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Recreation Leader Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Do you want to be part of the team that leads a 70-year-old, well-respected provider of disability ... Noble is seeking a Recreation Therapist who will provide therapeutic recreation services to ...

Do you want to be part of the team that leads a 70-year-old, well-respected provider of disability ... Noble is seeking a Recreation Therapist who will provide therapeutic recreation services to ...

Do you want to be part of the team that leads a 70-year-old, well-respected provider of disability ... Noble is seeking a Recreation Therapist who will provide therapeutic recreation services to ...

Recreation Therapist Ready to become a Difference Maker? Are you a fun, energetic person looking to ... Do you want to be part of the team that leads a 70-year-old, well-respected provider of disability ...

Do you want to be part of the team that leads a 70-year-old, well-respected provider of disability ... Noble is seeking a Recreation Therapist who will provide therapeutic recreation services to ...

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Recreation Leader information

See Indiana salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do recreation leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation leader in Indiana is $16.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation leader?

A recreation leader plans and oversees athletic activities, sports, and education programs for an organization. Recreation leaders may work for municipalities, schools, community centers, or park services. Depending on the location and facility, your duties may include organizing daily activities for students or participants, scheduling sports programs, and managing participant rosters and payments. Because any of these programs run in the evenings and on weekends, recreation leaders typically work outside of regular business hours. Qualifications to become a recreation leader include a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience with recreation programs.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Leader, you need a background in recreation management, physical education, or a related field, along with experience in organizing group activities. Familiarity with scheduling software, safety protocols, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and leadership are crucial for engaging diverse groups and fostering an inclusive environment. These skills ensure effective program delivery, participant safety, and a positive community experience.

What are some common challenges recreation leaders face when managing group activities, and how can they effectively address them?

Recreation Leaders often encounter challenges such as varying participant skill levels, maintaining group engagement, and managing behavioral issues during activities. To address these, it's important to plan adaptable activities, establish clear rules, and foster a positive, inclusive environment. Effective communication and quick problem-solving are key to ensuring everyone feels involved and activities run smoothly. Building rapport with participants and collaborating with other staff members can also help in anticipating and mitigating potential issues.

What is the difference between Recreation Leader vs Camp Counselor?

AspectRecreation LeaderCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsCPR certification, sometimes first aid, relevant experienceCPR certification, first aid, background check, experience with children
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilitiesSummer camps, outdoor settings, youth programs
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, non-profits, schoolsSummer camps, youth organizations, recreational programs

Recreation Leaders and Camp Counselors often share similar certifications and work in recreational or youth settings. While Recreation Leaders typically oversee a variety of activities at community centers or parks, Camp Counselors focus on supervising children during summer camp programs. Both roles require CPR and first aid certifications and involve working with youth, but their specific environments and responsibilities differ slightly.

What are the duties of a recreation leader?

A recreation leader plans, organizes, and supervises recreational activities and programs for community members or groups. They ensure activities are safe, engaging, and inclusive, often working with diverse populations and maintaining equipment. Strong communication, organizational skills, and sometimes certifications in first aid or CPR are important for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Leader jobs in Indiana?

For Recreation Leader jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Leader jobs in IN?

For Recreation Leader jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Recreation Leader job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,210 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Correctional Recreation Leader

State of Indiana

Michigan City, IN • On-site

$42K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


State Of Indiana rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

 Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Indiana State Prison: 

Indiana State Prison is a level‑four maximum‑security facility located in Michigan City, Indiana, with a capacity of more than 2,400 incarcerated adult males. As the oldest correctional facility in the state, it has a long history and operates on a secured 24‑acre campus with ten manned towers. The prison grounds also include a level‑two facility with a capacity of 385 incarcerated adult males. Staff maintain a clean, orderly environment while prioritizing safety and security. Programs available to incarcerated individuals support personal development and re‑entry preparation where applicable. The facility provides a structured setting for individuals with long sentences or those convicted of violent offenses. To learn more about Indiana State Prison, click here. 

Role Overview: 

As a Correctional Recreation Leader, you will be responsible for working as a part of a team in an Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) facility. During a 7.5-hour shift, you will be responsible for the security of the recreation building, and the safety of the incarcerated individuals during the recreation lines. You will be responsible for implementing daily recreational programs during your shift with added responsibilities communicated to you by the Rec Coordinator. 

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

  • Plans, initiates, organizes, and conducts recreational activities in one or more of the following program areas: holiday activities, swimming, arts and crafts, and/or softball.
  • Works with individual or a small group where inmates are withdrawn and/or resistive to treatment.
  • Assists in directing volunteers in recreation.
  • Recommends the purchase of recreation equipment and repairs damaged equipment.
  • Maintains necessary records of programs and student evaluations.
  • Handles and reports inmate disciplinary problems arising from recreational events.
  • Occasionally acts as coordinator in the absence of the Recreation Coordinator.
  • Assists in instructing and coordinating the work of subordinates.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.  

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

  • Extensive knowledge of the rules and regulations of a variety of sports, games, and other recreational activities.
  • Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of an institutional recreation program.
  • Specialized knowledge of recreation and its value in a corrective and rehabilitative program.
  • Specialized knowledge of both the basic philosophy of recreation and individual and group behavior.
  • Ability to adapt procedures, methods, tools, and techniques to specific situations.
  • Ability to supervise the activities of inmates.
  • Ability to effectively instruct subordinate staff and coordinate their work.
  • Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with inmates and handle disciplinary problems.
  • Ability to maintain necessary records of programs and student evaluations.

A degree is not required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.


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