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Recreation Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Aleut Federal

On-Call Recreation Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.20/hr

Associate of Arts degree or one (1) year of related experience working with youth. * Prefer experience in a recreation/non-vocational capacity working with youth * Valid driver's license in the state ...

Aleut Federal

On-Call Recreation Assistant

Chicago, IL

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Associate of Arts degree or one (1) year of related experience working with youth. * Prefer experience in a recreation/non-vocational capacity working with youth * Valid driver's license in the state ...

Ascension

Certified Recreational Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26.38/hr

Therapeutic Recreation Certification required Equal employment opportunity employer Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without ...

Ascension

Certified Recreational Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26.38/hr

Therapeutic Recreation Certification required Equal employment opportunity employer Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without ...

Ascension

Certified Recreational Therapist

Chicago, IL

$27.69 - $40.50/hr

Therapeutic Recreation Certification required Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience ...

Ascension

Certified Recreational Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.69 - $40.50/hr

Therapeutic Recreation Certification required Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience ...

Prizmah

After School Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

Job Title: After School Associate Date available: August 2026 Job Summary and Scope of ... Ability to lead and participate in recreational activities that are engaging and developmentally ...

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Recreation Associate information

What does a recreation associate do?

A Recreation Associate is responsible for organizing, leading, and assisting with recreational activities and programs for individuals or groups. They work in settings such as community centers, parks, resorts, or recreational facilities, ensuring that activities are safe, fun, and engaging. Duties often include setting up equipment, supervising participants, and providing customer service. Recreation Associates may also help with scheduling events, maintaining facilities, and promoting programs to the community. Their goal is to enhance the overall experience of participants and encourage active lifestyles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation associate?

To thrive as a Recreation Associate, you need knowledge of recreational programming, basic first aid, and customer service skills, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with scheduling software, facility management tools, and CPR/first aid certification is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, and the ability to motivate and engage participants set outstanding Recreation Associates apart. These skills ensure safe, enjoyable, and well-organized recreational experiences that meet the needs of diverse groups.

What are some common challenges faced by recreation associates, and how can they be managed on the job?

Recreation Associates often encounter challenges such as managing large or diverse groups, handling unexpected schedule changes, and ensuring participant safety during activities. To address these, strong communication and organizational skills are essential, as is the ability to stay calm under pressure. Teamwork with other staff members and proactive planning can help mitigate issues, while staying up to date with safety protocols ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

What is the difference between Recreation Associate vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation AssociateRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid certifications often requiredSimilar certifications; may require additional experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilitiesSame as Recreation Associate, often with more planning responsibilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in program delivery, supervise activities, ensure safetyPlan, organize, and oversee recreational programs and events

Recreation Associates typically support recreational activities and supervise participants, while Recreation Coordinators take on more planning and organizational duties. Both roles work in similar environments and require comparable certifications, but Coordinators have greater responsibility for program development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Recreation Associate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Recreation Associate job openings:

Recreation Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

On-Call Recreation Assistant

ARS Aleut Construction

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job Corps is the country's largest nationwide no-cost residential career training program and has been operating for more than 50 years. With a mission to "attract eligible young people, teach them the skills they need to become employable and independent and place them in meaningful jobs or further their education," the program helps eligible young people ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, train them for meaningful careers, and assists them with obtaining employment. Job Corps has trained and educated over two million individuals since 1964.
The On-Call Recreation Assistant directs trainees in leisure-time recreation/non-vocational activities and leadership programs. Demonstrates ongoing commitment to preparing young people for the workforce by modeling, mentoring, and monitoring excellence in the eight Career Success Standards of workplace relationship and ethics; information management; communications; multicultural awareness; personal growth and development; career and personal planning; interpersonal skills and independent living.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrates and abides by Aleut Core Values.
  • Assists in the organization and implementation of recreation/ non-vocational programs and lifelong leisure-learning activities and programs, encouraging trainees.
  • Develops and operates weekly contests and tournaments.
  • Activities will also be dependent upon the season and weather.
  • Assists in center-sponsored trips and may escort staff to events.
  • Assists with Water Safety programming (videos, swimming certification, and swim lessons) and CIS.
  • Coaches intramural and/or varsity teams engaged in on- and off-center activities. DC does not go off Center; PS is the same.
  • Assists trainees in fitness and weight training, instructing (DC) technique, what occurs after, replenishing protein/diet.
  • Assists trainees in various recreational clubs such as poetry, drama, talent shows, and other creative activities, such as arts and crafts.
  • Ensures that all programs comply with the Department of Labor.
  • Attends required staff training.
  • Cultivate and maintain a climate in the center that is free of harassment, intimidation, bullying, and disrespect to provide a safe place for staff and students to work.
  • Clearly communicates and consistently models appropriate CSS and employability skills, including personal responsibility.
  • Maintains accountability of staff, students, and property, and adheres to safety practices in all areas of responsibility.
  • Performs other duties assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.
Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Associate of Arts degree or one (1) year of related experience working with youth.
  • Prefer experience in a recreation/non-vocational capacity working with youth
  • Valid driver's license in the state of employment with an acceptable driving record
  • Prefer a CDL with passenger transport endorsement.

Additional Requirements:
Knowledge of a variety of recreation/non-vocational activities. Ability to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid/AED certification. Communicate effectively and relate to the trainee population. Inspire and motivate trainees. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. The position requires the ability to operate office equipment. In addition, individuals must be able to interact with team members and maintain an effective working relationship with all facility staff and departments.
Working Conditions: This position involves frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, carrying, running, and driving. Occasionally, the position involves climbing, pushing, pulling, squatting, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Applicant must be able to see, hear, and speak.
Environmental Demands: The position requires the ability to spend work time outside and indoors depending upon weather conditions; the ability to withstand moderate noise levels, including voice levels 90% of work time; the ability to work in high-temperature settings during the summer months; and the ability to work in low-temperature settings in winter months.
Aleut offers the following benefits to eligible employees:
  • Health insurance
  • Dental/Vision insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Life insurance
  • 401k and match

Aleut Federal, LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, AF complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. AF prohibits workplace harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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