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Recreation Program Assistant Jobs in Evanston, IL

Senior Lifestyle

Resident Program Assistant

Oak Brook, IL · 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 ...

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All JobsRecreation Program JobsRecreation Program Assistant JobsRecreation Program Assistant Jobs in Evanston, IL

Recreation Program Assistant information

See Evanston, IL salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do recreation program assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation program assistant in Evanston, IL is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $17.55 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 cities near Evanston, IL are hiring for Recreation Program Assistant jobs? Cities near Evanston, IL with the most Recreation Program Assistant job openings:
Recreation Program Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Program Assistant job openings in Evanston, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,450 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Program Assistant

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA)

Highland Park, IL • On-site

$16.50/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Program Assistant

At NSSRA, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to play. Formed in 1970 with that goal in mind, we were the first Special Recreation Association in the country, offering programs and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities. We are similar to a park district, however we only serve residents in our partner communities with special needs. Fifty years later, we serve approximately 1,600 individuals with disabilities throughout the year in the northern suburbs of Chicago. We're all about creating an environment of belonging through play, and we want you to be a part of our team!

Becoming a Program Assistant is a great way to contribute your talents, learn new job skills and build meaningful relationships. In this role, you are responsible for the following tasks:

  • Actively engage and supervise individuals with disabilities.
  • Ensure the safety of participants during recreation events, transportation, transition times, etc.
  • Communicate professionally and consistently with participants, parents, fellow team members and the general public when needed.
  • Submit timely reports, evaluations and timesheets, maintaining accurate and complete records.
  • Fulfill other duties as assigned.

To be a Program Assistant you must be 16 years of age or older. No experience is necessary, but a desire to learn and grow as a professional and be a team player is required. Training is provided for all of our employees.

We work hard to provide the best possible experience for individuals participating in our programs, so we are looking for candidates who are as highly motivated, enthusiastic and professional as we are. If you're ready to earn a competitive wage doing something meaningful, we want to hear from you!

All positions are part-time and work schedules may range from a minimum of 1 hour per week up to 28 hours per week. Scheduling is assigned by program season, and hours are flexible and can be adjusted per season. Reliable transportation is required to ensure attendance at all scheduled programs. When committing to work a program you must be able to work all meeting dates for the entire season. Pay: Starting at $16.50 per hour NSSRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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