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Recreation Program Specialist Jobs in Raleigh, NC

PROGRAM ASSISTANT II- ACCESS- TEMP

Cary, NC · On-site

$38K - $48K/yr

Assists the Recreation Program Specialist in program planning, implementation, including set up and take down, and evaluation. * Provides excellent customer service to participants, community members ...

PROGRAM ASSISTANT II- ACCESS- TEMP

Cary, NC · On-site

$38K - $48K/yr

Assists the Recreation Program Specialist in program planning, implementation, including set up and take down, and evaluation. * Provides excellent customer service to participants, community members ...

Report participant, staff, behavioral, and safety concerns to the CARE Coordinator or Recreation Program Specialist. Follow all CARE and Town policies, procedures, and safety expectations. Attend ...

... Program Specialist Anticipated Hiring Range $56,000 - $60,000 Work Schedule 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ... Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and ...

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Recreation Program Specialist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$8

$21

$33

How much do recreation program specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation program specialist in Raleigh, NC is $21.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreation program specialist?

Recreation Program Specialists are professionals who plan, organize, and oversee recreational activities and programs for various groups, such as community members, youth, seniors, or people with special needs. They work in settings like community centers, parks, schools, and recreational facilities. Their responsibilities include developing engaging activities, managing program logistics, supervising staff or volunteers, and ensuring programs are safe and inclusive. Recreation Program Specialists also evaluate the effectiveness of programs and make improvements based on participant feedback.

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

To thrive as a Recreation Program Specialist, you need a background in recreation management, physical education, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with scheduling software, budget management tools, and safety certification (like CPR/First Aid) is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, creativity, and effective communication help in engaging diverse participants and collaborating with colleagues. These abilities ensure safe, inclusive, and well-coordinated programs that meet community needs and foster positive experiences.

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

Recreation Program Specialists often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse participant needs, managing limited resources, and adapting to changing schedules or facility availability. Successful specialists stay proactive by maintaining clear communication with team members, being flexible with program planning, and regularly gathering participant feedback to improve offerings. Collaborating closely with other staff and community partners also helps ensure programs run smoothly and remain engaging for all involved.

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

AspectRecreation Program SpecialistRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsCPR certification, relevant degrees (e.g., recreation, leisure studies)CPR certification, relevant degrees (e.g., recreation, leisure studies)
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilitiesCommunity programs, parks, recreational facilities
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, parks departments, community organizationsMunicipalities, parks departments, community organizations
Primary ResponsibilitiesDeveloping and implementing recreational programs, supervising staffPlanning, organizing, and coordinating recreational activities and programs

Both roles focus on promoting recreational activities within communities, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in scope: Recreation Program Specialists often focus on developing and managing specific programs, while Recreation Coordinators handle the overall organization and coordination of recreational activities.

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Recreation Program Specialist jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Recreation Program Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Recreation Program Specialist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,230 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

LSE Program Support Assistant - Specialized Recreation Programs

Town of Apex North Carolina

Apex, NC • On-site

$32K - $37K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

An employee in this position assists and leads specialized recreation programs including bingo nights, movie nights, cooking classes, art classes, and more.  This position will assist in program planning.

This position reports to the Recreation Program Specialist. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.