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Recreation Assistant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Recreation Assistant

CO ยท On-site

$56K - $69K/yr

The Recreation Assistant will help bring programs to life, provide exceptional customer service, support instructors and coaches, assist with facility operations, and help ensure safe, welcoming, and ...

PRIMARY PURPOSE The Recreation Assistant shall serve The Navigators and fulfill the responsibilities listed below in the spirit of The Navigators calling, values and purpose: To advance the Gospel of ...

Denver Parks & Recreation offers progressive community based Adaptive Recreation programming for people with disabilities at any age. Our team of devoted professionals enriches the lives of people ...

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Recreation Assistant information

See Colorado salary details

$11

$18

$24

How much do recreation assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation assistant in Colorado is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Assistant, you need knowledge of recreational programming, physical fitness, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with scheduling software, activity planning tools, and CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to motivate others help you engage diverse participants and foster a positive environment. These competencies ensure safe, enjoyable, and inclusive recreational experiences for all participants.

What skills do you need to be a recreation assistant?

A recreation assistant needs strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with the public and team members. Organizational abilities, knowledge of recreational activities, and basic first aid certification are also important for planning programs and ensuring safety. Physical stamina and flexibility are often required to assist with activities and events.

What does a recreation assistant do?

A Recreation Assistant helps plan, organize, and lead recreational activities for groups and individuals in community centers, parks, camps, or fitness facilities. Their duties often include setting up equipment, assisting with event coordination, supervising participants, and ensuring safety guidelines are followed. They may also help maintain facilities and provide customer service to participants. Recreation Assistants play a key role in creating enjoyable and engaging experiences for people of all ages.

How does a recreation assistant typically collaborate with other team members to ensure successful events and activities?

As a Recreation Assistant, collaboration is a key part of the role. You will often work closely with recreation coordinators, instructors, and facility staff to plan, set up, and supervise activities and events. Regular communication is essential to coordinate logistics, share updates, and address any issues that arise during programs. Being proactive, adaptable, and a team player helps ensure that events run smoothly and participants have a positive experience.

What is the difference between Recreation Assistant vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation AssistantRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid certifications often requiredSame as Recreation Assistant; additional experience may be preferred
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilitiesSimilar settings, often overseeing programs and staff
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, community organizations, parks departmentsMunicipalities, nonprofit organizations, recreation departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsLooking for roles with more responsibility and program oversight

The main difference between a Recreation Assistant and a Recreation Coordinator lies in their level of responsibility. Recreation Assistants typically support recreational programs and activities under supervision, while Recreation Coordinators oversee program planning, staff management, and larger projects. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but the Coordinator position generally involves more leadership and organizational duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Assistant jobs in Colorado? For Recreation Assistant jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Recreation Assistant jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Recreation Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreation Assistant job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,747 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

$56K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Salary : $56,200.00 - $69,267.00 Annually
Location : Community Center
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Department: Parks and Recreation
Division: Recreation Administration
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/12/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Non-Exempt
The City of Gunnison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The City of Gunnison is dedicated to the principles of equal employment. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age over 40, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law.
Description
The City of Gunnison is seeking an enthusiastic and community focused Recreation Assistant to join our Parks and Recreation team. This position plays an important role in creating positive experiences for residents and visitors by supporting recreation programs, special events, facility operations, and community activities for participants of all ages. The Recreation Assistant will help bring programs to life, provide exceptional customer service, support instructors and coaches, assist with facility operations, and help ensure safe, welcoming, and engaging spaces at the Gunnison Community Center.
This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while working alongside a dedicated recreation team. The ideal candidate is energetic, organized, and passionate about serving others through recreation and wellness opportunities. Responsibilities include assisting with program coordination, supervising part time staff and volunteers, supporting aquatics and recreation activities, and helping deliver high quality services that promote an active and connected community.
Examples of Duties and Qualifications
General Purpose:The Recreation Assistant's main responsibilities are to perform obligations associated with the front desk, climbing wall, recreation staff, aquatics staff, senior center staff, and supervise part-time staff and instructors at the Gunnison Community Center. This position works in close relationship with the Recreation Center Manager, Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Coordinator and Aquatics Manager on day-to-day operations, budgeting, long term goals and various programs and events. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assist with the planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of recreation programs, special events, and community activities for participants of all ages.
  • Prepare facilities, equipment, and supplies before, during, and after programs, classes, leagues, and events while maintaining the cleanliness and organization of all spaces.
  • Welcome participants and provide exceptional customer service by answering questions, providing information, and resolving routine concerns.
  • Enforce department policies, facility rules, and safety procedures in a professional and consistent manner.
  • Assist with participant registration, attendance tracking, program records, facility and park rentals and other administrative tasks using recreation management software and standard office applications.
  • Set up and take down tables, chairs, sports equipment, audio/visual equipment, and other materials required for programs and events.
  • Perform routine inspections of facilities and equipment, reporting maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
  • Assist with promoting recreation programs through flyers, social media, community outreach, and participant engagement.
  • Support instructors, coaches, volunteers, and other staff during programs and events.
  • Assist with opening and closing recreation facilities in accordance with department procedures.
  • Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules as required to support department operations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
  • This position includes a swim instruction element that requires proficient swim skills and teaching ability.
  • The Recreation Assistant may be called on to officiate or coach programs as needed, prior experience a plus but not required.
Job QualificationsRequired Education and Experience:A Bachelor's Degree in Recreation, Leisure Services, Physical Education or related field and two years progressive experience in recreation programming, leisure service or special events.
Experience as it relates to this position may be deemed acceptable in lieu of education.Other Necessary Requirements:The Recreation Assistant must currently carry a valid Driver's License and currently hold (or can obtain) a CPR/AED Certification. A Lifeguard Certification or Water Safety Instructor Certification is a plus but not required of this position.Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:English Language Comprehension - Requires the ability to listen to, read, understand and communicate the English language so that others are able to understand. This must be done both orally and in writing, at the level appropriate for the position held. Spanish Language Comprehension a plus but not required.Working ConditionsWork Environment:This position primarily works a Tuesday through Saturday schedule but is flexible based on staffing needs, events and programs and may include evenings, early mornings, holidays, or Sundays. This position works indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. Physical Activities:
  • Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach throughout the workday.
  • Lift, carry, push, and pull equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Move tables, chairs, athletic equipment, and other program materials.
  • Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Maintain the physical ability to actively participate in recreation activities and respond quickly to emergency situations.
Tools and Equipment Used:Proven experience with various computer software platforms and the ability to master new ones. Supervision Received:Works under the general supervision of the Recreation Center Manager.Supervision Exercised:Supervises front desk and climbing wall staff and may give direction to other staff members, coaches, instructors and volunteers.
  • 75% paid by the City toward medical, dental and vision premiums paid for the employee and their dependents,
  • 100% paid preventative medical costs,
  • $25,000 life insurance paid by the City, with options for increased supplemental coverage,
  • 5% of gross wages in a retirement plan,
  • 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year (increasing based on the years of service),
  • 13 paid holidays,
  • 12 days of sick leave per year,
  • Free membership to the City of Gunnison Community Center,
  • Optional supplemental insurance including disability, whole life, term life, cancer, accident, and critical illness,
  • Differential pay for employees working on holidays or while on standby, and
  • Transitional, temporary housing may be available (not available as of 01/27/26 but can be discussed on an as-needed basis).