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Recreation Program Assistant Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

MSA Gardens

Program Assistant

Pomona, CA · On-site

$38K - $48K/yr

... Assistant to help enhance the quality of life for our residents. Under the supervision of the Life ... recreational, social, educational, and wellness programs for residents in Assisted Living and ...

MSA Gardens

Program Assistant

Pomona, CA · On-site

$22.20/hr

... Assistant to help enhance the quality of life for our residents. Under the supervision of the Life ... recreational, social, educational, and wellness programs for residents in Assisted Living and ...

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How much do recreation program assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation program assistant in Irvine, CA is $18.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Recreation Program Assistant jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Recreation Program Assistant job openings:

Recreation Program Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Program Assistant job openings in Irvine, CA 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 $38,533 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

MWR Recreation Assistant

San Clemente, CA • On-site, Remote

Commander, Navy Installations Command
Executive Offices and Legislative Bodies • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Commander, Navy Installations Commandexternal

$22/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Summary
Performs a variety of duties in support of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Community Recreation program that may include special events, recreation information/resources, command events, visiting ships or fleet support, community events, trips, tours, outings, party and picnic rental equipment, resale tickets, recreational green space management, bowling, Library, Liberty, grab-n-go, movies, and outdoor recreation.
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Duties
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MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provides customer service, information and support of Community Recreation programs and activities. Service to MWR customers includes but is not limited to checking patron eligibility to ensure authorized use of recreation facilities, resources and equipment, providing information about activities and program offerings, opening and closing facilities, ordering and restocking supplies, and preparing snack bar menu items or prepackaged retail items.

  • Collects fees from customers associated with sales of tickets, retail and rental items, as well as from classes, trips, and various other Community Recreation programs using Point of Sales (POS) and computer programs.

  • Is accountable for the accuracy of daily sales transactions and completes a Daily Activity Report (DAR) at the end of every shift.

  • Assists in processing customer Internet registrations (i.e. Net Near You), initial logins and event registrations.

  • Checks Community Recreation equipment and resources in and out, collects any applicable rental fees, inventories items and completes inspections upon return.

  • Notifies supervisor or program lead if damage or loss has occurred.

  • Ensures all rental or check-out forms are properly completed and reservation and checkout procedures are followed.

  • Conducts inventory, maintains inventory controls and maintains equipment for proper accountability of program equipment and resources.

  • Assists in administering traditional and non-traditional workshops, clinics and events in a variety of leisure and recreation skills subject areas, in tune with offerings popular in the local area, including but not limited to camping, cycling, sailing, backpacking, canoeing, snow skiing, hiking and water sports.

  • Provides recreation experiences related to leisure skill sets in the form of day and weekend trips.

  • Assists in day-to-day administration of multiple programs to which assigned. Tasks include submission of event after-action reports, patronage data collection and entering program data.

  • Performs inventory of various types of equipment, retail goods, supplies and items deemed to have cash value.

  • Performs administrative duties, all of which are accomplished through a variety of means, including computer software programs which track resource inventories, patron usage/comments, and program standards metrics.

  • Assists with recruitment, training and scheduling of Community Recreation staff.

  • Actively supports the command statement on adherence to EEO principles and policies.

  • Assists in the planning, coordinating, publicizing, marketing and execution of MWR programs and special events.

  • Performs entertainment and promotion scheduling.

  • Assists in updating of electronic and multi-media support tools, as needed.

  • Seeks ways to promote MWR facilities and events through outreach opportunities on base.

  • Promotes use of recreational E-reading resources available through online MWR Library Program resources.

  • Develops working partnerships with both on base and off base organizations (park districts, forest preserve, clubs, special interest groups, etc.) to support and benefit MWR programs.

  • Performs community outreach to assist in the development of contacts.

  • Assists in the creation of professional proposals, execution of agreements and follow-up.

  • Researches and provides information and referral for a variety of recreational opportunities for individuals/families on and off the base.

  • Adheres to NAVMED P-5010 sanitation requirements.

  • Initiates and follows up on maintenance trouble calls to get equipment/facility issues resolved.

  • Provides support for Community Recreation event set up and break down.

  • Performs other duties as assigned as they pertain to the duties of this position.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
  • Must meet federal suitability requirements including successful completion of background investigation.
  • Irregular working hours may be required to include early shift, late shift, evenings, weekends and holidays when the need arises.
  • Wears protective clothing and equipment as situations warrant.
  • Work may require sitting, walking, long periods of standing, bending and lifting of moderate heavy items up to 40 pounds, occasionally required to lift heavier items.
  • Work may require lifting items such as papers, books, rental equipment, and athletic equipment.
  • Work may require working outside for special events or leading outdoor outings or group trips.

Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
  • Combination of experience related to customer service and or recreation activity-based functions.

  • Ability to organize, plan, administer special events and entertainment activities.

  • Must be able to work independently, make sound decisions and have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

  • Knowledge of the goals, principles, techniques and procedures used in organizing, planning and conducting leisure time activities.

  • Knowledge of the Navy MWR mission and the entire scope of Community Recreation activities and their suitability for individuals, groups, ages and interests.

  • Knowledge of the functions, procedures, and operations of recreation activities.

  • Must have strong customer service skills.

  • Ability to maintain records, compile and organize data for reports, and perform research on recreation topics for dissemination to customers.

  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

  • Knowledge of computers, office procedures and print production.

Education
This position is not in a positive education series.
Additional information
Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.
Non-U.S. citizens with fewer than three years of recent residential history in the U.S. may be determined ineligible for employment. Some positions have special requirements. Selectee may be required to complete a one (1) year probationary period. Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required.
In accordance with the Real ID Act of 2005, if a candidate or new hire requires access to a military installation and does not have a REAL ID, identity will need to be established. Identity is established by presenting either one (1) Acceptable Credential or by presenting an acceptable combination of Source Identify Documents. Acceptable Credentials are listed in List A and Acceptable Source Identity Documents are listed in Lists B and C in the link below (page 3). If using an Acceptable Credential, only one (1) from List A is required and if using Acceptable Source Identity Documents, one (1) from List B and one (1) from List C is required.
https://www.oni.navy.mil/Portals/12/Vistors/Base%20Access%20Form.pdf?ver=2017-08-28-065204-693
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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