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Playground Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Rialto

Instructor Aide

Rialto, CA

$18.75 - $20.68/hr

... Instructor, implements and directs a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities for ... playground and day care facility equipment; cares for recreation equipment or supervises a ...

City of Wichita

Instructor I - Recreation 2026

Wichita, KS · On-site

$15.49 - $38/hr

... playground activities, enriching the lives of participants of all ages and backgrounds. You will ... instructors, all while creating a welcoming environment that promotes community connection ...

YMCA of Orange County

Swim Instructor

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20.45/hr

The Swim Instructor will help to create a welcoming environment for members and youth while ... Yorba Linda High School, Yorba Linda Adventure Playground, or Heritage Oaks Private School. Work ...

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How much do playground instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for playground instructor in the United States is $21.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are playground instructors?

Playground instructors are professionals responsible for supervising and guiding children during recreational activities at playgrounds or parks. They ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, organize games and activities, and promote positive social interactions among the children. Playground instructors may also provide first aid, enforce rules, and help maintain equipment. Their role is essential in creating a fun, inclusive, and safe play environment for kids.

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

To thrive as a Playground Instructor, you need a background in child development, basic first aid certification, and experience supervising groups of children. Familiarity with safety protocols, playground equipment, and incident reporting systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and conflict resolution skills help build trust and effectively manage children’s interactions. These qualifications are vital to ensuring a safe, engaging, and positive environment for children’s play and social development.

How does a Playground Instructor typically collaborate with teachers and other staff to ensure a safe and engaging environment for children?

Playground Instructors regularly communicate with teachers and administrative staff to coordinate schedules, share information about students, and address any behavioral or safety concerns. They may attend staff meetings to discuss playground rules, review incident reports, and suggest improvements to playground activities. Collaboration also involves working with other instructors to plan engaging games that promote inclusion, teamwork, and physical activity, while ensuring all safety protocols are followed. Such teamwork helps create a positive, supportive atmosphere for children during recess and playtime.

What is the difference between Playground Instructor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectPlayground InstructorCamp Counselor
Required CertificationsCPR/First Aid, Child Care CertificationsCPR/First Aid, Child Care Certifications
Work EnvironmentSchoolyards, parks, recreational facilitiesSummer camps, outdoor or indoor camp settings
Employer & IndustrySchools, community centers, parksSummer camps, youth programs
Primary ResponsibilitiesSupervising children during outdoor play, ensuring safetyOrganizing activities, supervising children, ensuring safety

Playground Instructors and Camp Counselors both work with children and require similar certifications. However, Playground Instructors typically work in school or park settings focusing on supervising outdoor play, while Camp Counselors work in summer camp environments organizing activities and supervising children over longer periods. Both roles emphasize safety and child engagement but differ mainly in setting and scope of responsibilities.

More about Playground Instructor jobs
What job categories do people searching Playground Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Playground Instructor jobs are:
Playground Instructor jobs near you

Recreation Specialist IV - Driver ($29.06/hour - $39.22/hour)

HAYWARD AREA RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT

Hayward, CA • On-site

$29.06 - $39.22/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 hours ago

Job description

Are you a skilled, safety-conscious driver looking for a rewarding part-time opportunity? Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) is seeking a motivated Recreation Specialist IV to join our team in a key driver role supporting district-wide recreation programming.
What You'll Do:
  • Safely tow and transport large district assets including the rock wall, mobile stage, and giant LED screen
  • Support a variety of special events and our "Get Outdoors" programming
  • Proactively inspect and ensure all equipment meets safety standards before and after transport
  • Operate with a high degree of independence while contributing to a positive team environment

What We're Looking For:
  • Valid driver's license with experience towing large trailers or heavy equipment assets
  • A proactive, safety-first mindset with a positive, can-do attitude
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Comfort working in dynamic, event-driven environments
  • Availability on nights and weekends

Why You'll Love This Role:
  • Enjoy the flexibility of supplementary part-time hours that fit around your schedule
  • Work in an upbeat, supportive environment
  • Play a hands-on role in programming that gets your community outside and active

Details About The Position:
  • Available Positions: 1
  • Hourly Rate: $29.06/hour - $39.22/hour
  • Work Schedule: Up to 18 hours/week
  • Typical Work hours: Hours will generally be during evenings and weekends based on programming needs.
  • Part-Time, Year-Round, Hourly, Non-Exempt Position
  • Work Location: Multiple Sites within the District
  • Anticipated Start Date: ASAP
  • Not to exceed 960 hours per fiscal year. (July 1 - June 30)

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. This posting may close at any time.
Definition
Under direction on an hourly or seasonal basis, to provide special technical recreation skill, or to teach a particular skill or craft; and to do related work as required.
Distinguishing Features
This is a broad class covering a wide variety of recreation technicians and workers employed on an hourly or seasonal basis. Recreation Specialist IV must be able to develop and conduct a course of endeavor in one or more fields. They will receive guidance on District policies, requirements and general course content form a Recreation Supervisor, but must exercise independent judgment in the application of specialized knowledge and skills in the conduct of the group or class.
A list of currently recognized specialties is listed below.
Examples of Duties
  • Plans, schedules and conducts classes or groups in specific fields.
  • Develops class material for age groups involved.
  • May be placed in charge of overall recreation programs and/or activities.
  • May visit playgrounds and centers or staff meetings and assist with instructions and leadership techniques in a specific skill.
  • May supervise one or more staff as required by the program.
  • Stimulates interest and appreciation in one or more fields of the specific activity.
  • Maintains facilities and equipment for class use; maintains an inventory of necessary materials for class or group and notifies supervisor of needs.
  • Keeps records and makes reports as required.
  • Responsibility for one or more theater technical department.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Must be eighteen years of age or older.
  • Completion of one year of college or university work with specialization in recreation, physical education, group work, or a closely related field.
  • One-year experience in teaching or conducting groups or classes in the major fields of the assigned activity.
  • Some acceptable combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements
Knowledge of:
Common outdoor and indoor sports and games and methods of playing them.
Organizational skills required for conduction of individual group activities.
Sources containing rules and regulations for sports and games.
Common handicrafts and fundamental techniques of working and teaching them.
Instruction in specialized classes such as Special Interest Classes, Dance and Fitness.
Fundamentals of First Aid and CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) and techniques of administering them.
Ability To:
Organize and conduct individual and group activities.
Train and supervise assistants.
Work cooperatively with supervisors and other staff members.
Follow oral and written instructions and accept responsibility.
Read blueprints, draw blueprints and construction drawings.
List of Specialties:
Adult Sports Instructor Lighting Technician Sports Official Aquatics Martial Arts Instructor Teen Leader Arts & Crafts Instructor Music Instructor Tennis Instructor Assistant Property Master Outdoor Specialist Tot Time Instructor Dance Instructor Photography Instructor Wardrobe Assistant Drama Instructor Playground Instructor Youth Specialist Exercise Instructor Playground Leader Golf Instructor Scenic Carpenter Handicapped Specialist Senior Adult Specialist Instructional Sports Instructor Special Interest Instructor

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