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Recreation Program Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Hopewell

Recreation Program Leader

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$17.76/hr

Description Performs a variety of tasks related to the planning and implementation of recreation programs and events. Examples of Duties Plans, coordinates, and facilitates a variety of recreation ...

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Recreation Program Specialist information

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How much do recreation program specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 36% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,501 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
RECREATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST (SEASONAL) DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS

RECREATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST (SEASONAL) DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS

The City of Manchester, NH

Manchester, NH • On-site

$18.87 - $26.90/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

RECREATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 6400
GRADE - 101
PAY RANGE - $18.87 - $26.90/hr
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Plans and supervises recreational activities for children; performs directly related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The principal function of an employee in this class is to facilitate recreational activities for children participating in City summer camps. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Recreation Specialist, but some leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other City employees, and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed at indoor and outdoor parks and recreational facilities.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:
  • Provides supervision to youths participating in the City's recreational programs;
  • Plans recreational activities such as arts and crafts from available resources to keep children active and entertained throughout the day;
  • Maintains accurate attendance records at all times;
  • Provides a safe and secure play environment for children participating in the programs;
  • Meets with parents to discuss special needs of child and develops methods to accommodate any special needs;
  • Provides first aid to injured children;
  • Resolves conflicts, complaints, and public relations issues;
  • Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
  • Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
  • Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
  • Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
  • Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
  • Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Substantial knowledge of current principles and practices involved in recreational activities for children's programs;
  • Ability to create games to keep children entertained and actively participating in the planned recreational activity;
  • Ability to relate to children;
  • Ability to accurately monitor and keep complete attendance reports;
  • Ability to establish and maintain a safe play environment;
  • Ability to deal with and resolve conflicts between children;
  • Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions;
  • Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
  • Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
  • Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
  • Integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
  • Graduation from High School or possession of a GED; and
  • Zero to two years of experience in planning recreational activities for children; or
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Ability to pass a background check;
  • First Aid and CPR Certifications.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
  • Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
  • Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form;
  • Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer, telephone, and related equipment;
  • Sufficient strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation to lift, carry and move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 50 pounds occasionally, 30 pounds frequently and 20 pounds consistently;
  • Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to be physically active for long periods of time.

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