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Recreation Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Somerville

Recreation Counselor

Somerville, MA · On-site

$18/hr

Statement of Duties Under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Supervisor and Program Coordinator, the P&R Counselor is responsible for the direct supervision of program participants and P&R ...

City of Somerville

Recreation Counselor

Somerville, MA · On-site

Statement of Duties Under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Supervisor and Program Coordinator, the P&R Counselor is responsible for the direct supervision of program participants and P&R ...

Benchmark

Recreation Counselor (Seasonal)

Chatham, MA · On-site

$16.50/hr

DESCRIPTION: The Recreation Counselor is responsible for but not limited to motivating and interacting with all children attending the CBI Kids Crew drop-off program (including the evening ...

MercyFirst

Recreation Youth Support Counselor

Syosset, NY

$14.50 - $19.75/hr

Recreation Youth Support Counselor ID: 100883 Location: Syosset, NY Department: L.I. Residential Programs More about this job > Description LOCATION: Syosset, NY REPORTS TO: Recreation Coordinator ...

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Recreation Counselor information

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How much do recreation counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation counselor in the United States is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do recreational therapists make the most money?

Recreational therapists tend to earn higher salaries in healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers, especially in regions with higher living costs. Experience, certifications, and specialized skills can also influence salary levels, with those working in urban areas generally earning more than those in rural locations.

What are Recreation Counselors?

Recreation Counselors are professionals who plan, organize, and lead recreational activities for groups, such as children, teens, or adults, in settings like camps, community centers, or after-school programs. Their main role is to ensure that participants are engaged in safe, fun, and meaningful activities that promote social interaction, physical activity, and personal growth. They may also be responsible for supervising participants, managing equipment, and ensuring that activities run smoothly. Recreation Counselors often work as part of a team and play a key role in creating a positive and inclusive environment.

What are the highest paying recreation jobs?

Recreation jobs with higher salaries often include positions such as recreation directors, sports facility managers, and recreation therapists, especially those with advanced certifications or experience. These roles typically require leadership skills, specialized knowledge, and sometimes advanced degrees, and they tend to pay more in organizations like government agencies, private clubs, or healthcare settings.

What is the difference between Recreation Counselor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectRecreation CounselorCamp Counselor
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid certifications often requiredHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid certifications often required
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, recreational facilities, parksSummer camps, day camps, overnight camps
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, non-profits, schoolsCamp organizations, summer programs
Job FocusOrganizing recreational activities for diverse groupsSupervising children and teens during camp activities

Both Recreation Counselors and Camp Counselors work in recreational settings and require similar certifications. However, Recreation Counselors typically work in community centers or parks, focusing on a variety of recreational activities, while Camp Counselors primarily work in summer or overnight camps supervising children. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit for their skills and interests.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Recreation counselors typically do not earn $4,000 a week without a degree; such high weekly pay is uncommon in this field. Jobs that can pay this amount without a degree often include specialized roles like commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or sales managers, which may require experience, licensing, or certifications. These positions usually involve skills, industry knowledge, or licensing rather than formal degrees.

What are some common challenges Recreation Counselors face when working with diverse groups of participants?

Recreation Counselors often work with participants of varying ages, backgrounds, and abilities, which can present challenges in ensuring that activities are inclusive, engaging, and accessible for everyone. Adapting programs to suit different needs while maintaining group cohesion requires creativity, patience, and strong communication skills. Counselors must also be prepared to manage conflicts and foster a positive group dynamic, all while ensuring safety and adhering to organizational guidelines.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Counselor, you need a background in recreation, education, or a related field, along with experience in activity planning and group supervision. Familiarity with program management software, first aid/CPR certification, and knowledge of safety protocols are typically required. Creativity, strong leadership, and excellent interpersonal skills help you engage participants and foster a positive environment. These skills are crucial for ensuring participant safety, effective program delivery, and creating enjoyable, inclusive recreational experiences.

Do you need a degree to be a recreation therapist?

Recreation therapists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, therapeutic recreation, or a related field. Certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is also often required or preferred. While some related roles may not require a degree, becoming a licensed or certified recreation therapist generally does.
What cities are hiring for Recreation Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Recreation Counselor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Counselor jobs? The most popular types of Recreation Counselor jobs are:
What states have the most Recreation Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreation Counselor jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Counselor jobs? For Recreation Counselor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Recreation Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Counselor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,491 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Recreation Counselor

Recreation Counselor

City of Somerville

Somerville, MA • On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Statement of Duties
Under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Supervisor and Program Coordinator, the P&R Counselor is responsible for the direct supervision of program participants and P&R Aides. The P&R Counselor is also responsible for the implementation of age-appropriate activities. The P&R Counselors are expected to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Essential Functions:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
  • Work with the Somerville community by running daily program activities. Lead youth and SPR Aides in a variety of Recreation activities specifically, but not limited to sports, arts and crafts, drama, music, DJ programs, STEM programs, Recreation special events, and teen center programs.
  • Meet regularly with Program Coordinators to set schedule, review daily, weekly, and monthly progress.
  • Act as a positive role model for all Parks and Recreation participants and Works with groups to ensure active participation during program activities.
  • Responsible for opening and closing procedures for Parks and Recreation facilities.
  • Assist with taking daily attendance of participants.
  • Assist the Aide's with cleaning and maintaining program area.
  • Report any issues or concerns that may arise to Recreation Supervisor
  • Explain principles, techniques, and safety requirements to activity participants to prevent injury.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma required; strongly preferred for applicants to be enrolled in a college or university majoring in recreational studies, sports management, education, or physical education. Minimum of one to three (1-3) years of work in recreation or similar field; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Special Requirements: First Aid/CPR and AED (training will be provided to incoming employees)
Knowledge, Abilities and Skill:
Knowledge: Knowledge of a variety of recreation modalities. Knowledge of the scope and goals of the City's recreational programs. Knowledge of sports, games, arts and crafts, and other subjects of interest.
Ability: Ability to work within a team. Ability to handle problems and emergencies effectively; ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing with a wide variety of stakeholders; ability to maintain confidential information.
Skill: Strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Excellent conflict resolution and communication skills.
Work Environment
The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to attend evening meetings or complete work assignments. Work in the field involves regular exposure to outside elements.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.
Physical Skills
Minimal physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. Work requires some agility such as moving in or about athletic fields, ice rinks, or over rough terrain. There may also be some occasional lifting of objects such as recreational equipment, office equipment or photocopy paper (up to 30lbs.).
Motor Skills
Duties are both mental and physical, the job may occasionally require motor skills for activities such as moving objects, interacting in recreational activities, operating a telephone, personal computer and/or most other office equipment including word processing, excel, filing and sorting of papers.
Visual Skills
Visual demands require constantly reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.
Hours: Part-Time/Seasonal
Salary: $18.00 hourly; no benefits
Union: Non-Union
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Date Posted: February 21, 2024
The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.
Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:
  • MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
  • Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees

Overview of Total Rewards:
  • 4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract. Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union. Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA).
  • Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
  • Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
  • Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
  • Long term disability through Sun Life
  • Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
  • Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
  • Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
  • Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
  • Annual cancer screening & wellness release
  • Somerville Retirement Pension System
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • MBTA pass program
  • FREE Blue Bikes membership
  • Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract.

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