Recreation Assistant Jobs in New York
Recreation Assistant jobs in New York are consistently in demand, with openings concentrated across municipal parks departments, senior care facilities, hospitals, and nonprofit community centers serving one of the country's most populous states, at every level from entry-level aide through senior program coordinator. New York City, Buffalo, and Rochester generate the highest volume of listings, anchored by large employers such as NYC Parks, NewYork-Presbyterian, and the YMCA of Greater New York. The most sought-after specialties include therapeutic recreation, adaptive programming, and youth development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 16+ Recreation Assistant jobs
INTRODUCTION
Help seniors stay active, social, and enjoy each day at Orchard Heights!
We are looking for an energetic and compassionate Activities Assistant / Recreation Aide to join our exceptional team!
In this important role, you will help create meaningful moments for our residents through games, music, fitness, art, cultural celebrations, and local community programs that keep life engaging and fun.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with daily activities and special events
- Lead games, music, crafts, and group programs that enrich our resident lives
- Encourage resident participation and connection, social connections, and an active lifestyle
- Help create a warm and lively community environment
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma or GED
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Experience with seniors is helpful but not required
- Social work, education and human services students encouraged to apply
No senior living experience? We will train the right person!
This is the perfect role for college students preparing for roles in social work, teaching and human services seeking hands-on experience creating life enrichment opportunities for seniors.
Customer service professionals are also a great fit! Apply to explore a new way to have a positive impact in customers’ lives!
WHY JOIN ORCHARD HEIGHTS?
- Competitive pay
- Wage increases every 6 months based on performance
- Paid Time Off
- 401(k)
- Free parking
- Hotel discounts through Hamister Group
- Dayforce Wallet – access your pay anytime
If you enjoy making a difference and want meaningful work, we would love to meet you.
Apply today to schedule an interview with our Recreation Director, Lee!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer – committed to conforming to applicable laws and regulations and affording equal employment opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or other applicable protected class.
INTRODUCTION
Help seniors stay active, social, and enjoy each day at Orchard Heights!
We are looking for an energetic and compassionate Activities Assistant / Recreation Aide to join our exceptional team!
In this important role, you will help create meaningful moments for our residents through games, music, fitness, art, cultural celebrations, and local community programs that keep life engaging and fun.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with daily activities and special events
- Lead games, music, crafts, and group programs that enrich our resident lives
- Encourage resident participation and connection, social connections, and an active lifestyle
- Help create a warm and lively community environment
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma or GED
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Experience with seniors is helpful but not required
- Social work, education and human services students encouraged to apply
No senior living experience? We will train the right person!
This is the perfect role for college students preparing for roles in social work, teaching and human services seeking hands-on experience creating life enrichment opportunities for seniors.
Customer service professionals are also a great fit! Apply to explore a new way to have a positive impact in customers’ lives!
WHY JOIN ORCHARD HEIGHTS?
- Competitive pay
- Wage increases every 6 months based on performance
- Paid Time Off
- 401(k)
- Free parking
- Hotel discounts through Hamister Group
- Dayforce Wallet – access your pay anytime
If you enjoy making a difference and want meaningful work, we would love to meet you.
Apply today to schedule an interview with our Recreation Director, Lee!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer – committed to conforming to applicable laws and regulations and affording equal employment opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or other applicable protected class.
See All 16 Recreation Assistant Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Recreation Assistant JobsRecreation Assistant Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Recreation Assistant Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Alfred University4
- Marist University2
- Nazareth University2
- Schenectady City School District2
- D'Youville University1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education11
- Construction & Real Estate1
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in recreation assistant jobs across New York.
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential preferred for clinical and healthcare settings
- High school diploma or associate degree in recreation, human services, or a related field
- CPR and First Aid certification current and valid at time of hire
- Experience leading group recreational activities for youth, seniors, or special populations
- Ability to obtain a New York State mandated reporter certification before starting
- Strong communication skills for coordinating with participants, families, and interdisciplinary teams
Recreation Assistant Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a recreation assistant in New York?
Most recreation assistant positions in New York require at minimum a high school diploma, though an associate or bachelor's degree in recreation, human services, or a related field gives candidates a clear advantage. Roles in clinical or healthcare settings often expect or require the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential, awarded by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. New York itself does not issue a state license for the general recreation assistant role, but many municipal and hospital employers require mandated reporter training completed before the start date.
How much do recreation assistants make in New York?
Recreation assistants in New York earn a median of about $38,040 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $33,260 for the lowest 10% to over $54,610 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire recreation assistants in New York?
Employers hiring recreation assistants in New York right now include Alfred University, Marist University, and Nazareth University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. New York's large public parks system, major hospital networks, and nonprofit community organizations make it one of the more active and diverse hiring markets for recreation professionals in the country.
Which New York cities have the most recreation assistant jobs?
Alfred, Poughkeepsie, and Rochester have the most recreation assistant openings in New York. New York City drives the highest volume by a wide margin due to the scale of NYC Parks, hospital systems, and community nonprofits, while Buffalo and Rochester generate steady demand from regional hospital networks, VA facilities, and municipal recreation departments serving large urban populations.
Are there remote recreation assistant jobs in New York?
Yes, but they're rare. Recreation assistant work is largely hands-on and facility-based, so most roles require an on-site presence. About 0% of recreation assistant openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to involve administrative coordination, virtual program facilitation for seniors or people with disabilities, or program planning support rather than direct in-person activity leadership.
How can I get hired as a recreation assistant in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to seasonal or part-time roles with NYC Parks, which runs one of the largest public recreation workforces in the country and regularly hires candidates without prior formal experience. YMCAs across New York also bring on program aides and camp counselors who transition into recreation assistant roles. Completing a mandated reporter certification and obtaining CPR and First Aid credentials before applying signals readiness to employers and removes a common onboarding barrier.
Where can I find and apply to recreation assistant jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to recreation assistant jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 16 Recreation Assistant Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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