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Recreational Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recreation Leader II/III

Gilroy, CA · On-site

$18.32 - $22.94/hr

... recreational, social, and enrichment activities across a variety of program areas Depending on departmental needs, availability, and individual skills and experience, Recreation Leaders may also ...

Recreation Leader II/III

Gilroy, CA · On-site

$18.32 - $22.94/hr

... recreational, social, and enrichment activities across a variety of program areas. Depending on departmental needs, availability, and individual skills and experience, Recreation Leaders may also ...

Recreation Leader 2

Seattle, WA · On-site

$20.92 - $26.90/hr

Representative Duties Plan and coordinate indoor and/or outdoor recreational activities including ... Recreation Leader 1 staff. E Communicate with other City personnel to coordinate scheduling ...

Recreation Leader I/II

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$17.05 - $21.76/hr

Recreation Leader 1 & 2 is a limited part-time, non-benefitted position within the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of St Helena. The City of St. Helena provides recreation programs for ...

Recreation Leader 2

Seatac, WA · On-site

$20.92 - $26.90/hr

The Recreation Leader 2 is distinguished from the Recreation Leader 1 by the minimum age ... Representative Duties Plan and coordinate indoor and/or outdoor recreational activities including ...

Recreation Leader I

Lincoln City, OR · On-site

$16.05 - $18.55/hr

Part-Time Recreation Leader I Parks and Recreation Department-Community Center Non-Represented/No Benefits $16.05 - $18.55 per hour Open Until Filled Do you enjoy working with children? Are you ...

Showing results 41-60

Recreational Leader information

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$15

$17

How much do recreational leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational leader in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreational leader?

Recreational leaders are professionals who plan, organize, and lead recreational activities for groups of people in settings such as community centers, parks, camps, and after-school programs. They design and implement programs that promote fun, fitness, social interaction, and skill development. Recreational leaders may work with children, teens, adults, or seniors, adapting activities to suit the needs and interests of participants. Their responsibilities can include supervising staff or volunteers, ensuring safety, and maintaining equipment. This role is essential in fostering a sense of community and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles.

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

To thrive as a Recreational Leader, you need a background in recreation, physical education, or a related field, along with strong organizational and leadership skills. Familiarity with scheduling software, activity planning tools, and basic first aid certification is often required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and the ability to motivate and engage groups are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for creating safe, enjoyable programs that promote participation and well-being among diverse groups.

What are some common challenges recreational leaders face when managing group activities, and how can they be addressed?

Recreational Leaders often encounter challenges such as keeping participants engaged, managing diverse age groups, and handling conflicts during activities. To address these, successful leaders use clear communication, tailor activities to participants’ interests and abilities, and establish ground rules to foster a positive environment. Flexibility and quick problem-solving are also essential, as unexpected situations can arise. Collaborating closely with other staff and regularly seeking participant feedback helps ensure activities run smoothly and meet everyone’s needs.

What is the difference between Recreational Leader vs Camp Counselor?

AspectRecreational LeaderCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, sometimes certifications in activity-specific skillsCPR/First Aid, background check, sometimes certifications in child care
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilitiesSummer camps, outdoor settings, youth groups
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, private recreation organizationsSummer camps, youth programs, nonprofit organizations
Common Search & ComparisonRecreational Leader vs Camp Counselor

Recreational Leaders and Camp Counselors both work with youth in recreational settings and often require CPR/First Aid certifications. While Recreational Leaders typically work in community centers or parks organizing activities, Camp Counselors focus on supervising children at summer camps. Both roles aim to promote fun and safety but differ mainly in their work environment and specific responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Recreational Leader jobs?

Cities with the most Recreational Leader job openings:

What states have the most Recreational Leader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recreational Leader jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Recreational Leader jobs?

For Recreational Leader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Recreational Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,326 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

$17.61 - $21.26/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise and direct participants in recreation programs and activities.

  • Maintain records related to programs and assist in organizing and cleaning facilities and equipment.

  • Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of participants while implementing age-appropriate activities and events.


Job description

The Position Carlsbad - The Community: The City of Carlsbad is ideally situated in north San Diego County where a great climate, beautiful beaches and lagoons, and abundant natural open space combine with world-class resorts, family attractions, well planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a charming village atmosphere to create the ideal California experience. Covering nearly 40 square miles, the City of Carlsbad is currently home to about 115,000 residents. The city sets the standard for high-quality local government services and is home to corporate headquarters in technology, life sciences and action sports, supported by a thriving tourism market and nearly 40 percent preserved open space.

Thanks to an award-winning growth management plan, the city's infrastructure and services keep pace with development and promote an excellent quality of life. You belong in Carlsbad: The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance.

Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal. The Department: You will join a nationally accredited agency (one of only five agencies in the State of California) by the Commission for the Accreditation of Parks & Recreation Agencies (CAPRA); a team dedicated to upholding the department's mission to promote community health and wellness while building a diverse culture that embraces change and continuous improvement.

The Position: The Recreation Leader requires an ability to perform a full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative. Recreation Leaders receive instruction and/or assistance during the day from the Senior Recreation Leaders. Recreation Leaders are able to adjust when new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work.

Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate of available guidelines and procedures, interpret precedents, and adopt standard methods or practices to meet variations in facts and/or conditions. The Recreation Leader is utilized in various ways throughout the city: Camp Supervisors Event Staff Front Office Staff at our recreation buildings Concessions Aides at our concerts and recreation buildings Other locations and responsibilities as needed More information regarding our Parks & Recreation Department and programs can be found on our website. Key Responsibilities Daily responsibilities of a Recreation Leader include, but aren't limited to the following: Directing and supervising participants of the programs Maintaining records pertinent to programs Implementing age-appropriate activities and events (including field trips) Ensuring the health, welfare, and safety of the participants of the program Working closely with the Senior Recreation Leaders to ensure the success of programs through the preparation, execution, and evaluation of the program Assisting other staff in organizing and cleaning facility areas and equipment Establishing and maintaining relationships with parents, community center staff and other key individuals Maintaining a fun and positive attitude daily to create a happy environment for participants Other duties as assigned Periodic responsibilities include: Attending monthly staff meetings as well as other meetings and training pertinent to program areas Supervising participants during scheduled field trips Qualifications Knowledge of youth and camp programs Possess excellent customer service and communication skills Ability to demonstrate exceptional attention to detail Ability to provide the necessary support to ensure the health and well-being of all participants and staff Must be able to take direction as well as have the ability to take initiative Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work Requires a flexible work schedule that may require morning and evening hours Understand and follow oral and written instructions Ability to evaluate emergency situations and act decisively and effectively to resolve them Communicate clearly, concisely, both orally and in writing; must be able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs May be required to use personal vehicle during assigned shifts Experience & Education Education: High school diploma or G.E.D

is desirable College-level courses in recreation, education, physical education, or related field is desirable Experience: One year of experience and/or training performing duties comparable to a Recreation Leader is desirable Special Requirements/License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California Driver's License Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR and first aid certification Required to attend mandatory meeting/training sessions Must provide own transportation Must meet the state of California tuberculosis test requirements Must wear standard apparel as prescribed by the Recreation Department Physical/Mental Requirements: Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, squat, stoop, reach Ability to lift 25 lbs Exposure to outdoors Ability to travel to different sites and locations *Part-time employee cannot exceed 980 total hours worked within one fiscal year. **Qualified applicants will be notified only if they are selected for the interview process. We encourage you to fill out a Job Interest Card to be notified of new positions in your area of interest as soon as they post.