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Recreation Professional Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Ocala

Recreation Leader

Ocala, FL

$33K - $41K/yr

Senior Programs/Therapeutic Recreation - Certified Parks & Recreation Professional or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Wellness, Fitness & Athletics - Certifications in wellness ...

City of Ocala, FL

Recreation Leader

Ocala, FL · On-site

$33K - $41K/yr

Recreation Leader - Certified Parks & Recreation Professional. * Senior Programs/Therapeutic Recreation - Certified Parks & Recreation Professional or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

City of Conroe

Recreation Coordinator

Conroe, TX · On-site

$65K/yr

Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.Proficient in department registration/reservation software or within one month of hire.Proficient in City of Conroe software applications or within one ...

City of Conroe

Recreation Coordinator

Conroe, TX

$65K/yr

Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. * Proficient in department registration/reservation software or within one month of hire. * Proficient in City of Conroe software applications or within ...

City of Conroe

Recreation Coordinator

Conroe, TX · On-site

$65K/yr

Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. * Proficient in department registration/reservation software or within one month of hire. * Proficient in City of Conroe software applications or within ...

City of Palm Bay, FL

Recreation Director

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

$111K - $184K/yr

Recreation Opening Date: 08/13/2026 FLSA: Exempt Bargaining Unit: General Employee MINIMUM TRAINING ... The employee is responsible for supervising professional, technical, and clerical staff; for ...

Gfoat

$90 - $130/hr

A Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Professional (CTRP) from a nationally or a local chapter of nationally recognized professional association or ...

New

Gfoat

Director of Parks and Recreation

Keller, TX · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

A Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Professional (CTRP) from a nationally or a local chapter of nationally recognized professional association or ...

New

City of Burbank

RECREATION COORDINATOR

Burbank, CA · On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

Week of 08/31/26 - Blind supplemental scoring Week of 09/14/26 - Oral interview The ideal candidate is an organized, customer-focused recreation professional with experience planning, coordinating ...

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Recreation Professional information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do recreation professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation professional in the United States is $17.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation professional?

Recreation professionals are individuals who plan, organize, and lead recreational activities for people of all ages in various settings, such as parks, community centers, camps, or recreational facilities. Their goal is to enhance the well-being, fitness, and social engagement of participants through structured programs and events. They may also be responsible for managing facilities, supervising staff, and ensuring the safety of all participants. Recreation professionals often work for government agencies, nonprofits, schools, or private organizations.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Professional, you need knowledge of recreational programming, group leadership, and a degree in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field. Familiarity with scheduling software, safety and first aid certifications, and facility management systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and effective communication help you engage participants and foster a positive environment. These abilities are essential for delivering safe, enjoyable programs that meet community needs and encourage active participation.

What are some typical challenges recreation professionals face when designing inclusive programs for diverse communities?

Recreation Professionals often encounter the challenge of ensuring programs are accessible and engaging for participants of various ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. This requires creative planning, sensitivity to community needs, and often collaboration with local organizations or specialists. Balancing limited resources while offering meaningful, inclusive activities can also be demanding. Staying up-to-date on best practices in adaptive recreation and soliciting participant feedback are key strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Recreation Professional vs Recreation Therapist?

AspectRecreation ProfessionalRecreation Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certifications varyRequires a degree in recreation therapy or therapeutic recreation; certification as a CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) often needed
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilities, campsHospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, nursing homes
Employer & IndustryPublic and private recreation agencies, community organizationsHealthcare, mental health, rehabilitation industries
Job FocusOrganizing recreational activities to promote community engagement and wellnessUsing recreation as a therapeutic tool to improve physical and mental health

Recreation Professionals focus on organizing and managing recreational activities to enhance community well-being, while Recreation Therapists use recreation as a therapeutic intervention to aid recovery and improve health outcomes. Both roles require related education, but Recreation Therapists have specialized training in therapeutic techniques and certifications.

What types of recreation professional jobs are there?

Recreation professionals work in various roles such as recreation coordinators, program managers, outdoor recreation specialists, sports and fitness instructors, and community recreation directors. These jobs often involve planning and leading recreational activities, managing facilities, and working with diverse populations, sometimes requiring certifications like CPR or first aid. The work environment can include parks, community centers, sports complexes, and outdoor settings.

What cities are hiring for Recreation Professional jobs?

Cities with the most Recreation Professional job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs?

The most popular types of Recreation jobs are:

What states have the most Recreation Professional jobs?

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

Recreation Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Professional job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,898 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Therapeutic Recreation Professional

Liberty Healthcare

Rushville, IL • On-site

$58K - $64K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Therapeutic Recreation Professional

Therapeutic recreation professionals are encouraged to consider a Recreation Therapist position with Liberty Healthcare.

Work setting:

You will work onsite at Liberty Healthcare's secure residential mental health program at the IL DHS Treatment and Detention Facility located at 17019 County Farm Rd. in Rushville, IL 62681.

Responsibilities:

  • Interacting with clients individually and in groups
  • Conducting interest assessments
  • Designing and leading prosocial activities
  • Collaborating with other recreation therapists and mental health professionals

Schedule:

You will work a full-time schedule, weekdays, with the option of working four 10-hour days weekly.

Compensation and benefits:

  • Starting range of $58,000 to $64,000 (depending on experience and certification status)
  • 240 hours of paid time off annually for vacation, sick and personal time plus 10 paid holidays
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • FSA and 401(k)

Benefits plan details available at https://www.libertyhealthcare.com/upload/136.pdf

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy
  • CTRS or eligibility for certification

Liberty Healthcare is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our organization is composed of, and proudly serves, people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

For more info or to speak with someone before applying - email Matt DiGirolamo at matt.digirolamo@libertyhealth.com

Click "Apply" and submit your resume for immediate consideration.

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