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Recreation Programmer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Recreation Programmer information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$23

$32

How much do recreation programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation programmer in Minnesota is $23.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $24.95 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 is a recreation programmer?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Recreation Programmer jobs in Minnesota? For Recreation Programmer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Recreation Programmer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,736 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Guest Services - Programming (Year Round)

City of Owatonna, MN

Owatonna, MN โ€ข On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Salary: $13.00 - $15.00 Hourly
Location : Owatonna, MN
Job Type: Part-time
Job Number: Rec Prog GS 07 2026
Department: Recreation
Division: Recreation Programming
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/16/2026 12:00 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NA
Description
DEPARTMENT: Recreation
DIVISION: Recreation Programming
LOCATION:
Primary: West Hills Social Commons and Outdoor Recreation Locations
Other: Various locations within the Parks and Recreation facilities.
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Recreation Supervisor
DIRECTION OF OTHERS: None
NATURE OF WORK:Assist Lead Guest Services with duties necessary for the day-to-day operation of the River Springs Water Park, West Hills Tennis & Fitness Center, Brooktree Clubhouse, Social Commons, Lake Kohlmier Beachhouse, the Parks and Recreation Office or other city facilities. Assist Lead Programmers with duties necessary for implementation of Recreation Programs.
Duties / Responsibilities
Assist Lead staff with
  1. Providing quality facilities and programs.
  2. Preparation, set-up and takedown, general maintenance, implementation and clean-up of facilities, equipment, and amenities.
  3. Ensuring all rules, regulations and safety practices are properly enforced.
  4. Effectively communicating and engaging with participants.
  5. Ensuring healthy and sanitary facilities.
  6. Inspection of facilities and equipment for unsafe conditions.
  7. Maintaining clean facilities equipment and recreation areas to ensure safety and cleanliness.
  8. Completing records and reports.
  9. Effectively monitoring the behavior of participants to maintain order and safety.
  10. Daily facility operation duties.
  11. Preparation and selling concession products, facility admissions, memberships and general merchandise
  12. Promoting Owatonna Parks and Recreation programs and facilities.
  13. Ensuring participants receive appropriate first aid.
  14. Providing exceptional customer service; answering questions effectively and appropriately
  15. Attend meetings and trainings as scheduled.
  16. Be an effective team member by exhibiting self-motivation, supporting other employees in handling tasks, interacting effectively and respectfully with others, showing a desire to contribute to the team effort, accepting assignments willingly, and completing tasks within agreed upon timelines.
  17. Knowledge and understanding of City of Owatonna and Owatonna Parks and Recreation
    1. Policies and Procedures
    2. Safety requirements and protocols
    3. Weather, medical, environmental and other emergencies protocols.

  • All other duties that apply.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Ability to work with public; knowledge of computer operations; ability to work independently; age requirements dependent on location (must be at least 16 years old at Brooktree; all other areas must be at least 15 years of age at the time of hire).
Employee must be capable of operating miscellaneous office, safety, janitorial and other equipment relative to this position which shall include but may not be limited to: personal computer, copier, fax machine, communication equipment, Point of Sale equipment and related items; concessions equipment and other program specific items.
Hours of Work/Physical and Mental Demands
Hours of Work: This is a position with scheduled shifts including mornings, days, evening, weekends, and holidays. Scheduled hours may range from 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Physical and Mental Demands: This position works at various facilities and locations including indoor and outdoor, with all types of weather conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, talk or hear, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to seventy-five (75) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
NA
01
Will you be at least 15 years of age at time of hire?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you able to work with the public?
  • Yes
  • No

03
What are the beginning and ending dates you are available to work?
04
What days of the week are you available to work?
  • Sunday
  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday

05
What hours are you available to work?
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening

06
Which of the following best describes your experience in working with individuals with adaptive needs?
  • No experience
  • Less than one year
  • One to two years
  • Three to four years
  • More than four years

07
Which of the following best describes your experience in golf?
  • No experience
  • Less than one year
  • One to two years
  • Three to four years
  • More than four years

08
Which of the following best describes your experience in customer service?
  • No experience
  • Less than one year
  • One to two years
  • Three to four years
  • More than four years

09
Which of the following best describes your experience in outdoor activities (example: canoeing, snowshoeing, geocaching, archery, fishing, etc.)
  • No experience
  • Less than one year
  • One to two years
  • Three to four years
  • More than four years

10
Please explain your experience with Customer Service and/or Programming. If no experience, type N/A
11
What skills do you hope to bring to the Recreation team?
Required Question