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Recreation Programmer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Arena/Recreation Staff

Willmar, MN

$14.75 - $16.50/hr

Promotes and informs the public regarding youth/adult recreation programming. * Oversees enrollment and registration for youth/adult recreation. * Assists in ordering of supplies and equipment for ...

... Sports Programming. What you will do 1. Ensures quality member and guest experience through ... Knowledge of multiple recreation programs including pool and beach, tennis, personal training ...

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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 Jul 16, 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 the highest paying recreation jobs?

High-paying recreation jobs typically include positions such as recreation director, sports facility manager, or recreation therapist, often requiring advanced certifications or degrees. These roles usually involve leadership, budgeting, and program development, with salaries varying based on experience and location, but generally exceeding the median for entry-level recreation positions.

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 considered recreation programming?

Recreation programming involves planning, organizing, and implementing activities and events that promote leisure, fitness, and community engagement. Recreation programmers develop programs such as sports leagues, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, and special events, often working with diverse populations and utilizing facilities or parks. Strong communication, organizational skills, and knowledge of safety standards are essential in this role.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Recreation programmers typically do not earn $4,000 a week without a degree; most roles in recreation and leisure services pay lower wages. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often involve specialized skills, certifications, or experience in fields like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship. Pursuing certifications or gaining experience in high-demand areas can improve earning potential without a formal degree.

What is a recreational programmer?

A recreation programmer is a professional who develops, organizes, and manages recreational activities, programs, and events for community centers, parks, or recreational facilities. They often plan activities such as sports leagues, arts and crafts, and fitness classes, requiring skills in program development, communication, and sometimes certifications in recreation or leisure management.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 83% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,736 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Arena/Recreation Staff

City of Willmar Minnesota

Willmar, MN • On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description
Purpose
Performs non-supervisory manual, semi-skilled and skilled work to perform a wide range of recreational duties.
Essential Functions
  • Promotes and informs the public regarding youth/adult recreation programming.
  • Oversees enrollment and registration for youth/adult recreation.
  • Assists in ordering of supplies and equipment for teams.
  • Assists in the set up and painting of athletic fields.
  • Provides support and assistance to volunteer coaches
  • Performs public relation responsibilities in working with parents and community members in addressing their concerns, inquiries, addressing disputes appropriately and fairly.
  • Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.
  • Performs general facilities tasks such as enforce facility rules, regulations and maintenance.
  • Provides security for community events, assist in set-up and take down of events
  • Provides coverage in concessions stand and vending

Other Duties and Responsibilities
  • Fundamentals of public relations theories and techniques in promoting, advertising, and/or informing the public of programs, services, courses or other events/projects.
  • Fundamentals and basic knowledge of recordkeeping and bookkeeping.
  • Basic knowledge concerning the use of computers and related software applications and general business equipment.
  • Knowledge of community resources and community organizations within the community.
  • Knowledge of the theories, philosophy and approaches to recreational programming, evaluation, and implementation.
  • General knowledge of City policies and procedures pertinent to the activities and programs of Willmar Recreation Department
  • Supervises opening and locking of facilities and uphold the rules of the facility
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by the Recreation Coordinator

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • County and state health laws relating to concessions and food services; state and federal safety requirements including blood-borne pathogens and spills of bodily fluids; air quality laws; fire and building codes; state laws relating to electrical inspections; and federal laws dealing with sexual harassment.
  • Knowledge of the operations of sound systems, scoreboard and food service equipment.
  • Knowledge of current sports rules and recreational programming opportunities
  • Assist the Coordinator in planning, evaluating, implementing, coordinating, scheduling and arranging for recreational programs, activities, events, tournaments or services.
  • Applying public relation theories and techniques in promoting, advertising and informing the community of programs and services.
  • Applying judgment and discretion in handling problems, public relation concerns, and issues in accordance with the policies and procedures of the City.
  • Using computers and related software applications and general office equipment, e.g., copiers and phones.
  • Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, volunteers, department staff, and the general public.

Minimum Qualifications
Experience in recreation programming
Knowledge in up set-up and take down for events
Working Conditions
Majority of time is spent indoors at City's multi-purpose facility. Performs a variety of physical movements such as bending/stooping, pushing/pulling and twisting/turning. Operates a variety of equipment and machinery. Performs a variety of lifting with objects frequently weighing over 50 pounds. Occasionally enters confined spaces. Experiences temperature extremes and must maintain balance while working on ice surface. Exposure to irritants/fumes, hazardous chemicals, vibrations, infectious diseases, noise and electric shock. Uses all types of vision, except color, hearing and sense of touch.