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Recreation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Recreation information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do recreation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation in the United States is $17.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job in recreation?

Most recreation workers have at least a bachelor’s degree, typically in recreation or leisure studies. Other bachelor’s degrees may qualify candidates, depending on the exact nature of the job. You may also consider obtaining certifications through the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Camp Association; these certifications require varied levels of education and training, and some require continued education. If you are pursuing a career in recreation, and again depending on the exact position, you may need additional certifications, such as first aid and CPR, which are offered through the American Red Cross. Many of the courses are offered locally or online.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Coordinator, you need knowledge of program planning, recreational activities, and a relevant degree or certification in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and health and safety regulations is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and leadership are vital for engaging participants and managing teams. These competencies ensure safe, enjoyable, and well-organized recreational programs that meet community needs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in recreation roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working in recreation often encounter challenges such as managing diverse participant needs, adapting programs for varying age groups and abilities, and ensuring safety during activities. Balancing administrative tasks with hands-on involvement can also be demanding, especially during peak seasons or special events. Effective communication, ongoing training, and creative problem-solving are essential for addressing these challenges and delivering engaging, inclusive programs.

What is the difference between Recreation vs Fitness Instructor?

AspectRecreationFitness Instructor
CredentialsCPR certification, sometimes specialized certifications in activitiesCPR certification, personal training certifications (e.g., NASM, ACE)
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilitiesGyms, fitness clubs, private studios
Industry UsageUsed broadly in community and recreational settingsPrimarily in health and fitness industry
Job FocusOrganizing recreational activities and programsProviding fitness instruction and training

Recreation professionals focus on organizing and facilitating leisure activities for community engagement, while fitness instructors concentrate on guiding individuals through exercise routines to improve health and fitness. Both roles require certifications like CPR, but their work environments and primary objectives differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Recreation jobs?

Cities with the most Recreation job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs?

The most popular types of Recreation jobs are:

What states have the most Recreation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recreation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Recreation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,898 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Recreation Coordinator

Highlands Recreation District

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$26 - $33.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description:

The Recreation Coordinator supports the planning, organization, supervision, delivery, and evaluation of District recreation, sports, active adult (senior), and enrichment programs occurring at various district and local recreation facilities including district-wide special events and promoting district marketing/multimedia communications. The position collaborates across departments to produce the District’s seasonal activity guides, manage social media content, develop promotional materials, and assist with logistical planning for community events. The Recreation Coordinator manages district facility rentals and supervision in support of the community and recreational needs. The position reports to, and receives general supervision from, the General Manager.

  • Program Development: Identify community needs and design engaging programs seasonal / enrichment day camps, sports leagues, youth and senior programs.
  • Staff Leadership: Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise seasonal, part-time, and volunteer staff, as well as activity instructors.
  • Facility Rental and Special Events: Manage and schedule facility rentals with community partners, non-profit and or commercial groups.
  • Budgeting & Procurement: Manage activity funds, purchase equipment and supplies, process participant fees, and track expenditures.
  • Safety & Compliance: Enforce venue safety regulations, ensure equipment is well-maintained, and maintain current CPR/First Aid certifications.
  • Marketing & Outreach: Promote events by designing flyers, writing press releases, and coordinating with local community groups.

Essential Functions and Tasks

· Prepares daily, weekly and seasonal schedules of events and activities

· Coordinate the planning, scheduling, and implementation of recreation and active adult (senior), youth programs, classes, and camps, sports tournaments, and holiday events including vendor coordination, supply acquisition, partner/volunteer alignment, staffing needs, schedules, and day-of operations.

· Monitor program and event supplies; prepare purchase requests, gather quotes, and track expenditures for assigned program areas.

· Collect, track, and maintain program and rental data including attendance, participation metrics, evaluations, trends, and community demand indicators, preparing reports as needed.

· Develop new program ideas, events, and community engagement opportunities based on community needs, trends, feedback, and District goals.

· Serve as the primary contact for contracted seasonal instructors, ensuring agreements, certifications, insurance, and required documentation are current and compliant.

· Support instructors, contractors, seasonal and rental staff, rental clients, and community partners by providing accurate information, resolving routine issues, and escalating complex concerns to supervisors as appropriate.

· Conducts informational meetings with staff, and volunteers concerning policies, procedures, rules and regulations related to their specific assigned activities

· Requires responsibility for analyzing community and group recreational needs, in selecting and adapting programs to meet those needs, in procuring the materials and resources necessary for implementing recreation programs, and in making the most effective use of the facilities and staff.

· Manage the District’s multimedia and promotional materials, including seasonal activity guides, flyers, graphics, videos, banners, and digital content, websites, outdoor kiosks, brochures and fliers; prepare press releases, news articles for community papers, and other marketing materials. Gathers program information, drafting descriptions, coordinating layout and design, ensuring brand consistency, and managing both physical and digital distribution, to promote district events and ensure consistent messaging across all departments.

· Manages the rental of district facilities by processing requests, preparing permits, coordinating schedules, communicating requirements to renters, ensuring renter agreements and supporting documents are up to date, and scheduling building attendants.

· Interface with local Highlands community groups and partners regarding facility rental requests, ensuring alignment with District policies and community priorities.

· Maintain recreation, facility rental scheduling calendars, ensuring accurate facility use, timely updates, and prompt resolution of scheduling conflicts.

· Assist with the development of annual budget for Seasonal and Rental Departments and monitor Seasonal and Rental budget line items throughout the year to support responsible financial stewardship.

· Perform other related duties as assigned that support the effective coordination of recreation programs, facility and aquatics rentals, communications, and district-wide events.

Minimum Hourly: $26.00 - Maximum Hourly: $33.50

Requirements:Requirements

Required Qualifications · Associate’s degree in recreation, communications, marketing, public administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.· Two years of experience coordinating recreation programs, facility rentals, events, communications, or closely related community services.· Two years of experience supervising staff, contractors, and program volunteers.· Experience coordinating with community groups, vendors, contractors, or program instructors.· Proficiency with design and content-creation software (e.g., Canva, Adobe).

Preferred Qualifications· Bachelor’s degree in recreation, marketing, communications, public administration, or a related field.· Three years’ experience leading recreational activities, performing recreational support services, and/or recreational facility operations, planning or coordinating community events, seasonal programs, or facility rentals.· Three years of experience supervising staff, contractors, and program volunteers.· Experience producing activity guides, newsletters, or other multi-page publications.· Familiarity with social media analytics, engagement strategies, and community outreach methods.