Recreation Assistant Jobs
Recreation Assistant jobs are open across parks and recreation departments, senior living communities, schools, and fitness centers, from entry-level to program coordinator tracks, with specializations in youth programming, adaptive recreation, and therapeutic activities. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Recreation Assistant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 218+ Recreation Assistant jobs
State Role Title: N/A
Position Type: Instructional / Teaching Faculty
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: College of Business
Department: 100624 - Hospitality, Sport and Rec Management
Pay Band: N/A
Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience
Specify Range or Amount:
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? No
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date: 10/17/2026
About JMU:
Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.
Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.
Who We Are
Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.
JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.
JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.
General Information:
The Hart School of Hospitality, Sport, & Recreation Management at James Madison University is seeking applicants for a tenure-track position in Sport & Recreation Management at the rank of Assistant Professor, set to begin in Fall 2027.
The Hart School is an affiliate academic unit in the College of Business. The Hart School serves approximately 1,000 students in both Sport & Recreation Management and Hospitality Management along with a Sport & Recreation Leadership program with more than 40 students at the Master’s level. Our mission is to engage in transformational education through innovative teaching, scholarship, and service.
Duties and Responsibilities:
We are seeking an innovative and collaborative faculty member for teaching undergraduate courses in Sport & Recreation Management and possibly graduate courses in Sport & Recreation Leadership (3/3 teaching load). Applicants should have the ability to teach the following courses: Foundations of Leadership in SRM, SRM Seminar, Introduction to SRM, Management in Sport & Recreation, Sport Marketing & Sales, and Facilities & Event Management. The applicant must be able to show evidence of a clear research agenda, the ability to work independently on research, and a willingness to engage in collaborative scholarship with faculty and students across disciplines. The applicant should also be prepared to engage in service to the university, community, department, and profession.
Qualifications:
The applicant must have a Ph.D. or terminal degree in sport management or a closely related field. The degree must be conferred (on transcript) by 8/10/2027 (contract start date). Strong ABD candidates will be considered only under the condition the Ph.D. can be conferred by 8/10/2027. The applicant must demonstrate strong commitment to teaching as well as evidence of successful publications or a 3-5-year plan for an active scholarship agenda. It is preferred that the applicant has previous experience working within professional sport and/or intercollegiate athletics.
Additional Posting Information:
- Cover letter articulating interest and qualifications
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Scholarship Philosophy and Research Agenda (Other Document #1)
- Documentation related to teaching effectiveness (Course Evaluations)
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy
- Contact information for three references
Questions about this position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Ben Carr at carrbh@jmu.edu. Please DO NOT send “paper” application packets or supplemental materials; all application materials must be submitted online.
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
State Role Title: N/A
Position Type: Instructional / Teaching Faculty
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: College of Business
Department: 100624 - Hospitality, Sport and Rec Management
Pay Band: N/A
Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience
Specify Range or Amount:
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? No
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date: 10/17/2026
About JMU:
Mission
We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.
Vision
To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.
Who We Are
Situated in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.
JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.
JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.
General Information:
The Hart School of Hospitality, Sport, & Recreation Management at James Madison University is seeking applicants for a tenure-track position in Sport & Recreation Management at the rank of Assistant Professor, set to begin in Fall 2027.
The Hart School is an affiliate academic unit in the College of Business. The Hart School serves approximately 1,000 students in both Sport & Recreation Management and Hospitality Management along with a Sport & Recreation Leadership program with more than 40 students at the Master’s level. Our mission is to engage in transformational education through innovative teaching, scholarship, and service.
Duties and Responsibilities:
We are seeking an innovative and collaborative faculty member for teaching undergraduate courses in Sport & Recreation Management and possibly graduate courses in Sport & Recreation Leadership (3/3 teaching load). Applicants should have the ability to teach the following courses: Foundations of Leadership in SRM, SRM Seminar, Introduction to SRM, Management in Sport & Recreation, Sport Marketing & Sales, and Facilities & Event Management. The applicant must be able to show evidence of a clear research agenda, the ability to work independently on research, and a willingness to engage in collaborative scholarship with faculty and students across disciplines. The applicant should also be prepared to engage in service to the university, community, department, and profession.
Qualifications:
The applicant must have a Ph.D. or terminal degree in sport management or a closely related field. The degree must be conferred (on transcript) by 8/10/2027 (contract start date). Strong ABD candidates will be considered only under the condition the Ph.D. can be conferred by 8/10/2027. The applicant must demonstrate strong commitment to teaching as well as evidence of successful publications or a 3-5-year plan for an active scholarship agenda. It is preferred that the applicant has previous experience working within professional sport and/or intercollegiate athletics.
Additional Posting Information:
- Cover letter articulating interest and qualifications
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Scholarship Philosophy and Research Agenda (Other Document #1)
- Documentation related to teaching effectiveness (Course Evaluations)
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy
- Contact information for three references
Questions about this position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Ben Carr at carrbh@jmu.edu. Please DO NOT send “paper” application packets or supplemental materials; all application materials must be submitted online.
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
Recreation Assistant Jobs by Experience Level
See All 218+ Recreation Assistant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Recreation Assistant JobsRecreation Assistant Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Genesis HealthCare36
- Acts Retirement-Life Communities7
- Kaplan Senior Living5K
- Apple Rehab4
- City of Orem4
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in recreation assistant jobs.
- CPR and First Aid certification current at time of hire
- Experience planning or leading recreational activities for a specific population
- Ability to pass a background check including fingerprinting
- High school diploma or equivalent, with preference for coursework in recreation or health sciences
- Physical ability to assist participants and set up equipment throughout a full shift
- Familiarity with activity documentation and participant progress recordkeeping
Tips for Your Recreation Assistant Job Search
Tailor your resume to each setting
A parks department, a senior living facility, and a hospital recreation team each look for different things. Swap in the specific population you've worked with, whether that's older adults, children with disabilities, or general community members, so hiring managers see the right fit immediately.
List certifications in your header
CPR, First Aid, and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credentials get screened before interviews. Put them in your resume header or a dedicated credentials line, not buried in a skills section, so they clear applicant tracking system filters without a recruiter having to hunt.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists recreation assistant openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight specific program types you ran
Employers want to know whether you've led arts and crafts, fitness classes, cognitive stimulation groups, or outdoor adventure programs. Name the exact activity types in your bullet points rather than writing broadly about 'programming,' because hiring managers match candidates to their current program gaps.
Prepare concrete stories about difficult participants
Interviewers for recreation assistant roles almost always ask how you handled a participant who was disruptive, unresponsive, or in distress. Walk in with two or three specific examples that show de-escalation, adaptability, and follow-through, not just a description of your general approach.
Follow up within five business days
Recreation assistant roles at community centers and nonprofits often fill from internal referrals before postings close. A brief, specific follow-up email referencing the role and your relevant experience, sent within a week of applying, keeps your name visible when the hiring manager reviews the pool.
Recreation Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most recreation assistants?
Genesis HealthCare, Acts Retirement-Life Communities, and Kaplan Senior Living are hiring the most recreation assistants right now, with openings concentrated in Pennsylvania, California, and New Jersey, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Demand tends to be highest at senior living operators and municipal parks departments, which hire year-round.
How many recreation assistant jobs are remote?
About 14% of recreation assistant openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, since most of the role involves in-person activity facilitation and hands-on participant support. The sub-areas most likely to include remote components are administrative scheduling, program planning, and virtual wellness or cognitive engagement programs for older adults.
How do you become a recreation assistant?
Start by earning a high school diploma and completing CPR and First Aid certification, which most employers require at hire. Volunteer or intern at a community center, summer camp, senior facility, or adaptive sports program to build direct experience with a specific population. A degree or coursework in recreation, kinesiology, or a related field strengthens applications for roles in therapeutic or clinical settings, though many entry-level positions prioritize hands-on experience over formal education.
Can you get hired as a recreation assistant with no experience?
Yes, many entry-level recreation assistant roles are designed for candidates with limited paid experience, particularly at summer programs, day camps, and community recreation centers. Volunteering with youth sports leagues, after-school programs, or senior activity groups demonstrates the same core competencies hiring managers want to see, including reliability, participant engagement, and the ability to adapt activities on the fly. A current CPR card and a clear background check close most remaining gaps.
What does the recreation assistant interview process look like?
Most recreation assistant interviews involve a phone or video screen followed by one in-person round with a recreation director or program supervisor. Expect scenario-based questions about managing a participant who refuses to engage, responding to a minor injury during an activity, and adapting a planned program when supplies or space fall through. Some employers, particularly in therapeutic recreation or senior living, add a brief tour of the facility or a shadow shift before making an offer.
Where can I find and apply to recreation assistant jobs?
You can find and apply to recreation assistant jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your setting preference, population focus, and availability, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 218+ Recreation Assistant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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