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Recreation Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Planner will work on a range of projects focused on community planning, mobility and infrastructure planning, corridor studies, scenario planning, site planning, and recreation planning. Working ...

... and recreation, planning, police, public works, and utilities. The Board of Trustees and Town Manager are committed to providing exemplary municipal services for residents and visitors in a ...

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Recreation Manager/Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

$38K - $43K/yr

Previous experience in event planning and project coordination. * Knowledge of pool chemistry ... Considerable knowledge of recreation philosophy, planning, and administration. * Knowledge of ...

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Recreation Planner information

What is the difference between Recreation Planner vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation PlannerRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related fieldSimilar educational background, often with certifications in recreation or community programming
Work EnvironmentDesigns and plans recreational programs, often working in parks, community centers, or government agenciesImplements and manages recreational activities, working directly with participants and community members
Employer & IndustryPublic parks, community organizations, government agenciesRecreation departments, non-profits, educational institutions

Recreation Planners focus on designing and developing recreational programs and facilities, while Recreation Coordinators handle the day-to-day management and execution of these programs. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work within the same environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What does a recreation planner do?

A Recreation Planner is responsible for designing, organizing, and managing recreational programs, parks, and facilities. They assess community needs, plan recreational activities, and often work with local governments or organizations to create accessible and sustainable recreational opportunities. Their work includes preparing reports, securing funding, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting healthy lifestyles through recreation. Recreation Planners play a key role in enhancing quality of life by providing spaces and programs that encourage physical activity, social interaction, and community engagement.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Planner, you need a solid background in urban planning, environmental science, or a related field, often with a relevant degree and experience in land use planning. Familiarity with GIS software, project management tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help you engage stakeholders and navigate complex community needs. These abilities are crucial for creating effective, sustainable recreation spaces that meet public demands and comply with policy guidelines.

What are the main challenges a recreation planner faces when balancing the needs of the community with environmental regulations?

Recreation Planners often navigate the complex task of designing recreational spaces that both meet the recreational needs of the community and comply with environmental regulations. This involves conducting public consultations, collaborating with environmental specialists, and performing impact assessments to ensure that projects are sustainable and equitable. Balancing competing interests—such as providing amenities while preserving natural habitats—can be challenging but is essential for creating inclusive and responsible recreational areas. Successful Recreation Planners use strong communication and negotiation skills to find creative solutions that address both community desires and regulatory requirements.
More about Recreation Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Recreation Planner jobs? Cities with the most Recreation Planner job openings:
What states have the most Recreation Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreation Planner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Recreation Planner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Parks & Recreation Planning Superintendent

City of Tampa Florida

Tampa, FL • On-site

$47.72 - $71.55/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Introduction
This is highly responsible, professional and managerial work involving parks and recreation planning/design, contracting/construction, comprehensive planning, development review and natural resource services.
Nature Of Work
The employee in this class manages tasks of considerable difficulty and is responsible for the efficient management of parks and recreation strategic planning, policy initiatives and master plans that guide the overall development and improvements of the municipal parks and recreation system. The responsibilities involve the planning, organizing and implementation of a wide variety of professional services including landscape, architecture, contract administration, comprehensive planning, land acquisition, grant writing, horticulture and natural resource activities. The employee would manage, direct, coordinate and oversee the professional service functions of the Planning, Design and Natural Resources Division, promoting efficient operations and implementation of the planning, natural resources management, design and construction of quality parks, recreation facilities, greenways and trails, and resource based parks. Important aspects of work in this class include ensuring that parks and recreation planning, design and constructions activities are coordinated with operations personnel, other city departments, government agencies and special interest groups, preparing departmental capital improvement budget requests, and overseeing the review and approval of development plans for compliance and permitting/approval. The employee is expected to keep abreast of parks and recreation development and administration principles, practices and trends.
Considerable initiative and independent judgment are required in the performance of personnel management tasks and coordination of assigned projects. Work is accomplished under general direction and reviewed through conferences, reports submitted and results obtained.
Examples of Duties
Plans, organizes, directs, and reviews parks and recreation facility development and design activities; reviews and approves, disapproves or modifies landscape architectural and architectural plans and specifications; coordinates design activities with operations personnel in order to ensure that plans are feasible, sound and practical from a maintenance and recreational program perspective; ensures that landscape designs are coordinated with horticultural and arboreal personnel and resolves any resultant problems; prepares departmental capital improvement budget requests, including parks and recreation facility development programs, and presents to superiors.
Analyze and plan for future park development and land acquisitions; facilitate and coordinate related agreements/contracts for Parks and Recreation facilities, greenways and trails, neighborhood beautification and conservation properties.
Assist, consult and monitor in the fiscal management of the capital project budget of the Parks and Recreation Department to ensure efficient, goal-oriented use and proper utilization of appropriate funds.
Develop, plan and review agreements and contracts. Coordinate with Legal Budget, Contraction Administration, Purchasing, Real Estate and local and state agencies.
Formulation and implementation of the Planning and Design Division goals, objectives and program policies and procedures.
Oversees, directs and reviews the collection, assimilation, analyzing and interpretation of data and indicators regarding Parks and Recreation conditions and determination of consistency and concurrency with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Direct, oversee and consult the development and updating of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, City's Comprehensive Plan, and the updating of the City Strategic Plan and Performance Measures, and land development regulations as related to Parks and Recreation projects and acquisitions.
Responds to citizens' inquiries, provide information, plans and schedule of proposed and current projects. Initiate, prepare and participate in public meetings for citizen and community input and consensus.
Performs administrative duties for division; formulates division budget requests and presents to superiors; recommends employment, promotion, discipline, demotion and dismissal of subordinate employees as necessary; responds to employee grievances, completes employee performance evaluations and reviews those completed by subordinate supervisory personnel; reviews personnel actions initiated by subordinate supervisory personnel and approves, disapproves or modifies; responds to employee leave requests; ensures that subordinate employees receive appropriate orientation and training.
Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Extensive knowledge of: the principles, practices and trends in parks and recreation development, design and construction.
Considerable knowledge of: the principles, practices and trends in parks and recreation administration; capital improvement project management and budgeting; effective supervisory techniques; urban and comprehensive planning; natural resource management.
Ability to: manage the work of a diversified staff effectively; plan, organize and coordinate parks and recreation development, design and construction activities; review landscape architectural designs for soundness and completeness; prepare oral and written reports and impart them effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinate personnel, other employees, municipal officials, and the general public; prepare and analyze capital improvement project and grant documents.
Physical Requirements
Mostly sedentary, indoors, occasionally outdoors and lifting, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in parks management, parks and recreation administration, public or business administration, landscape architecture or a related field and five (5) years of experience in parks administrative activities, including parks development and fiscal management, project planning, project leadership and completion; and three (3) years of supervisory experience.
OR
An equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.
Licenses or Certifications
Possession of a valid Florida driver's license required.
Examination
Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.
Comments
During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.
Conclusion
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