization techniques. * Ability ...

Phasecraft

Quantum Algorithms Scientist - US

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

... VC, Playground Global. Phasecraft's unprecedented access to today's best quantum computers ... Strong understanding of quantum circuit design, compilation, and optimization techniques. * Ability ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Senior RF Analyst

Chantilly, VA · Hybrid

$90K - $119K/yr

The Technical Playground: Tackle intellectually stimulating problems that span the full spectrum of RF payload engineering: * Advanced antenna systems design * End-to-end transmit and receive chain ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Senior RF Analyst

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$90K - $119K/yr

The Technical Playground: Tackle intellectually stimulating problems that span the full spectrum of RF payload engineering: * Advanced antenna systems design * End-to-end transmit and receive chain ...

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All JobsPlayground Design JobsPlayground Design Jobs in Washington, DC

Playground Design information

See Washington, DC salary details

$47.6K

$129.7K

$228.2K

How much do playground design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for playground design in Washington, DC is $129,672.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $163,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Playground Design jobs in Washington, DC?

For Playground Design jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Playground Design jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Playground Design jobs in Washington, DC are:

Playground Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Playground Design job openings in Washington, DC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,672 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Project Management Intern

KABOOM!

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$2.5K/mo

Contractor, Internship

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Who We Are: KABOOM! is a 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.
About the Project Management Team: The Project Management Team partners with communities to design, plan and build a playground through a community mobilization effort. KABOOM! and community members will work together for three months to: engage kids in the playground design, form a planning committee, and to host a 3-day, volunteer playground installation event, engaging 150-200 volunteers.
About the Role: KABOOM! is seeking an intern who is a college student, recent graduate, graduate student, or an individual actively engaged in a structured learning or workforce development program to join our dynamic Project Management team. The Project Management intern would directly support playground installation events across the country. Over the 4-month position, you would travel across the country to partner with community members and corporate volunteers to build playgrounds. The intern will learn critical skills in event management, volunteer engagement, and recreational construction. A playground build project lasts for 3 days. All travel and meal expenses will be covered by KABOOM! for each project, in addition to the stipend. When not traveling, the intern would work a minimum of 3 days a week from the KABOOM! Bethesda office.
What You'll Do:
  • Organization and Project Execution - Provide on-site support to the Project Manager during KABOOM! led community playground builds, including the physical preparation and construction of the playground and site amenities.
  • Communication - Clearly communicate tasks and responsibilities to volunteers and with the Project Manager
  • Knowledge - Learn about playground equipment, play environments, project planning and execution.
  • Leadership - Assist with volunteer and event management of playground builds across North America.
  • Planning - Assist Project Managers with creating and revising planning documents, including administrative reports.
  • Writing and Communications - Prepare written instructions for volunteers regarding installation of playground equipment and construction of other site amenities

What You'll Bring:
  • Current enrollment in an accredited college or university (sophomore status or above), recent college graduate, graduate student, or participant in a recognized workforce development, trade, technical, or other accredited learning program.
  • Individuals who have recently completed a recognized, accredited learning or workforce development program are also eligible for this internship.
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Proactivity and personal initiative to accomplish work and manage challenges
  • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Ability to work approximately 40+ hours per week
  • Housing, outside of official build travel, is not included.
  • Ability to travel, via airplane, to playground builds across North America and the ability to work remotely when not on a project site. Ability to drive in unfamiliar environments.
  • Must have a valid US driver's license, and either Real ID or Passport

Preferred Skills:
  • Area of study relates to the intern opening (Non-profit Management, Communications, Marketing, Construction Management, etc.), strongly preferred
  • Interested individuals should be able to effectively manage responsibilities and meet deadlines
  • Individual must have the ability to communicate with community members and business partners of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels
  • Willingness to engage in productive and challenging work
  • Be open and receptive to feedback and learning opportunities
  • Interns will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, including working in a cooperative manner within a team-oriented environment

Location and Compensation:
  • Timing: This is a 4-month internship, starting no later than Aug of 2026
  • Location: This position is based in Bethesda, MD
  • Stipend: $2,500 per month, in addition to all travel expenses covered when on a project site

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.
Additional Requirements:
Individual has the ability and willingness to build relationships across differences and discuss issues of structural and institutional racism.
Essential Job Functions:
Program Team- "Ability to maintain acceptable standards of conduct and work cooperatively as an effective team member of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Communicates with others, sits, or moves about the office to coordinate work and uses a computer as well as other office equipment as needed. In addition, must be able to travel independently, leading events with extended hours of moving about in various weather conditions and in some circumstances, able to lift or move objects unassisted up to 60 pounds with the ability to operate basic hand tools."
Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential function of this 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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