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Recreation Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recreation Programmer

Clarksville, TN

$19.25 - $23/hr

Creates accurate programming records and reports using the department's recreation management software and monitors program registration by the public. * Communicates with registrants as needed and ...

Recreation Programmer

Mukilteo, WA ยท On-site

$57.88K - $70.36K/yr

Recreation Programmer positions provide functional supervision of part-time recreation employees (such as Recreation Leaders, Recreation Instructors, and Parks and Recreation Aides) and volunteers.

Recreation Programmer positions provide functional supervision of part-time recreation employees (such as Recreation Leaders, Recreation Instructors, and Parks and Recreation Aides) and volunteers.

Youth, Teen, and Family Community Recreation Programmer I The Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is hiring a Youth, Teen, and Family Community Recreation Programmer I to plan, implement ...

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Recreation Programmer information

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How much do recreation programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation programmer in the United States is $23.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recreation Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Programmer, you need a background in recreation management or a related field, along with experience in planning and coordinating recreational programs. Familiarity with scheduling software, registration systems, and sometimes certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and organizational skills enable effective engagement with diverse groups and the ability to design appealing activities. These competencies ensure programs run smoothly, meet community needs, and foster positive participant experiences.

What are some common challenges Recreation Programmers face when organizing community programs?

Recreation Programmers often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse community interests, managing limited resources, and adapting to last-minute changes in participant numbers or facility availability. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for coordinating with instructors, volunteers, and other departments. Staying flexible and proactive helps ensure programs run smoothly and meet the needs of all participants.

What are Recreation Programmers?

Recreation Programmers are professionals who plan, organize, and implement recreational activities and programs for community centers, parks, schools, or private organizations. They design schedules, coordinate resources, and oversee events such as sports leagues, arts and crafts classes, fitness programs, and special community events. Recreation Programmers work to ensure that programs are safe, inclusive, and engaging for participants of all ages. They also often handle administrative tasks like budgeting, marketing, and evaluating program effectiveness.

What is the difference between Recreation Programmer vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectRecreation ProgrammerRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsCPR certification, relevant degrees in recreation or leisure studiesCPR certification, relevant degrees in recreation or leisure studies
Work EnvironmentDesigns and implements recreational programs, often in community centers or parksOversees program operations, manages staff, and coordinates activities in similar settings
Employer & IndustryMunicipal parks, community centers, recreational facilitiesMunicipalities, community organizations, recreational agencies

Recreation Programmers focus on developing and implementing recreational activities, while Recreation Coordinators manage program operations and staff. Both roles require similar credentials and work in community-based environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Recreation Programmer jobs
What cities are hiring for Recreation Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Recreation Programmer job openings:
What states have the most Recreation Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreation Programmer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Recreation Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,760 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
Recreation Programmer

Recreation Programmer

City of Clarksville, TN

Clarksville, TN โ€ข On-site

$47.48K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary : $47,480.00 Annually
Location : PARKS AND RECREATION 102 Public Square Clarksville
Job Type: Fulltime
Job Number: 001716
Department: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 04/10/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Incumbent plans, implements, and evaluates recreational activities and creates accurate online activity descriptions for patron registration utilizing recreational software. Responsibilities may include determining recreational offerings; supervising seasonal part-time staff; scheduling the use of facilities; monitoring a budget; maintaining records; and preparing operational reports.
***PLEASE NOTE: THIS POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN THROUGH APRIL 17, 2026, OR UNTIL FILLED. KNOWLEDGE OF AND EXPERIENCE USING RECREATION SOFTWARE, AS WELL AS CPRP, ARE PREFERRED.***
Example of Duties
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Functions:
  • Plans, implements, instructs, and/or supervises various recreation programs, activities, and special events for youth, adults, and families.
  • Tracks and evaluates programs through performance measures, statistics, and evaluations.
  • Creates accurate programming records and reports using the department's recreation management software and monitors program registration by the public.
  • Communicates with registrants as needed and addresses customer service issues both electronically and in person.
  • Assists in publicizing events and programs.
  • Develops and maintains a comprehensive outreach program to attract potential program participants.
  • Develops and maintains contact with various community groups, schools, and organizations.
  • Prepares, monitors and tracks programming operating budget.
  • Solicits business sponsors, vendors, and donations as needed.
  • Maintains financial records and tracks program income and expenditures.
  • Purchases supplies or equipment needed for programs.
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
  • Performs other related work as required.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Four years of experience in Recreation Programing.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the job's essential duties.

License and Certifications
  • Possession of a valid driver's license.
  • Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP), preferred.
  • First Aid/CPR within nine (9) months of hire.

Supplemental Information
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
  • Intermediate knowledge of customer service principles.
  • Recreational programming planning principles and practices.
  • Applicable age-appropriate activities, programs, and material.
  • Basic budgeting principles.
  • Recordkeeping practices and principles.
  • Computers and related software applications.
  • Event planning techniques.

Skill in:
  • Providing exceptional customer service.
  • Using computers and related software applications.
  • Planning, developing, supervising, and managing programs and/or events.
  • Monitoring budgets.
  • Overseeing recreation program sites, facilities, and equipment.
  • Developing promotional materials.
  • Prioritizing and assigning work.
  • Monitoring and evaluating employees.
  • Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Physical Requirements:
The work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently to or constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
  • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
  • Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.
  • Crawling: Moving about on hands, knees, hands, and feet.
  • Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
  • Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
  • Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
  • Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
  • Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
  • Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination sound.
  • Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
  • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. It occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
  • Mental Acuity: Making rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
  • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
  • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something steady to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
  • Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
  • Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.
  • Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
  • Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. It occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
  • Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
  • Visual ability 1: sufficient to perform an activity like preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading.
  • Visual ability 3: sufficient to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
  • Visual ability 4: sufficient to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment, both day and night.
  • Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or move from one work site to another.

Please see the City of Clarksville's for applicable benefits information.
01
Briefly describe your experience in planning, implementing, and/or supervising recreational programs.
02
Briefly describe how you would establish and maintain strong relationships with sponsors and the community.
03
Briefly describe your experience in recruiting and training volunteers.
04
How do you gauge the success of a program?
Required Question