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Recreation Program Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Recreation Supervisor

Lansing, IL ยท On-site

$36K - $52K/yr

Recreation Supervisor Department: Special Recreation Services Status: Full-time Who We Are At ... Supervise seasonal staff, part-time staff program assistants and intern program with various TR ...

Resident Program Assistant

Oak Brook, IL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

In this role you will get to express your creativity and enthusiasm for life as you assist the Resident Program Director in creating, initiating, facilitating, and coordinating recreational and ...

Resident Program Assistant

Oak Brook, IL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

In this role you will get to express your creativity and enthusiasm for life as you assist the Resident Program Director in creating, initiating, facilitating, and coordinating recreational and ...

Resident Program Assistant

Oak Brook, IL

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

In this role you will get to express your creativity and enthusiasm for life as you assist the Resident Program Director in creating, initiating, facilitating, and coordinating recreational and ...

Resident Program Assistant

Oak Brook, IL

$15.25 - $18.50/hr

In this role you will get to express your creativity and enthusiasm for life as you assist the Resident Program Director in creating, initiating, facilitating, and coordinating recreational and ...

Showing results 21-40

Recreation Program Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do recreation program assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation program assistant in Chicago, IL is $17.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by recreation program assistants, and how can they be managed?

Recreation Program Assistants often juggle multiple tasks such as setting up activities, coordinating with participants, and handling unexpected schedule changes. One common challenge is managing groups with diverse interests or needs, which requires flexibility and strong communication skills. Building rapport with participants and maintaining clear, proactive communication with supervisors and team members can help address these challenges effectively. Additionally, being adaptable and staying organized are key to ensuring programs run smoothly and participants remain engaged.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation program assistant?

To thrive as a Recreation Program Assistant, you need knowledge of recreational activities, basic event planning, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with scheduling software, registration systems, and safety protocols is often expected. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to work well with diverse groups help you engage participants and support team efforts. These abilities are crucial for ensuring successful, safe, and inclusive recreation programs that meet community needs.

What is a recreation program assistant?

Recreation Program Assistants are professionals who help organize, implement, and supervise recreational activities and programs for community centers, parks, schools, or other organizations. They work under the direction of recreation coordinators or supervisors and assist with planning events, leading games or activities, and ensuring participants' safety. Their goal is to create engaging, enjoyable experiences for people of all ages while promoting health, wellness, and community involvement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Program jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Recreation Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Recreation Program Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Recreation Program Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreation Program Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,980 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Farm Museum Program Assistant

Bensenville Park District

Bensenville, IL โ€ข On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Farm Museum Program Assistant

FISCHER FARM - BENSENVILLE, IL 60106

Overview

Salary Range $16.00 - $18.00 Hourly Position Type Part Time

Description

The Museum Program Assistant is responsible for assisting with and leading classes, programs, and tours. May also assist with daily museum operation tasks, customer service functions and administrative duties as assigned. Hours are typically 10-20 hours per week and take place primarily during daytime hours. May include some evenings and weekends. Hours may fluctuate with season, program and/or museum needs.

Duties and Essential Job Functions
  • Create a warm and welcoming environment. Greet Fischer Farm and Bensenville Railroad Museum visitors in a pleasant and cheerful manner both in-person and on the phone.
  • Assist with, lead, and develop interpretative programs and field trips at Fischer Farm and the Bensenville Railroad Museum, with an emphasis on agriculture, history, and environmental education for individuals and groups of all ages.
  • Work in the gift shop using accurate cash handling skills, processing of sales and restocking of shelves.
  • Open and close buildings per established procedures.
  • Set up for and monitor private facility rentals and ensure visitors have a positive and memorable experience.
  • Lead curated birthday party programs and other rental programs as needed.
  • Work special events, including but not limited to: Harvest Fest, Monster Mash, Farmside Christmas, Fischer Farm Family Earth Day, Fischer Farm Fiber Arts and Quilt Show, etc.
  • Be available to work at least 4 weekend days a month (mix of Saturdays and Sundays).
  • Must be available to work most weekends during peak season
  • Work occasional evening shifts throughout the year.
  • Assist with farm decoration and special event preparation including but not limited to: decorating the farm for Christmas, prepping crafts for Harvest Fest, Farmside Christmas, Fischer Farm Family Earth Day, etc.
  • Maintain cleanliness throughout the facility, assisting with light cleaning such as dusting and sweeping.
  • Assist with necessary clerical work and program preparations as requested by staff.
  • Assist with animal care tasks as needed.
  • Maintain current CPR and First Aid Certifications. Training provided.
  • Assist with, lead, and design off-site outreach programs with an emphasis on agriculture, history, and environmental education for groups of all ages.
  • Represent the park district at community tables and events as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent GED required. College degree preferred.
  • Experience leading programs in a nature center, farm, garden, or museum environment.
  • Good computer and social media skills.
  • Excellent phone manners.
  • Good verbal and written communication.
  • English language fluency required.
  • Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather.
  • Willingness to learn and perform basic animal care tasks. Experience with animal handling preferred.
  • Able to lift 40 lbs., walk up and down strains, navigate uneven ground outdoors.
  • Able to interview in-person at Fischer Farm (16W680 Old Grand Ave, Bensenville, IL 60106).
  • Must already be living in and able to work in the United States.
  • Must be able to travel between park district facilities; Fischer Farm, Deer Grove Leisure Center, the Bensenville Railroad Museum, etc.; during shift hours.
  • Preferred but NOT required qualifications: foreign language skills (i.e. Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian, etc.); arts and crafts skills; special interests in agriculture, US history between 1800-present, museum studies, social sciences (anthropology, sociology, communication, etc.), conservation, education, or parks and recreation.