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Recreation Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recreation Management Intern

Marion, NC

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Gain experience using recreation management software and registration systems. . Understand risk management and safety procedures. . Complete an independent capstone project. Internship Length

WI · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

Instructor Pool- Recreation Management &Recreational Therapy Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term) Job Profile: Lecturer Job Duties: Each department at the University of ...

Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Hospitality, Sports Administration, or related field preferred. * 3-5 years of progressive leadership and supervisory experience in recreation, aquatics ...

In the absence of the Recreation Manager, the incumbent may be assigned to acting as Recreation Manager responsibilities. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors): Knowledge of recreation ...

In the absence of the Recreation Manager, the incumbent may be assigned to acting as Recreation Manager responsibilities. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors): Knowledge of recreation ...

In the absence of the Recreation Manager, the incumbent may be assigned to acting as Recreation Manager responsibilities. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors): Knowledge of recreation ...

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Recreation Management information

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How much do recreation management jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation management in the United States is $20.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is recreation management?

Recreation management is the field focused on planning, organizing, and overseeing recreational programs and facilities such as parks, community centers, sports complexes, and outdoor spaces. Professionals in recreation management work to ensure that these services are accessible, safe, and enjoyable for the public. They may handle budgeting, staff supervision, event coordination, and facility maintenance. The goal is to promote healthy lifestyles and community engagement through a variety of leisure activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in recreation management?

To thrive in Recreation Management, you typically need a background in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field, along with strong organizational and program planning skills. Familiarity with facility management software, budgeting tools, and safety/regulatory compliance systems is often required. Leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities help professionals excel at coordinating staff, engaging participants, and resolving challenges. These skills ensure the effective delivery of safe, enjoyable programs and the efficient operation of recreational facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in recreation management, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in recreation management often face challenges such as balancing limited budgets with the need to provide high-quality programs, managing diverse participant needs, and ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Addressing these challenges involves strong organizational and communication skills, creative problem-solving, and ongoing professional development. Collaborating closely with team members, community stakeholders, and vendors also helps create effective and inclusive recreation programs while maintaining operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Recreation Management vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation ManagementRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related fieldOften requires a bachelor's degree or relevant experience in recreation or community programs
Work EnvironmentSupervises programs, manages staff, and oversees operations in parks, community centers, or recreation departmentsAssists in program planning, coordinates activities, and supports recreation staff in similar settings
Employer & IndustryPublic parks, community organizations, recreation departmentsMunicipalities, non-profits, recreational facilities

Recreation Management involves overseeing entire recreation programs and staff, focusing on strategic planning and operations. Recreation Coordinators support program delivery and day-to-day activities. Both roles require relevant education and work in similar environments, but Recreation Management has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

Is a recreation management degree worth it?

A recreation management degree prepares individuals for careers in parks, community centers, and recreational facilities by providing knowledge of program planning, facility management, and customer service. It can lead to roles such as recreation director or program coordinator, often requiring strong communication skills and certifications like CPR. The degree can improve job prospects and earning potential in the field.

What do recreation managers do?

Recreation managers plan, organize, and oversee recreational programs and facilities such as parks, sports leagues, and community centers. They coordinate staff, manage budgets, ensure safety, and promote community engagement, often requiring knowledge of local regulations and certification in first aid or CPR.
More about Recreation Management jobs

What cities are hiring for Recreation Management jobs?

Cities with the most Recreation Management job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Management jobs?

The most popular types of Recreation Management jobs are:

What states have the most Recreation Management jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recreation Management jobs include:

Infographic showing various Recreation Management job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,252 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Recreation Management Intern

Marion, NC

McDowell County
Public Administration • 201 - 500 employees

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 15 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating recreation programs.

  • Support event setup, teardown, volunteer coordination, and participant registration for various recreation events.

  • Participate in department meetings, program planning, and shadow department leadership to gain practical experience.


Job description

The McDowell County Parks & Recreation Internship is designed to provide college students and emerging professionals with meaningful, hands-on experience in municipal recreation programming. Interns will gain practical knowledge in planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating recreation programs while developing leadership, communication, and organizational skills essential for a career in parks and recreation. The internship offers exposure to a wide variety of recreation services including youth and adult athletics, community events, senior programming, wellness initiatives, outdoor recreation, and special events.

This internship will also include experiences at our Shooting Range and Campground. Please note this is an unpaid internship. Lodging and travel are not covered as part of the internship.

By the completion of the internship, participants will be able to: . Understand the daily operations of a county parks and recreation department. .

Assist in planning and implementing community recreation programs. . Develop leadership and customer service skills.

. Learn budgeting, scheduling, and program evaluation techniques. .

Build professional communication skills with staff, volunteers, coaches, and participants. . Gain experience using recreation management software and registration systems.

. Understand risk management and safety procedures. .

Complete an independent capstone project. Internship Length . Semester Internship (12-16 weeks) .

10-20 hours per week (flexible around class schedules) . Summer full-time internship available ** Can be tailored to fit college requirements ** Department Rotations Interns will gain experience in multiple program areas including: Youth and Adult Sports . League administration .

Practice and game scheduling . Coach communication . Registration assistance .

Tournament operations . Field preparation support Aquatics (Spring & Summer Only) . Special pool events .

Daily facility operations . Program marketing . Recruitment Campground/Shooting Range .

Assist with class setup . Assist with programing and marketing Special Events Assist with events such as: . Pirate Invasion .

MCYFL Camp . District and State Tournaments . Commissioners Cup .

Special Olympics . Senior Games Responsibilities may include: . Setup and teardown .

Volunteer coordination . Vendor assistance . Participant registration .

Event logistics Professional Development Interns will participate in: . Staff meetings . Program planning sessions .

Budget discussions . Marketing meetings . Community partnership meetings .

Facility tours . Shadowing department leadership Learning Outcomes Interns will gain experience in: . Recreation programming .

Event management . Customer service . Leadership .

Public speaking . Volunteer management . Time management .

Conflict resolution . Risk management . Program evaluation .

Community engagement . Team collaboration Capstone Project Each intern will complete one major project during the semester. Examples include: .

Develop and implement a new recreation program. . Marketing Video .

Create a marketing campaign for an existing program. . Conduct a community needs assessment.

. Develop a tournament or special event plan. .

Create a program manual or standard operating procedure. . Evaluate an existing program and provide recommendations for improvement.

The project will conclude with a presentation to Parks & Recreation leadership. Preferred applicants should: . Be enrolled in a college or university.

. Major in Parks and Recreation, Sports Management, Exercise Science, Business, Public Administration, Education, Communications, or a related field. .

Possess strong communication and organizational skills. . Be willing to work evenings and weekends as programs require.

. Have a passion for serving the community. Evaluation Intern performance will be evaluated through: .

Weekly supervisor check-ins . Mid-semester evaluation . Final performance review .

Capstone project presentation . Professionalism and attendance . Initiative and teamwork Benefits to the Intern Upon successful completion, interns will: .

Gain real-world municipal recreation experience. . Build a professional portfolio of completed projects.

. Network with recreation professionals. .

Receive mentorship from experienced staff. . Develop marketable leadership and management skills.

. Obtain references for future employment or graduate school. How to Apply PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENING AND BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN CREDIT ONLY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

No additional information will be solicited by the McDowell County; therefore, persons who submit incomplete applications may not receive full credit for their education, training and experience. McDowell County is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the County to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, political affiliation or national origin.

The County will interactively work with disabled applicants and employees to identify reasonable accommodations that will allow the individual to perform essential job functions. McDowell County participates in E-Verify. Applications are available: on our website: www.mcdowellhrportal.org- under "Job Opportunities" McDowell County Administration Building: 25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752 Applications can be submitted: Online at www.mcdowellhrportal.org in person at the County Administration building: 25 W Fort Street Marion, NC 28752 or by Mail to: McDowell County Human Resources 60 East Court Street Marion, NC 28752 or by email to: employment@mcdowellgov.com