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Recreational Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recreational Aide

Bowling Green, KY ยท On-site

$12.75 - $13.75/hr

... programming โ— Provide orientation sessions for new students on recreation facilities, safety, and participation expectations Program Coordination & Student Engagement โ— Assist in developing and ...

Recreational Aide

Bowling Green, KY ยท On-site

$12.75 - $13.75/hr

... programming โ€ข Provide orientation sessions for new students on recreation facilities, safety, and participation expectations Program Coordination & Student Engagement โ€ข Assist in developing and ...

$27 - $30/hr

Incumbent is responsible for the planning, coordinating, execution and evaluation of a comprehensive monthly calendar of reoccurring and non-reoccurring recreational activities, classes, events ...

Recreation Therapist

Jupiter, FL ยท On-site

$42.50K/yr

Experience in research related to recreation programming and individuals with ASD Other * Work is normally performed on campus however during recreation timeslots or camp, activities may be performed ...

Recreation Therapist

Jupiter, FL ยท On-site

$42.50K/yr

Experience in research related to recreation programming and individuals with ASD Other * Work is normally performed on campus however during recreation timeslots or camp, activities may be performed ...

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Recreational Programmer information

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$24

$33

$46

How much do recreational programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational programmer in the United States is $33.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Recreational Programmer, you need knowledge of recreational program planning, group leadership, and a background in recreation or a related field, often supported by a relevant diploma or degree. Familiarity with scheduling software, registration systems, and safety certifications like First Aid/CPR are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and adaptability help engage participants and foster inclusive environments. These skills are vital for safely organizing successful programs that meet community needs and encourage active participation.

What are some typical challenges Recreational Programmers face when planning community events?

Recreational Programmers often encounter challenges such as balancing limited budgets, accommodating diverse community interests, and handling last-minute changes to schedules or resources. They must be flexible and resourceful, often coordinating with vendors, volunteers, and local organizations to ensure successful events. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential to navigate unexpected obstacles and keep programs running smoothly.

What are recreational programmers?

Recreational programmers are professionals who plan, organize, and oversee recreational activities and programs for communities, organizations, or specific groups. They work in settings such as community centers, parks, schools, or senior centers, ensuring that activities are engaging, safe, and accessible. Their responsibilities often include assessing community needs, developing program schedules, managing budgets, and supervising staff or volunteers. Recreational programmers play a key role in promoting physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being through organized recreation.

What is the difference between Recreational Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectRecreational ProgrammerSoftware Developer
CredentialsOften self-taught or informal trainingFormal education such as a degree in computer science or related field
Work EnvironmentHobbyist projects, personal computers, online communitiesProfessional settings, offices, or remote work for companies
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming, hobbyist communities, or personal projectsIn software companies, tech firms, and enterprise solutions
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding hobbyist programming or casual codingSeeking professional programming careers or job opportunities

Recreational Programmers typically engage in coding as a hobby, often without formal credentials, and work in personal or community projects. Software Developers usually have formal education and work professionally in corporate or enterprise environments. The main difference lies in their work setting, credentials, and career focus.

More about Recreational Programmer jobs
What cities are hiring for Recreational Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Recreational Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Recreational Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,708 per year, or $33 per hour.
Aquatics Coordinator (Recreation Specialist), Recreational Sports

Aquatics Coordinator (Recreation Specialist), Recreational Sports

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

The Office of Student Life is focused on building a strong foundation to ensure every student's Indiana University experience is positive, safe, healthy, and meaningful. The Office of Student Life staff and multiple departments aim to help students navigate their time at Indiana University (IU), providing the tools they need to be successful in school and after graduation. Students are our priority, and their health, safety, and overall well-being are our core mission.
Recreational Sports is proud to be a department within the Office of Student Life, committed to promoting learning and respect in all programs, interactions, and partnerships. We commit to creating and maintaining an environment where all people are respected, valued, and affirmed so that they may know they matter and belong at Indiana University.
Recreational Sports is a critical part of supporting student well-being and is a primary entry point at Indiana University Bloomington for supporting students in their health and wellness. Recreational Sports mission is to connect, inform, and inspire people to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. We serve over 36,000 students, faculty, staff, and public participants annually. Our team consists of 46 appointed staff members, and over 800 part-time student staff members. Our organization fosters a team focused, collaborative work environment that emphasizes strong business practices, operational excellence, and participant development. Our organization is committed to a student development philosophy that encourages student involvement in decision-making and leadership.
Job Summary
Department-Specific Responsibilities
  • Assists with the management and supervision of the Recreational Sports aquatic facilities, programs, special events and personnel for the students, faculty, staff, and public members of IU Recreational Sports. They
  • Assists with the supervision of team of 130 employees including lifeguards, swim instructors, head lifeguards, and pool managers across 8 pools at 4 different aquatic locations: the Counsilman/Billingsley Aquatic Center (CBAC) at the Student Recreational Sports Center (SRSC), Royer Pool and Pool 194 at the School of Public Health (SPH), and the IU Recreational Sports Outdoor Pool.
  • Reports to the Assistant Director for Aquatics.
  • Works with a highly collaborative aquatic team made up of the Program Director, 1 Assistant Director, and 2 Program Assistants, and contributes to all unit priorities.
  • Directs the design, implementation, evaluation, and expansion of recreational programming.
  • Coordinates operations for all indoor and outdoor pools, all aquatic programs, and other participant focused programming.
  • Assists in the proposal, development and implementation of new programs and activities based on the needs of the users to increase participation and income.
  • Supports facilitation of outside user groups to ensure maximum use of aquatic spaces, including hosting competitive aquatics events.
  • Coordinates the recruiting, hiring, supervision, scheduling and evolution of the aquatic staff for all indoor and outdoor pools.
  • Analyzes, monitors, and evaluates performance of assigned staff; establishes work priorities, conducts performance reviews, and provides corrective action as needed.
  • Provides day-to-day operational management of recreational programming staff.
  • Ensures adequate staffing and effective scheduling; participates and informs employment decisions for assigned staff.
  • Provides direct supervision and oversight of assigned staff and activities; impacts, and is held accountable for, the performance of team and/or assigned staff.
  • Ensures compliance by implementing the established risk management plan, monitoring and verifying certifications and training, and conducting inspections or facilities and equipment.
  • Assists with the recertification courses of all aquatic hourly staff.
  • Develops and implements aquatic emergency action plans.
  • Evaluates recreation areas, equipment, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results
  • Establishes short-term operational objectives.
  • Identifies operational issues and/or areas of improvement and implements solutions to improve processes and/or operational efficiency.
  • Assists with department-wide special events and provide night/weekend/break coverage as part of professional staff rotation.
  • Keeps next-level leader(s) informed of trends as well as significant problems.
General Responsibilities
  • Evaluates recreation areas, equipment, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
  • Directs the design, implementation, evaluation, and expansion of recreational programming.
  • Recruits, hires, supervises, evaluates, and coordinates the work activities of employees.
  • Ensures compliance by implementing the established risk management plan, monitoring and verifying certifications and training, and conducting inspections of facilities and equipment.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Recreation, Sports Management, or related field
Preferred
  • Master's degree in Exercise Science, Recreation, Sports Management, or related field
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
  • 2 years related experience with structured recreational programming
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Required
  • Currently certified as a lifeguard by a nationally recognized organization.
  • CPR/AED within 180 Days From Date of Hire.
  • Standard First Aid within 180 Days From Date of Hire.
  • Preventing Disease Transmission/Universal Precautions within 180 Days From Date of Hire.
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficient communication skills.
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
  • Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
  • Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
  • Highly thorough and dependable.
  • Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
Working Conditions / Demands
This position requires both sedentary work and long durations of movement about the workspace. It requires the ability to move and transport objects and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential tasks with or without an accommodation.
Additional Information
Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by April1, 2026.
Work Location
Indiana University Bloomington Campus
This is an in-person position.
Advertised Salary
$50,000.00 - $51,500.00 annually
Work Hours
40 hours per week
May include evening and weekends to meet the needs of participants and be present for programming.
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Career Level: Career
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Athletic Affairs
Job Family: Recreational Sports
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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