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Recreation Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

VetNetAmerica, LLC

Associate Veterinarian

Underwood, IA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate Veterinarian (DVM) | Autonomy, Collaboration & Exceptional Work-Life Balance | Western ... recreation · Easy access to an international airport · A thriving veterinary community It's an ...

Link Associates

Direct Support Professional

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... recreation programs. Link Associates has opportunities available in both our: * Day Habilitation / Day Program Department. * Residential Department. Benefits & Perks: * Health Insurance. * Dental ...

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All JobsRecreation Associate JobsRecreation Associate Jobs in Iowa

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 Iowa?

The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Recreation Associate jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Recreation Associate job openings:

Recreation Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Link Associates

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

APPLY AT www.linkassociates.org/apply
POSITION SUMMARY: 
  • Responsible to instruct and coach persons served to promote independence in the development or maintenance of social/self-help/life skills and community integration through therapeutic recreation programming.  
  • Responsible to plan, organize, and implement therapeutic recreation activities.  
  • Assist with person’s served assessment, programs, community evaluation and program evaluation administration.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Plan, coordinate and facilitate in-house Therapeutic recreation day program activities, including attendance records, transportation and billing documentation to assure positive outcomes and goal achievement for persons supported.  
  • Plan, coordinate and facilitate community-based therapeutic recreation programs on a daily basis.  Process registrations, attendance records, and supervise therapeutic recreation programs to assure positive persons served outcomes and goal achievement for persons supported. 
  • Instruct, supervise, and assist persons served in the development of daily living skills (including but not limited to recreation/leisure, work, time and money management, good health, safety, and habit development) in accordance with their Life Plan.
  • Coordinate and provide transportation services. 
  • Assist in training day program direct support professionals to assist and facilitate established therapeutic recreation programs. 
  • Assist with the orientation, training, and scheduling of department employees, volunteers and interns.
  • Assist in evaluating therapeutic recreation programs.  Compile, record, and review therapeutic recreation evaluations. 

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field required with a minimum of two (2) years related successful work experience preferred.  NCTRC certification or completion within six (6) months.  Exceptions must receive prior approval from the Executive Director. 
  • Must meet agency policy on transportation and background checks.
  • Possess ability to work on a daily basis utilizing standard office, home, and recreational equipment.
  • Proven proficient ability to implement agency rules and procedures, use verbal, presentation, and written communication skills, human relation skills, team working skills, and organizational skills.
  • Position will contain Medium physical work consisting of occasional 2-handlifting from floor to waist of up to fifty (50) pounds and occasional 2-hand push/pull of up to sixty (60) pounds of force. 
  • This position consists of frequent standing, walking and reaching.  
  • The position requires frequent forward bending or crouching or stooping. 
  • The employee will need to occasionally climb stairs without the use of railings and occasionally sit.