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Recreation Director Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Recreation Leader

Montclair, CA · On-site

$18.03 - $21.92/hr

The Senior Recreation Leader works up to an average of 29 hours per week, Monday - Sunday, assigned at the Youth Center, Senior Center, sports programs or other recreation facility or programs. Hours ...

The Recreation Leader, under general direction, must have knowledge of theories, rules, and regulations of sports, games, arts and crafts and the ability to establish and maintain effective working ...

Senior Recreation Leader

Montclair, CA · On-site

$18.03 - $21.92/hr

The Senior Recreation Leader works up to an average of 29 hours per week, Monday - Sunday, assigned at the Youth Center, Senior Center, sports programs or other recreation facility or programs. Hours ...

Showing results 21-40

Recreation Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$30.8K

$74.5K

$145K

How much do recreation director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation director in Riverside, CA is $74,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $95,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Director, you need a background in recreation management, physical education, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with program planning software, budgeting systems, and, in some cases, certifications like CPR/First Aid or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) are valuable. Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills help you motivate staff, engage participants, and build community relationships. These skills ensure the effective delivery of diverse recreational programs that promote well-being, participation, and operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Recreation Director vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation DirectorRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications like CPR/First Aid often preferredSimilar educational background; certifications like CPR/First Aid also common
Work EnvironmentLeads recreation programs, manages staff, oversees budgets, and plans community eventsAssists in program implementation, supports event setup, and handles participant registration
Employer & IndustryMunicipal parks and recreation departments, community centers, resortsCommunity organizations, schools, local government programs

The main difference is that Recreation Directors typically oversee entire programs and staff, while Recreation Coordinators support program delivery and logistics. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but Recreation Directors hold more responsibility for planning and management.

What does a recreation director do?

Recreation directors manage special interest programs that include activities like sports, games, and hobbies such as canoeing, rock climbing, camping, and wilderness exploration. This position is relevant in several different areas and for various employers. For example, the city parks department, national parks, private camps, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, schools, and prisons all need qualified recreation directors. As a recreation director, your job duties include designing and scheduling recreational programs, hiring and training staff, and working with clients or guests to ensure programs meet their expectations. You also manage the daily operations of the events to make sure they run smoothly. You need excellent organizational skills and leadership abilities for this job.

How does a recreation director typically collaborate with other departments or community organizations?

A Recreation Director frequently works with other municipal departments, local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to coordinate events, secure venues, and maximize participation in recreational programs. This collaboration ensures that resources are shared efficiently, programming meets community needs, and events run smoothly. Building strong relationships with these partners is crucial for expanding program offerings and accessing additional funding or volunteers. Effective communication and organizational skills are key in managing these partnerships.

What is a recreation director?

Recreation Directors are professionals responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing recreational programs and activities at facilities such as community centers, parks, senior centers, or resorts. They manage staff, coordinate events, and ensure that programs meet the needs and interests of participants. Recreation Directors also handle administrative tasks like budgeting, marketing, and facility management to create engaging and safe environments for all users.
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Director jobs in Riverside, CA? For Recreation Director jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recreation Director jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Director jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Recreation Director jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Recreation Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreation Director job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,460 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Senior Recreation Leader

City of Montclair

Montclair, CA • On-site

$18.03 - $21.92/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

The contents of the job bulletin should not be construed as an implied contract. All information is subject to change and the City is not bound to any information or errors contained in the bulletin. This posting may close earlier than the indicated closing date if an excessive number of applications is received.

The closing date may also be extended, or the job may be re-posted if an insufficient number of applications is received during the initial posting period. Job Description The Senior Recreation Leader works up to an average of 29 hours per week, Monday - Sunday, assigned at the Youth Center, Senior Center, sports programs or other recreation facility or programs. Hours will vary but candidate must be available to work weekday afternoons, evenings, and weekends.

This is an hourly position offering no supplemental employee benefits other than salary and sick leave accrual as per the Healthy Workplace/Healthy Families Act of 2014. Essential Job Duties Under direction, the Senior Recreation Leader will organize and develop recreational, social and educational activities in the programs. These activities may include assisting with youth, teen, and senior programs, community special events, community programs, sports activities, and general assignments at various recreation facilities.

In addition, this position assists and supervises staff with various responsibilities; takes the initiative to promote, coordinate, supervise, and/or participate in all activities; ensures the safety and welfare of all participants; and performs related tasks as assigned. ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES This is a non-management position and reports to the Senior Recreation Specialist. Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities KNOWLEDGE OF Basic arithmetic computations; correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; methods and techniques used in tutoring and working effectively with youth in Grades K-12; general understanding behavior management concepts; general needs and behavior patterns of youth; and knowledge of recreation principles and practices.

SKILLS/ABILITIES Work well with youth, teen, adult and senior citizen populations in an energetic, positive, and courteous manner; establish and maintain a team approach with coworkers; demonstrate good communication and organizational skills; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; the ability to make sound decisions and communicate those decisions; and maintain effective relationships with all participants, volunteers, and staff. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Requires a high school diploma or G.E.D. plus one year college or equivalent experience; paid or volunteer experience working with children in a recreation, day camp, or teen program setting; possession of First Aid/CPR certification prior to start of the program, or within 60 days of the program start date

Possession of a valid California driver's license and proof of insurability required. LICENSE Possession of a valid California drivers license and proof of insurability required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must be able to stand for extended periods of time; lead physical education activities that may include running, jumping, or throwing a ball.

This position requires the physical ability to stoop, bend, twist and reach; to lift, carry and handle equipment, desks, and boxes without assistance; and to provide visual and auditory supervision of children. The ability to participate in activities with youth indoors or outdoors such as to walk, run, bend, pull, push carry, load/unload supplies, lift up or move up to 50 lbs. Must be able to assume postures to allow physical and visual contact with children and communicate, see and hear well enough to keep participants safe.

Work requires supervising students and leading activities outdoors sometimes in damp, cold, and hot weather. The City of Montclair is an Equal Opportunity Employer.