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Recreation Professional Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Recreation Professional information

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How much do recreation professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation professional in Indiana is $15.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $17.12 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 are the most commonly searched types of Recreation jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Recreation jobs in Indiana are:

Infographic showing various Recreation Professional job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,091 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Senior Manager of Aquatics

City of Indianapolis and Marion County

Indianapolis, IN โ€ข On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Overview Position is responsible for the departmental policy management, administration, staff development and training, leadership and guidance of the designated area of the City Wide Aquatics Operation. This includes in-direct supervision of all Managers and staff associated with the aquatic facility operation. The Senior Manager of Aquatics is the subject matter expert for the Department and responsible for the development and delivery of this core recreation service to the community.

The City of Indianapolis prioritizes and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. This position values diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city whom they serve. Position Responsibilities Administers the operational and delivery facets of the aquatics facility management in the Department; including maintenance & cleanliness of facilities, program and service delivery, community involvement (advisory councils), fiscal management, personnel procedures, contract management and compliance, performance measures, and adherence to department policy and procedures.

Responsible for the training and professional development of Department wide aquatics personnel. Makes recommendations to the Deputy Director on needed changes to current operating procedures. Monitors performance measures, standards of service delivery, and maintenance of properties.

Works closely with the Deputy Director, Regional Managers, Senior Park Managers and Park Managers to develop, monitor, and insure compliance with department aquatic policy and procedures. Communicates regularly with Mayor's Neighborhood Liaisons, DPW supervisors and other City staff to assure quality park products and services for our communities. Notifies Deputy Director or Director of any potential problems or issues.

Facilitates two way flow of communication from senior staff to managers and from managers to senior staff. Develops an annual aquatic operations report for the Department. Facilitates and monitors aquatic operations communication with the community, the media and other policy areas, departments or agencies.

Provides input and feedback to Supervisors regarding aquatic staff performance, skills, education, certifications and experience and recommends necessary training programs. May help to design and deliver training programs. Completes various types of reports to the Deputy Director and Director as needed.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree and eight (8) years of managerial experience with a minimum of four (4) years of related experience or twelve (12) years of related work experience in Aquatics, Recreation, Sports Administration or related field. Must have in depth understanding of fiscal and personnel procedures and policy in the public sector.

Ability to communicate and interact with top-level management and community advocates. Clear understanding and working knowledge of philosophies in the Park and Recreation Field. Experience working in the public sector.

Exceptional written and oral communication skills and customer service oriented. Must be self-motivated and dependable. Ability to learn computer applications for purchasing, budgeting, program registration, facility reservations.

General ability to utilize a personal computer for word processing, e-mail, scheduling and data base spreadsheets. Requires a thorough knowledge of pool maintenance and water chemistry. Licenses/Certifications required or ability to obtain within one year include: 5 Star Lifeguard Instructor Trainer with Starfish Aquatics, Starguard Lifeguard Certification, American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, CPR and First Aid Teaching Certificate and Aquatic Facility Operator or Certified Pool Operator.

Position will require a respirator physical and fit test for chemical face mask. General ability to utilize a personal computer for word processing, e-mail, scheduling, and data base spread-sheets. Prefer CPRP (Certified Parks & Recreation Professional).

Working Conditions Senior Managers are assigned an office as a central work location. Work hours may include holidays, weekends and evenings. Administrators will be expected to travel regularly to locations within the division to monitor activity.

Work related activities may incorporate all facets of recreational or municipal service delivery in various physical environments and weather conditions. Senior Managers are on-call on a 24-hour 7 day a week basis with the exception of approved vacations.