1

Recreation Program Coordinator Jobs in California

Recreation Coordinator

Calistoga, CA · On-site

$31.57 - $38.01/hr

This position is responsible for coordinating recreation programs, supervising part-time staff and volunteers, supporting community events, and helping ensure our programs are safe, engaging, and ...

Recreation Coordinator

Malibu, CA · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

The Recreation Coordinator will support Department staff with program marketing, including creating flyers, advertisements, press releases, and content for the City's website and social media ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Recreation Program Coordinator information

See California salary details

$26.6K

$55.5K

$89.8K

How much do recreation program coordinator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for recreation program coordinator in California is $55,516.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $66,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation program coordinator?

Recreation Program Coordinators are professionals who plan, organize, and oversee recreational activities and programs for communities, organizations, or specific groups. They work in settings such as parks, community centers, schools, or camps, ensuring that programs run smoothly and safely. Their duties often include scheduling events, supervising staff or volunteers, managing budgets, and evaluating program effectiveness. Recreation Program Coordinators play a key role in promoting wellness, engagement, and community involvement.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Program Coordinator, you need strong organizational skills, program planning experience, and typically a degree in recreation management or a related field. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and facility management systems is commonly required, along with certifications like CPR/First Aid. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help coordinate staff, engage participants, and ensure smooth program delivery. These skills are crucial for creating enjoyable, safe, and well-run recreation programs that meet the needs of diverse communities.

What are common challenges faced by recreation program coordinators when planning and executing community events?

Recreation Program Coordinators often face challenges such as balancing limited budgets, accommodating diverse community interests, and coordinating logistics like facility scheduling and staffing. Additionally, they must effectively promote programs to ensure strong participation and handle last-minute changes, such as weather disruptions or cancellations. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential to navigate these challenges and deliver successful, engaging events that meet community needs.

What is the difference between Recreation Program Coordinator vs Recreation Supervisor?

AspectRecreation Program CoordinatorRecreation Supervisor
CredentialsCPR certification, relevant degree (e.g., recreation, leisure studies)CPR certification, experience in program management
Work EnvironmentPlanning, organizing, and coordinating recreational activities and programsOverseeing staff, managing daily operations of recreation facilities
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal parks, community centers, recreational organizationsPublic parks, recreation departments, community programs
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in program planning and coordinationManaging staff and facility operations

The Recreation Program Coordinator primarily focuses on planning and organizing recreational activities, while the Recreation Supervisor oversees staff and daily operations of recreation facilities. Both roles require similar certifications and are common in community and municipal settings, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

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

The most popular types of Recreation Program jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Program Coordinator jobs in California?

For Recreation Program Coordinator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Recreation Program Coordinator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Recreation Program Coordinator job openings:

Infographic showing various Recreation Program Coordinator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,516 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Recreation Program Coordinator (Big Bear Valley)

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$44K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


San Bernardino County rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Job The Special Districts Department, Big Bear Valley Recreation and Parks District is recruiting for a Recreation Program Coordinator, who is responsible for planning, developing and coordinating recreation programs, special events; youth activities; aquatics; youth and adult sports; senior citizens and special interest classes for the community and oversees staff and volunteers who assist with programs in the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park Districts. This position is located in the mountain area of Big Bear, located approximately 1 hour/45 miles from downtown San Bernardino. The Special Districts Department works to promote the safety, health and enrichment of communities by providing essential municipal services along with diverse community-based programs in an efficient and sustainable manner.

Special Districts covers a number of services areas, providing water and sanitation, television, parks and recreation, roads, streetlight, and other services, as well as conservation and land use assistance to unincorporated areas of the County. EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and the Non-Represented Employee Compensation Plan The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Work Location: Must be available to work in the Big Bear Valley.

Work Availability: Ability to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays. License: Incumbents are required to possess and maintain a Class "B" driver license within 6 months of hire or be terminated. A valid California Class "C" driver license and proof of automobile liability insurance is required at time of hire.

Pre-Employment Process: A successful background check is required prior to assignment. Health and Physical Condition: Persons seeking appointment to this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper for performance of the duties established by the San Bernardino County Special Districts Department. Certification: Incumbents must obtain a CPR/AED certification with AED within 12 months of hire and maintain it throughout their employment.

Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is unable to consider to candidates who require Visa Sponsorship at this time or in the future. Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment. Minimum Requirements Applicants must meet one (1) of the following options: Option 1: An Associate's degree or higher in physical education, sports medicine, kinesiology, recreation, fitness, recreation/park administration, public administration or a closely related field.

-OR- Option 2: Two (2) years of full-time work experience coordinating and implementing youth, adult and/or senior activities in a park, camp, outdoor recreation organization/association, school/educational or closely related setting. Desired Qualifications Certification, course accreditation, or documented experience coaching or refereeing teams sports (e.g. basketball, baseball, softball, soccer) is highly desired

The ideal candidate will also possess an American Red Cross Training certification, C.P.R for the Professional Rescuer; Water Safety Instructor, Certified Pool Operator (CPO); or Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO) certification as well as Aquatic management experience. Selection Process Application Procedure: Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline. Applications will be accepted until further notice; recruitment may close at any time once sufficient applications are received

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires. There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department.

All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mail frequently to learn additional information regarding this recruitment. Check your GovernmentJobs account for notifications.

Update your firewalls to allow e-mails from San Bernardino County through governmentjobs.com. Update your Spam, Junk, and Bulk settings to ensure it will not spam/block/filter communications from email addresses with the following domain "@hr.sbcounty.gov". Finally, be sure to keep your personal information updated

Taking these steps now will help ensure you receive all communications regarding this recruitment. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline.

Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.

All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment. Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information.

Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment. EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy. For more important details, review the links below: Guide to Completing a County Job Application Applicant Information and the County Employment Process.


What San Bernardino County employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom