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Recreational Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Recreational Specialist will design and provide recreational programming for Fulton residents. Activities may be led directly, or coordinated through volunteers or partnerships with other ...

Recreational Specialist

Queens, NY · On-site

$36K - $40K/yr

Recreational Specialist FLSA: Non-exempt DIVISION: Services REPORTS TO: Program Director LOCATION: Briarwood, NY SALARY: $36,000.00-$40,000.00 SUMMARY: The Recreational Specialist will work as a team ...

The Recreational Specialist will design and provide recreational programming for Fulton residents. Activities may be led directly, or coordinated through volunteers or partnerships with other ...

Recreational Specialist FLSA: Non- Exempt LOCATION: Bronx, NY HOURS: Full time SALARY: $38,000 PER YEAR SUMMARY: The Recreation Specialist will work as a team member to create and support ...

Recreational Specialist FLSA: Non- Exempt LOCATION: Bronx, NY HOURS: Full time SALARY: $38,000 PER YEAR SUMMARY: The Recreation Specialist will work as a team member to create and support ...

Recreational Specialist FLSA: Non-exempt DIVISION: Services REPORTS TO: Program Director LOCATION: Briarwood, NY SALARY: $36,000.00-$40,000.00 SUMMARY: The Recreational Specialist will work as a team ...

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Dunn's Therapies is seeking Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS)/ Therapeutic Recreation Specialist/Texas Certified (TRS/TXC) or individuals eligible for certification to provide ...

Be Seen First

Dunn's Therapies is seeking Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS)/ Therapeutic Recreation Specialist/Texas Certified (TRS/TXC) or individuals eligible for certification to provide ...

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Recreational Specialist information

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How much do recreational specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational specialist in the United States is $20.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreational specialist?

Recreational specialists coordinate activities and events in a recreational program. As a recreational specialist, you may work for a municipality, school, or public park. Your job duties include developing a schedule of activities for participants and supervising activities to provide assistance and ensure safety. Qualifications to pursue a career as a recreational specialist include a bachelor's degree in physical education or a related field and some experience organizing and running events.

What does a recreational specialist do?

A Recreational Specialist plans, organizes, and leads recreational activities for groups or individuals in settings such as parks, community centers, camps, or rehabilitation facilities. They design programs to promote physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being, tailoring activities to meet the needs and interests of participants. Recreational Specialists may also be responsible for managing equipment, supervising staff or volunteers, and ensuring the safety and inclusivity of all activities. Their work often involves collaborating with other professionals, such as therapists or educators, to support participants’ specific goals. This role is essential in fostering community engagement and enhancing quality of life.

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

To thrive as a Recreational Specialist, you need expertise in program planning, recreation management, and a background in physical education or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as CPR/First Aid. Familiarity with recreation management software, facility scheduling systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, creativity, and strong leadership abilities help engage diverse participant groups and foster a positive environment. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, enjoyable, and well-organized recreational programs that meet community needs.

How does a recreational specialist typically collaborate with other staff to plan and execute activities?

As a Recreational Specialist, you will regularly collaborate with other staff members, such as activity coordinators, therapists, and facility management, to design and implement engaging programs. This teamwork ensures that activities are safe, inclusive, and tailored to participants' needs. Effective communication and planning are crucial, as you may need to coordinate schedules, share resources, and adjust activities based on participant feedback and staff input. Building strong professional relationships enhances the overall quality of the recreational experience.

What is the difference between Recreational Specialist vs Recreation Therapist?

AspectRecreational SpecialistRecreation Therapist
CredentialsCPR certification, sometimes a bachelor's degree in recreation or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in recreation therapy, certification as CTRS
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilitiesHospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities
Employer & IndustryPublic and private recreation agencies, community programsHealthcare, mental health, rehabilitation industries
Job FocusOrganizing recreational activities and programsUsing recreation as a therapeutic tool for recovery and well-being

While both roles involve recreational activities, Recreational Specialists focus on organizing and leading community-based programs, whereas Recreation Therapists utilize recreation as a therapeutic intervention to improve health outcomes. The key differences lie in their credentials, work settings, and primary objectives.

What cities are hiring for Recreational Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Recreational Specialist job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Recreational Specialist jobs?

The top employers for Recreational Specialist jobs are:

What states have the most Recreational Specialist jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Recreational Specialist jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Recreational Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,256 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Recreational Specialist

Bronx, NY • On-site

Osborne Association Inc
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees

$20/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

 Osborne Association serves individuals, families, and communities affected by the criminal justice system. Through our programs, we offer opportunities for people to heal from and repair harm, restore their lives, and thrive. We challenge systems rooted in racism and retribution and fight for policies and practices that promote true safety, justice, and liberation.


At Osborne, we are guided by core values and shared beliefs. We honor everyone's capacity to change, celebrate our shared humanity, are united in our pursuit of justice and equity, take all possible steps to keep our commitments, and advocate for people and principles with fierce and tenacious determination.


Osborne opened its first transitional housing and reentry program, The Fulton Community Reentry Center (Fulton). Fulton will provide 140 beds of transitional reentry housing to formerly incarcerated men who would otherwise be homeless after discharge from a correctional facility. Fulton will also provide onsite reentry services, including case management, benefits enrollment, employment, health, and substance use disorder treatment. The facility operates 365 days on a 24-hour basis daily, including evening and weekend hours (some positions will require non-traditional work hours).


We currently seek a Part-Time  Recreational Specialist to join our Fulton Community team! The Recreational Specialist will design and provide recreational programming for Fulton residents. Activities may be led directly, or coordinated through volunteers or partnerships with other agencies. Recreational activities include arts and crafts, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, yoga, meditation, and community outings. The Recreational Specialist's goal is to support the reentry process through providing meaningful and fun activities for residents and to foster community between residents through shared activities. 

This position may require evening and weekend hours, with an expectation to work between 15-20 hours per week. 


Salary Range: $20.00 per hour 



Essential Duties:

  • In conjunction with peer & program staff, develop and coordinate a recreational program
  • Maintain residents' records related to recreational activities
  • Keep records of all recreational supplies and maintain inventory control
  • Coordinate with volunteers or other organizations providing on-site recreational activities
  • Develop and carry out recreational activities consistent with residents' needs and interests
  • Arrange and coordinate field trips to various cultural and sporting events
  • Develop a weekly calendar for activities that are distributed to all staff
  • Prepare announcements, bulletins, flyers, calendars, and other promotional material
  • Motivate residents to participate in recreation programs and lead specific activities
  • Develop open communication with local parks departments and recreation centers
  • In-person attendance is required to collaborate with coworkers
  • Perform other duties as assigned


Requirements

 Minimum Qualifications:

  • Highschool Diploma or equivalent 
  • Experience developing programs and events that can engage vulnerable populations in meaningful use of leisure time including arts, exercise, personal growth, and stress management
  • At least 1 year of experience in providing recreational, art, or similar services with adults.
  • Working in a shelter/congregate setting is preferred. 

Key Competencies:

  • Must work well with others and have good written & verbal communication skills
  • Knowledge of recreational programming and the basic fundamentals of common recreational sports and activities
  • Ability to operate a computer and associated software to prepare promotional materials, calendars, and reports
  • Experience developing programs and/or events that can engage vulnerable populations in meaningful use of leisure time including arts, exercise, writing, personal growth, and stress management
  • Good interpersonal skills; high level of maturity and reliability
  • Must be comfortable with crisis intervention

Benefits of Working at Osborne

Generous benefits for full-time staff include four weeks of vacation, tuition reimbursement, a flexible work schedule, excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, and a 403(b) plan with a company match. Career development through ongoing training and individual development plans.


The Osborne Association is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, unemployment status, or any other protected category. The Osborne Association takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.


Thank you for your interest in the Osborne Association. Be sure to include a cover letter with your application. No phone calls please. We wish we could personally respond to each application. However, we are unable to do so due to the volume of interest received.


** Salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications.