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Recreation Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recreation Program Instructor

CO ยท On-site

$19.18 - $21.99/hr

Recreation Programs Opening Date: 01/22/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt The City of Gunnison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Gunnison is dedicated to the principles of ...

Recreation Program Administrator

Dayton, OH ยท On-site

$67K - $90K/yr

Responsibilities The Recreation Program Administrator (RPA) is a multi-incumbent management position requiring strong organizational, oral, and written communication skills, along with the use of ...

$22.87 - $28.58/hr

Description Primary Reason Why Classification Exists To plan, implement, and supervise varied recreation and athletic programs Distinguishing Features of the Class An employee in this class is ...

Recreation Program Specialist

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$76K - $93K/yr

The Recreation Program Specialist, assists with planning, scheduling, and organizing various events, programs, and activities. This is a 1.0 FTE permanent position, eligible for both health benefits ...

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Recreation Program information

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$8

$21

$34

How much do recreation program jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation program in the United States is $21.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are recreation programs?

Recreation programs are organized activities and services designed to provide leisure, entertainment, and physical activity opportunities for individuals and communities. They can include sports leagues, arts and crafts classes, fitness sessions, outdoor adventures, and cultural events. These programs are often offered by community centers, parks and recreation departments, schools, and nonprofit organizations to promote health, social interaction, and overall well-being.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Program Coordinator, you need knowledge of program planning, event management, and a background in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with scheduling software, budget tracking tools, and safety regulations is typically required. Strong organizational skills, creativity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for engaging participants and leading teams. These skills ensure successful, safe, and engaging programs that meet community needs and organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by recreation program coordinators, and how can they address them?

Recreation Program Coordinators often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse participant needs, managing limited budgets, and ensuring program safety and inclusivity. To address these, coordinators typically engage in proactive communication with participants, collaborate closely with team members, and creatively utilize available resources. Staying organized and adaptable is key, as is seeking feedback to continuously improve program offerings and foster an engaging, supportive environment.

What is the difference between Recreation Program vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation ProgramRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsCPR certification, sometimes a degree in recreation or leisure studiesCPR certification, degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, schools, recreational facilitiesCommunity centers, parks, sports leagues, event planning settings
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, non-profits, private recreation providersMunicipalities, non-profits, sports organizations, educational institutions

Recreation Programs focus on developing and managing recreational activities and events, often overseeing multiple programs. Recreation Coordinators handle the planning, coordination, and execution of specific activities or events within these programs. While both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, Recreation Coordinators have a more hands-on role in organizing and managing day-to-day activities.

What cities are hiring for Recreation Program jobs?

Cities with the most Recreation Program job openings:

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

The most popular types of Recreation Program jobs are:

What states have the most Recreation Program jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Recreation Program job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,501 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Recreation Program Administrator

City of Dayton - Recreation

Dayton, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop, supervise, and oversee recreational programs and events for all age groups.

  • Manage the operation of recreation facilities such as pools and sports arenas, including planning and implementing related programming.

  • Plan, coordinate, and manage special events, teen programs, and recreational activities at city recreation centers.


Job description

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Responsibilities

The Recreation Program Administrator (RPA) is a multi-incumbent management position requiring strong organizational, oral, and written communication skills, along with the use of sound judgment to oversee and manage the City's Recreation Centers. The RPA develops and supervises City sponsored recreational programs and events for all age groups which includes arranging, scheduling, and securing necessary instructional, supervisory, and volunteer personnel to carry out such programs. RPAs respond to and resolve difficult and/or sensitive requests or complaints from citizens or interested community groups. The incumbent administers joint use agreements with school districts; establish affiliation agreements with other organizations and collaborates with local and state organizations. The RPA assists in the preparation of federal and state grants; and participates in the design, preparation, and distribution of public advertisement such as activity guides, press releases, brochures, pamphlets, flyers, web site updates, and printed schedules. The Recreation Program Administrator prepares estimates of activity costs and revenue used in preparing budget requests, as well as prepares requisitions and maintains inventory for procurement of supplies and equipment. Incumbents will be assigned to one of the specialty areas based on experience but are expected to develop a working knowledge in each of the other specialty areas. All incumbents in this position must stay abreast of new technologies and changes in the Recreation industry to offer the best services possible to the public.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe current vacancy oversees Camps, After School & Senior Recreation.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAQUATICS & FITNESS/WELLNESS - Manages the operation of the indoor pools located at each of the City's respective recreation centers. Responsible for the planning and implementation of aquatics programming such as aquatic fitness classes and swimming lessons.\r\n\r\n\r\nYOUTH & ADULT SPORTS PROGRAMS - Manages the operation of the City's outdoor sports arenas (Kettering Field Complex, Jim Nichols Tennis Center, and Howell Field). Responsible for the planning and implementation of youth and adult sports leagues at each of the City's respective recreation centers, i.e. volleyball, softball, baseball, basketball, etc.\r\n\r\n\r\nCAMPS, AFTER SCHOOL & SENIOR RECREATION - Manages recreational programming at each of the City's respective recreation centers. Responsible for the planning and implementation ofsenior programming such as art, dance, wellness, etc., summer camps and after school programming.\r\n\r\n\r\nSPECIAL EVENTS, GENERAL RECREATION & TEEN PROGRAMMING - Responsible for planning the City of Dayton's special events such as music festivals, fireworks display, and other community events in addition to teen programming and general activities such as open gym, open swim, etc.\r\n\r\n

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Sports Medicine, Leisure Services, Business Administration, Communications, or a closely related field AND 3 years of experience in recreation or a closely related field (2 of the 3 years must have been in a full-time paid supervisory, leadership or administrative position).\r\n\r\n\r\nDegree must be from a college or university that is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission or equivalent region. \r\n

Certifications

Must obtain and maintain a valid First Aid and Adult/Child CPR with AED certification within 150 days of employment.\r\n\r\n\r\nWithin 12 months of appointment, must obtain a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification and maintain as a term and condition of continued employment.\r\n\r\n\r\nIncumbents assigned to the division of Recreation & Youth Services (RYS) must obtain and maintain a Certified Pool Operator certification (CPO) within the first 12 months of employment.\r\n

License Requirements

Must possess a valid driver's license at time of appointment and maintain thereafter as a term and condition of continued employment.\r\n

Notes

Applications must specifically address each of the minimum qualifications, directly showing how each is met.\r\n Background Check\r\nA background investigation and evidence of Employment Authorization and Identity is required prior to employment.All candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position, including current city employees seeking transfer, promotion, demotion, etc. into a classified position.\r\nMedical Examination & Drug and Nicotine Testing\r\nFinal appointment is contingent upon the applicant passing a job-related medical examination including drug screen. Applicants offered employment with the City will be required to pass a nicotine screening. Newly hired employees must remain tobacco and nicotine free as a condition of continued employment. The Tobacco and Nicotine Free Hiring Policy does not apply to current City employees.\r\nAn Equal Employment Opportunity Employer\r\nM/F/H\r\n\r\n

Benefits

Click here for Benefit information.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Employment Type: NA