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Recreation Program Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Program Specialist

Baldwin Park, CA · On-site

$23.73 - $24.68/hr

JOB SUMMARY PROGRAM SPECIALIST HOURLY SALARY: $23.73 - $24.68 THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO FILL TWO (2 ... Arts and Recreation Center (ARC) Supervise the coordination of art-based programs, special events ...

Recreation Program Instructor

CO · On-site

$19.18 - $21.99/hr

Recreation Programs Opening Date: 01/22/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt The City of Gunnison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Gunnison is dedicated to the principles of ...

Program Specialist

Baldwin Park, CA · On-site

$23.73 - $24.68/hr

Recreation & Community Services Opening Date: 07/24/2026 Closing Date: Continuous JOB SUMMARY PROGRAM SPECIALIST HOURLY SALARY: $23.73 - $24.68 THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO FILL TWO (2) PART-TIME VACANCIES ...

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Recreation Program Specialist information

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$21

$34

How much do recreation program specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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?

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 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:
Infographic showing various Recreation Program Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% 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.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a/an 75 % full-time equivalency (FTE) job. This position will work 30 hours per week. This position is eligible for benefits associated with any full-time position. The salary grade and range listed in the posting is reflective of a 100% Full-time position. Full-time equivalency job offers may fall outside of the listed range due to the assigned percentage of effort.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Recreation Programs Specialist develops, coordinates, administers, and evaluates comprehensive recreation programs and services that support student engagement, wellness, learning, and community building; provides leadership and oversight for assigned recreation program areas such as intramural sports, sport clubs, fitness and wellness, outdoor recreation, aquatics, informal recreation, special events, facilities, or related recreational services; assesses program needs, develops and implements initiatives, leads program operations and resources, ensures compliance with University policies and safety standards, and collaborates with campus partners to enhance the recreational experience for students, faculty, staff, and community participants.

  • Develop, implement, administer, and evaluate recreation programs, services, activities, and special events that support student engagement, wellness, learning, and recreational participation

  • Assess participant needs, industry trends, and program effectiveness; identify opportunities for program enhancements, growth, and new initiatives

  • Coordinate program operations including scheduling, participant registration, facility reservations, equipment allocation, staffing, and event logistics

  • Establish program goals, performance measures, and assessment strategies; collect and analyze participation and operational data and prepare reports and recommendations

  • Participate in the development, maintenance, and implementation of policies, procedures, and standard operating practices to ensure effective program delivery and compliance with University, regulatory, and industry standards

  • Monitor program activities and facilities to ensure participant safety, risk mitigation, accessibility, and a positive user experience; coordinate incident response, documentation, and corrective actions as needed

  • Collaborate in the oversight of inventory, maintenance, and utilization of recreation equipment, supplies, and program resources

  • Schedule student employees, instructors, officials, volunteers, and other assigned personnel

  • Facilitate training and development programs related to leadership, customer service, risk management, program delivery, and operational effectiveness

  • Administer, and monitor program budgets; track expenditures and revenues, analyze financial performance, and recommend adjustments to support operational and strategic objectives

  • Coordinate purchasing activities, vendor relationships, contracts, and service agreements in accordance with University policies and procedures

  • Collaborate with other recreation staff and campus partners to support recreational programming, student success initiatives, facility operations, and special projects

  • Serve as a liaison with University departments, student organizations, community partners, vendors, and professional organizations to advance program goals and foster engagement.

  • Coordinate marketing, promotional, and outreach efforts to increase awareness, participation, and engagement in recreation programs and services

  • Provide specialized instruction, coaching, facilitation, or fitness programming within assigned areas of expertise and ensure activities are delivered in accordance with established standards and best practices

  • May supervise professional staff, including responsibility for hiring, performance management, coaching, and professional development

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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