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Recreation Program Specialist information

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$8

$21

$34

How much do recreation program specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation program specialist in the United States is $21.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $25.24 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, and why are they important?

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 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 are Recreation Program Specialists?

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 are hiring for Recreation Program Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Recreation Program Specialist job openings:
What states have the most Recreation Program Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreation Program Specialist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Program Specialist jobs? For Recreation Program Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Recreation Program Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Program Specialist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,501 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Northland Adaptive Recreation Adaptive Recreation Program Specialist

Northland Adaptive Recreation Adaptive Recreation Program Specialist

Essentia Health

Duluth, MN • On-site

$23.06 - $34.59/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Essentia Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 209 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Building Location:Miller-Dwan FoundationDepartment:2048110 MILLER DWAN FOUNDATION - SMDC HOSPJob Description:Key Responsibilities:
oPlan, coordinate, and implement community-based sports and recreation programs for people with disabilities
oAssess, gather data, and evaluate all adaptive programs
oRecruit, train, and lead volunteers and interns who work with program participants and/or assist with the organization's operations
oMaintain participant, volunteer, and donor database
oMaintain adaptive equipment supply and inventory
oServe as a resource to program participants, their families, volunteers and community partners
oAssist in creating marketing, program, and fundraising materials and social media posts
oParticipate in events and conferences
Educational Requirements:
oBachelor's degree required.
oPreferred degree in in Therapeutic recreation, Recreation Management, Special Education, Adaptive Physical Education, Sports Management or related field.
Required Qualifications:
o1 to 3 years of experience working with people with disabilities., and adaptive sports and recreational activities Experience using Microsoft Suite including TEAMSMicrosoft
Office
WordPress Experience
Preferred Qualifications:
oExperience with charitable giving and donor relationships
oGroup facilitation and presentation experience
oExperience in creating Social Media posts (FACEBOOK, Instagram, Linked-In, etc.)
oExperience with database management (data entry, reports, queries)
Certificate / Licensure
Certificate / Licensure
Certification/Licensure Requirements:
oBLS Tier 1 - Basic Life Support
oMinnesota or Wisconsin Driver's licenseEducation Qualifications:

Key Responsibilities:

  • Plan, coordinate, and implement community-based sports and recreation programs for people with disabilities
  • Assess, gather data, and evaluate all adaptive programs
  • Recruit, train, and lead volunteers and interns who work with program participants and/or assist with the organization's operations
  • Maintain adaptive equipment supply and inventory
  • Serve as a resource to program participants, their families, volunteers and community partners
  • Assist in creating marketing, program, and fundraising materials
  • Participate in events and conferences

Educational Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic recreation, Recreation Management, Special Education, Adaptive Physical Education, Sports Management or related field.

Required Qualifications:

  • 1 to 3 years of experience working with people with disabilities, and adaptive sports and recreational activities Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with charitable giving and donor relationships
  • Group facilitation and presentation experience
Licensure/CertificationQualifications:

Certification/Licensure Requirements:

  • BLS Tier 1 - Basic Life Support
  • Minnesota or Wisconsin Driver's license
FTE:1

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:

Shift Rotation:FTE Flex Day/Eve (United States of America)Shift Start Time:Shift End Time:Weekends:Holidays:NoCall Obligation:NoUnion:Union Posting Deadline:

Compensation Range:

$23.06 - $34.59Employee Benefits at Essentia Health: At Essentia Health, we're committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000.

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About Essentia Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, Essentia Health combines the strengths and talents of 13,500 employees, including 3,500 registered nurses & licensed practical nurses, who serve our patients and communities through the mission of being called to make a healthy difference in people's lives. Essentia Health, which includes many Catholic facilities, is guided by the values of Quality, Hospitality, Respect, Joy, Justice, Stewardship and Teamwork. The organization lives out its mission by having a patient-centered focus at 14 hospitals, 70 clinics, six long-term care facilities, three assisted living facilities, three independent living facilities, five ambulance services and one research institute.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Duluth, MN, US

Year founded

2004

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