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Recreation Programmer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Director of Activities

Annandale, MN

$20.50 - $28/hr

... or recreation programming within the last five years, one of which was full-time in a patient/resident activities program within a health care setting Previous supervisory experience preferred as ...

Director of Activities

Annandale, MN ยท On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

... or recreation programming within the last five years, one of which was full-time in a patient/resident activities program within a health care setting Previous supervisory experience preferred as ...

Showing results 41-60

Recreation Programmer information

See Minnesota salary details

$9

$23

$32

How much do recreation programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 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 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 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 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 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,736 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Childcare Specialist, Part-Time

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreationย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$27.26 - $33.49/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Salary: $27.26 - $33.49 Hourly
Location : P7600
Job Type: Part-time
Job Number: REQ1250
Division: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Department: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Opening Date: 08/24/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Summary
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's Youth and Recreation Centers Programs Department is accepting applications for an experienced Childcare Specialist to provide safe, dependable childcare for school age children (ages 5-12 years) on a year-round basis at assigned Recreation Plus sites. Ensure the environment and recreation-based curriculum provides learning experiences to meet each participant's needs.
This is a year-round, part-time position scheduled up to 25 hours per week from 1:30pm to 6:00pm, Monday - Friday. Hours may vary from 1:30pm to 6pm OR 10am to 6pm on school release, meetings, and trainings days. Eligible to work up to 40 hours per week during summer season.
This position will be open until filled.
JOIN OUR CREW, WE NEED YOU:
Join the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and make a difference in your community! We are seeking employees who love nature, people, and fun. Apply today and enjoy learning new skills, meeting new friends, and serving the community, all while working in our beautiful park system. Whether you are interested in recreation, environmental education, maintenance, or customer service, we have a job for you!
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of one of the premier park systems in the United States. Our picturesque lakes, neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and diversified programming make the park system an important component of what makes Minneapolis a great place to live, play, and work!
What You'll Do
  • Ensure every registered child is safely supervised and accounted for throughout each day.
  • Plan, organize and develop recreation activities, special events and program curriculum (indoors/outdoors with some educational components) to provide sufficient recreation choices for children between the ages of five and twelve during the before- and afterschool hours, on release days as assigned, and during the summer.
  • Provide direction to part-time Recreation staff.
  • Appropriately and effectively take action on disciplinary issues and/or injuries involving children in a timely manner.
  • Accurately maintain billing information; collect and monitor outstanding balances, send monthly bills and communicate with parents/guardians about billing.
  • Accurately maintain records on children; ensure their private information is protected and secure such information according to Recreation Plus guidelines.
  • Facilitate inclusion of children with special needs through collaboration with park staff, parent/guardian, therapeutic recreation staff and the Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Coordinator.
  • Develop and facilitate programs and procedures in compliance with MPRB policies and standards.
  • Assist MPRB in identifying and addressing the park and recreation needs of underserved and under-represented communities.

What To Bring
Need to Have:
  • Four semesters of coursework from an accredited college or university with a focus in child/youth development, education, recreation or closely related field.
  • Professional work experience performing childcare duties for children 5 - 12 years old in a facility-based childcare program: One (1) year.

--OR--
  • High School diploma or equivalent degree.
  • Equivalent work experience and additional continued education: at least three (3) years combined.

Nice to Have:
  • Bachelor's degree in child/youth development, education, recreation or closely related field.

Licensing Requirements:
  • CPR and First Aid certifications required within one (1) month of hire.
  • 16 hours of training in any of the following topic areas: child development and learning; developmentally appropriate learning experiences; relationships with families; assessment, evaluation, and individualization; historical and contemporary development of early childhood education; professionalism; and health, safety, and nutrition. (Within 14 days of hire - MPRB provided)

Skills Crucial to Success in This Role:
  • Knowledge of developmental needs of school age children between the ages of 5-12 years old.
  • Knowledge of current principles and best practices in behavior management skills for school age children between the ages of 5-12 years old.
  • Knowledge of current principles and best practices in working with children, ages 5-12, with special needs.
  • Knowledge of current principles and best practices in recreation program planning.
  • Outstanding customer service principles and practices and standards for a diverse customer base.

Union Status: AFSCME #3279
Additional Information
a full list of qualifications and job description
about Veteran's Preference
Selection Process:To apply for this part-time civil service position, applicants must complete an online application with supplemental questions at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/jobs. Late applications will be rejected.
What steps the selection process involves:
  • We review your minimum qualifications.
  • We calculate your civil service score based on your rating your training and experience based on application materials and supplemental questions (100%) and place you on the eligible list if all testing components are passed (passing score for each component and as an overall score is 70.00 or above). Eligible list will expire 30 days after the posting close.
  • We refer the top finalists to the hiring manager for an interview.
  • References, including verification of employment and work performance, may be considered.
  • We conduct a background check. Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, the applicant will be asked to sign an informed consent allowing the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to obtain their criminal history in connection with the positions sought. View the MPRB Background Check Policy at This position is also required to pass an enhanced background check with fingerprinting as required by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).
  • Vacation is negotiable at the time of offer. See Civil Service Rule 17.05 for Allowance, Calculation and Use of Vacation.

Please note that HR reserves the right to limit the number of people invited to successive testing events.
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board - a great place to play, work, and make a difference in the lives of others.
The MPRB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a tobacco-free workplace and park system.
MPR123
Generally part-time, civil service positions receive pro-rated vacation, sick and holiday pay. This position may be eligible for retirement benefits.
01
Following are a series of supplemental questions to assess your job-related experience and qualifications. The information on the application and your responses to the following supplemental questions will be used in a competitive evaluation of qualifications and will be used to determine your civil service score and placement on the eligible list. Therefore, all applicants are encouraged to be complete and thorough in their answers. The employment history and education detailed in your general online application must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next step of the selection process. A resume may be submitted, but it will not substitute for the general online application or supplemental questions; responses such as "see resume," "see application," or a separate attachment with responses to supplemental questions will not be considered.
  • I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above information and instructions.

02
This is a year-round, part-time position scheduled up to 25 hours per week from 1:30pm to 6:00pm, Monday - Friday. Hours may vary from 1:30pm to 6pm OR 10am to 6pm on school release, meetings, and trainings days. Eligible to work up to 40 hours per week during summer season.Are you able to commit to these requirements?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you 18 years or older?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Please indicate the highest level of education achieved with emphasis or major in child/youth development, education, recreation or closely related field.
  • High School/GED
  • Associate's degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's or Post-Graduate degree
  • I do not have a degree

05
If you indicated that you have a degree, please list the major/area of study. If you do not have a degree, enter "N/A."
06
Please indicate years of professional work experience performing childcare duties for children 5 - 12 years old in a facility-based childcare program. Please note: Toddler or infant experience will not be considered.
  • Less than 1 year
  • More than 1 year but less than 3 years
  • 3 or more years
  • I do not have this experience

07
Which of the following statements best describes your work experience within a FACILITY-BASED childcare center that serves elementary school age children (K-6)?
  • Full-time paid position within a FACILITY-BASED childcare center that serves elementary school age children (K-6)
  • A combination of full-time and part-time paid experience within a FACILITY-BASED childcare center that serves elementary school age children (K-6)
  • Part-time paid position within a FACILITY-BASED childcare center that serves elementary school age children (K-6)
  • Unpaid volunteer or other unpaid experience within a FACILITY-BASED childcare center that serves elementary school age children (K-6)
  • I do not have work experience within a FACILITY-BASED childcare center that serves elementary school age children (K-6)

08
Which statement best describes your work experience in planning and implementing a variety of activities for elementary school age children (K-6)?
  • I am the lead in planning and implementing a variety of activities
  • I both assist another staff and sometimes take the lead on planning and implementing a variety of activities
  • I assist another staff with a variety of activities, however I am not typically the lead in planning and implementing them
  • I do not have this experience

09
Which of the following statements best describes your experience working with elementary school-aged children (ages 5-12) in a youth serving agency(facility based school age child care, YMCA, Park and Rec, school, camps, etc.)?
  • More than eighteen (18) months experience
  • More than twelve (12) months experience but less than eighteen (18) months experience
  • More than nine (9) months but less than twelve (12) months experience
  • More than three (3) months but less than nine (9) months experience
  • Less than three (3) months experience
  • I do not have this work experience

10
Which statement best describes your experience working with elementary school age children (K-6) with special needs?
  • Yes, I work directly with elementary school age children (K-6) with special needs daily
  • Yes, I work directly with elementary school age children (K-6) with special needs at least weekly
  • Yes, I have worked with elementary school age children (K-6) with special needs, but in a very limited capacity
  • No, I do not have experience working with school age children (K-6) with special needs

Required Question