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Recreation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clear Lake Recreation Center

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Recreation Manager/Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

$38K - $43K/yr

Establish, supervise, and participate in the conduct of all recreational programs, including lifeguard responsibility in areas of hiring, training, supervising, scheduling, and managing. Overseeing ...

Clear Lake Recreation Center

Be Seen First

Recreation Manager/Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

$38K - $43K/yr

Establish, supervise, and participate in the conduct of all recreational programs, including lifeguard responsibility in areas of hiring, training, supervising, scheduling, and managing. Overseeing ...

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How much do recreation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 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.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Recreation jobs that can pay around $4,000 a week without a degree typically include roles such as experienced event coordinators, specialized fitness trainers, or freelance outdoor guides, often requiring significant experience, certifications, or self-employment. High earnings in this field usually depend on skill level, reputation, and the ability to secure large or multiple contracts, rather than formal education.

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 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 are the highest paying recreation jobs?

High-paying recreation jobs include positions such as recreation director, sports facility manager, and recreation therapist, often requiring advanced education, certifications, or management experience. These roles typically involve overseeing programs, managing staff, and working in settings like community centers, sports complexes, or healthcare facilities, with salaries varying based on experience and location.

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 recreation jobs?

Recreation jobs involve planning, organizing, and leading activities that promote leisure, fitness, and community engagement. Common roles include recreation director, activity coordinator, and outdoor guide, often requiring skills in communication, organization, and sometimes certifications like CPR or lifeguard training.
More about Recreation jobs
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:
Recreation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% 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 Specialist

Recreation Specialist

Northwest Special Recreation Association

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$43K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Job Title
Recreation Specialist
Department
Recreation
Direct Reports
Part-Time Employees and Volunteers
Reports To
Manager of Programs and Special Events
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, IMRF
Classification
Full-Time
Schedule
Estimated 40 hours per week Ability to work a flexible schedule Monday - Friday; will include occasional evenings and weekends based on programming and association business needs
Salary/Hourly Wage
$43.482-45,482.00
FLSA
Exempt
Job Purpose
The Recreation Specialist uses recreation, leisure, and activity-based interventions to enhance the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities. This role assesses participant needs, develops and implements individualized and program plans, facilitates therapeutic recreational programs, and evaluates outcomes to support functional improvement, independence, and overall quality of life within recreational settings.
Position Qualifications
  • Graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks and Recreation or related field of study.
  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Certification (CTRS) through National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), or the ability to obtain certification within a timeframe determined by Association policy and/or the Executive Director.
  • First Aid/CPR/AED certification required or ability to obtain.
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification required or ability to obtain.
  • Ability to drive Association vehicles and obtain an Illinois Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
  • Maintain all required certifications.
  • Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the theory and philosophy of therapeutic and community recreation, with a strong commitment to individuals with disabilities. Possess the knowledge and ability to work effectively with individuals with disabilities.
  • Ability to assess, plan, develop, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs.
  • Highly motivated, outgoing, and confident self-starter with strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. Demonstrates leadership qualities, including maturity, flexibility, and professionalism.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Plan, develop and implement a variety of programs, including general, clubs, special events, Leisure Education, Winter, Spring and Summer camps, trips/overnights, Lightning Athletics, inclusive placements and cooperative programs, with creativity and enthusiasm.
  • Implement behavior management strategies as needed while supporting individual and social skill development, encouraging independence, promoting full participation by adapting activities, and ensuring participants' physical/emotional well-being.
  • Serve as a team leader for recreational programs, supervising and evaluating part-time employees and volunteers to promote group cohesiveness.
  • Solve complex problems, work efficiently under pressure, and meet deadlines for projects, assignments, and events.
  • Select and recommend supplies and equipment while overseeing inventory, cleaning, inspection, restocking, and ongoing maintenance within assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Assist in developing clear and concise communication for program staff, part-time employees, parents/ guardians, and community and district partners.
  • Provide on-call support for programs, addressing urgent participant needs and assisting with coverage, emergencies, or operational needs as required.
  • Effectively use phones, computers, tablets, software, and online tools to complete job duties, while preparing, receiving, understanding, and responding promptly to written communications via mail, text, or email.
  • Drive Association or personal vehicles for recreation programs, meetings, or Association business.
  • Assist with recruitment and outreach efforts by attending job fairs, school career programs, community events, and staff interviews.
  • Perform other duties as needed to support the Association's Vision, fulfill the Mission, and uphold NWSRA's Core Values.

Physical DemandsThe Recreation Specialist must, with or without reasonable accommodation, be able to perform the following functions:
  • Frequently stand, walk, sit, rotate, or feel; reach with arms and hands. The employee must be able to talk, hear, and see (both near and far).
  • Gather, load, transport, and set up equipment and supplies.
  • Ability to safely lift and transfer loads of up to 75 lbs. or apply up to 40 lbs. of force continuously to move objects.
  • Visual acuity required to operate Association vehicles.

Working Conditions
This job operates in a wide variety of environments. The noise level can range from quiet to loud. When working indoors, conditions can include different types of lighting, temperatures, and noise. When working outdoors you may be exposed to different types of weather conditions, heat, humidity, frigid, windy and wet conditions along with a variety of insects. You may encounter various exposures such as pool chemicals, cleaning chemicals, infectious diseases and a variety of elements when driving and programming for the Associations programs or Foundation events.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Equal Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at NWSRA, which bases employment upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of an individual's actual or perceived race (including but not limited to traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, national origin, citizenship status, work authorization status, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, disability, association with a person with a disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, unfavorable discharge from military service or military status, civil union partnership, order of protection status, pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process may contact HR at HRteam@nwsra.org.

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