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Recreation Program Specialist Jobs in Raleigh, NC

NCSU

Faculty Success Program Specialist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... Program Specialist Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience ($67,901 - $72,491) Work ... 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

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$33

How much do recreation program specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 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 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.

How to become a recreation program specialist?

To become a recreation program specialist, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field. Relevant experience in program planning, strong communication skills, and certifications such as CPR or first aid are often required or preferred by employers.

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 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 cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Recreation Program Specialist jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Recreation Program Specialist job openings:
Recreation Program Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Program Specialist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,230 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Recreation Program Specialist (Senior Programs)

Town of Apex North Carolina

Apex, NC • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

TOWN OF APEX
invites applications for the position of:
Recreation Program Specialist (Senior Programs)
EXPECTEDHIRING RANGE: $61,679.70 - 75,562.45
WORKLOCATION: 63 Hunter Street, Apex, NC 27502 USA
SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, some evening and weekends may be required
POSTINGCLOSING DATE: August 5, 2026 at 7pm
Areyou passionate about enriching the lives of older adults through innovativeprograms, engaging events, and meaningful experiences? If so, then considerjoining Team Apex as a Recreation Program Specialist - Senior Programs. We are seeking a dedicated professional who is committed to creating a vibrantand welcoming community where adults 55+ can stay active, connected, andthrive.
HOWYOU'LL MAKE AN IMPACT:
This position performs responsible recreation andadministrative work in planning, organizing and supervising assigned 55+ seniorprogram areas for the Town. Work involves researching needs and interests ofassigned program areas; planning, coordinating and scheduling of programs;maintaining budget for assigned programs; coordinating and schedulingvolunteers, temporary/seasonal staff and scheduling and supervising their work;and contact with participants, community groups, and contracted staff such asinstructors. This position will prepare a wide variety of schedules, andcoordinate with facilities, maintenance, and others to ensure programs runsmoothly. This position will be located at the Apex Senior Center.
This position reports to the Recreation Program Supervisor(Senior Programs).
This position will supervise program volunteers and maysupervise part-time staff.
HOW YOUWILL CONTRIBUTE:
  • Plans, organizes, implements, supervises, and evaluates a variety of senior programs, including senior outdoor recreation adventures and trips, educational programs, special events, and other program areas as assigned. Prepares a wide variety of schedules; coordinates with facilities, maintenance, and others to ensure the assigned programs run smoothly; works with various community groups as needed.
  • Recruits, trains, assigns, supervises and evaluates contractors, instructors, employees, and/or volunteers for assigned programs; maintains appropriate documentation, including but not limited to employee records, training qualifications, time sheets, and volunteer waivers and background checks.
  • Drives a 14-passenger mini bus for trips.
  • Manages inventory of equipment necessary for conducting programs; controls approved budgetary expenditures.
  • Works with Marketing Coordinator and Recreation Program Supervisor to promote and market assigned programs, to include development and distribution of brochures, flyers and/or other marketing materials, providing content for the website and/or social media publications, and/or assisting with promotion via approved avenues.
  • Assists with managing Senior Facebook group and weekly newsletter distributed to participants.
  • Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints, compliments and other comments from the public concerning programs and activities.
  • Assists in the development of assigned program area operations, risk management, and policies and procedures.

WHAT SETSYOU UP FOR SUCCESS:
Graduation from an accredited university with a bachelor'sdegree in Recreation or related degree anda minimum of one (1) year of experience in recreational programming related toarea of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possession of or ability to obtain CPR/First Aid/AEDcertification upon hire within 6 (six) months
WHAT SETS YOU APART:
  • Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred
  • Prior experience working with seniors 55 years and older
  • Prior experience driving 14-passenger bus

GET TOKNOW APEX:
Known as "The Peak of Good Living",the Town of Apex is a rapidly growing Wake County municipality with a currentpopulation of more than 84,000 and has been ranked as one of Money Magazine'sBest Place to Live in America. Our current workforce is comprised of over740 full-time employees and over 125 part-time/seasonal staff. Our HumanResources Department - with the support and confidence of Town leadership - iscommitted to providing best-in-class HR programs for our employees, with amission to create a culture of empowerment and accountability that maximizesindividual and organizational potential. We offer a generous benefit package andhave a highly competitive compensation program. More than that, the Townis an awesome place to work, as evidenced by the high job satisfaction ratingreceived in the last employee opinion survey conducted with our employees.
BENEFITSTHAT SUPPORT YOU:
Not only is the Town "The Peak of Good Living", but it'salso a great place to work! We strive to "reach the peak" of being anemployer of choice by providing competitive salaries and excellent benefits,including:
• Free or low-cost medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees
• 5% contributions to the NC401(k) retirement plans (no matching required)
• Participation in the Local Government Employees' Retirement System (LGERS)
• Traditional sick and vacation leave
• 80 hours Peak Paid Time Off per year
• $1,200 Peak Lifestyle Benefit to pay for health and wellness activities (after completion of probation)
• 8 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• 3 weeks of Paid Caregiver Leave
• Bereavement leave
• 13 paid holidays
• Longevity pay
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive wellness program, and more!
KEEP INMIND:
Providing a safe work environment for ouremployees is a top priority, therefore all new hires must successfully completea pre-employment drug test, post-offer functional testing (if required byposition), background verifications including references, criminal recordand driver's license check prior to employment. Some positions may alsorequire SBI fingerprinting as part of the background screening process.
The Town of Apex provides equal employment opportunities(EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regardto age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, politicalaffiliation or marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.

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