Recreation Assistant Jobs in Texas
Recreation Assistant jobs in Texas concentrate in municipal parks and recreation departments, senior living communities, and hospital-based therapeutic recreation programs, with steady demand at entry through mid-career levels across one of the most active public-sector hiring markets in the country. Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas anchor the bulk of openings, where employers such as the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department, CHRISTUS Health, and Brookdale Senior Living maintain consistent hiring pipelines. Group fitness programming, aquatics instruction, and therapeutic recreation support for older adults are among the most sought-after specialties right now. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Recreation Assistant JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 9+ Recreation Assistant jobs
General Purpose:
Assist the Parks and Recreation Director with the management and direction of the Department by direct and/or indirect oversight of the divisions including Recreation, Senior Services, Marketing, Park Operations, Facility Maintenance, Membership Services, Athletics and Aquatics.
Supervision Received:
Works under the general guidance and direction of the Parks and Recreation Director
Supervision Exercised:
Manages subordinate supervisors who will supervise all full time, part time, temporary employees, volunteers and contract labor in their respective division. Oversees the entire Department in the absence of the Director.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Direct and/or indirect oversight of the divisions including Recreation, Senior Services, Marketing, Park Operations, Facility Maintenance, Membership Services, Athletics and Aquatics.
Oversee the budget preparation for assigned divisions.
Oversee hotel/motel appropriations for all divisions that supervision is exercised in.
Assist the director with capital improvement projects for the department.
Establish and develop all policies and procedures for divisions that supervision is exercised in.
Lead and direct long-term planning; organize and implement parks and recreation activities and programs; provide public relations for the Parks and Recreation Department.
Assist in leadership and direction to Parks and Recreation staff; review and evaluate the work activities of subordinate personnel.
Meet with and provide reports and information to the Director of Parks and Recreation, City Manager, City Council, community groups, and the Parks and Recreation Commission; Assists the Parks and Recreation Director with agenda information for Council packets and for the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Oversee operations and implement policies for all facilities within the Parks and Recreation Department including but not limited to; rental facilities, athletic facilities and aquatic facilities.
Develop and oversee all goals and objectives for revenue programs.
Develop and maintain working relationships with the public and outside agencies.
Develop, negotiate, secure and manage major corporate sponsorships and donations for department programs, facilities and events.
Research and pursue grants and help create business funding opportunities.
Oversee and establish committees for all Parks and Recreation Department special events.
Assist the director as department liaison to the Youth Sports organization agreements, ensuring conditions of the agreement are met and maintain regular communication with the presidents.
Peripheral Duties:
Performs all other related duties as assigned, including any special or recurring projects that may be assigned. Including but not limited to; serving on various community committees, assist in transportation for department activities and delivering meals for Senior Services.
Serves as the Parks and Recreation Assistant Director of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Desired Minimum Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s Degree is required. Degree in Parks and Recreation, Health and Human Services, Public Administration or any other related field of study is preferred. Relatable years of experience may be considered in lieu of field of study.
Minimum 5 years of management job experience within a municipal or government setting.
Minimum 5 years' experience with progressive responsibilities as a recreation and/or park superintendent.
CPRP (Certified Parks and Recreation Professional) certified or ability to obtain certification within one year from date of employment.
CPR and First Aid Certified or ability to obtain with 60 days.
Valid Class C Texas Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 60 days.
Preferred Qualifications:
Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) and/or Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification or ability to obtain within 1 year.
Member of Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) and Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF).
National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) Training.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Publisher).
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize time and duties as pursuant to the job.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Knowledge in Parks and Recreation registration software (preferably RecTrac).
Strong interpersonal communication skills, leadership and team qualities.
Ability to operate a computer, telephone, cell phone, fax machine, copier, pager and calculator.
Ability to serve the public and other city departments in a diplomatic and professional manner, exercising good emotional control.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
Ability to simultaneously perform a variety of technical and administrative functions and maintain a quality work product.
Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
Ability to understand and analyze complex issues and projects and identify effective strategies and solutions.
Ability to work with a wide variety of personalities and cultural differences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, co-workers, and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.
Ability to estimate materials and supply needs.
Knowledge and previous experience in the development of and management of municipal recreation programs and services.
Knowledge and previous experience in the development and management of special events, senior programs and youth and adult athletic programs.
Knowledge of the design, construction, maintenance and repair of parks and recreation facilities.
Knowledge of management and supervisory methods and practices.
Knowledge of effective public relations methods and practices.
Ability to understand general accounting practices.
Ability to manage capital improvement projects.
Ability to research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery.
Ability to complete assigned task under the pressure of time and an extreme workload.
Ability to multi-task several projects due at the same time.
Special Requirements:
Hours are typically 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday but may require occasional work on evenings and weekends.
Available for on-call duty.
Act as a backup to the Parks and Recreation Director for the Emergency Management Committee.
Act as a backup to the Parks and Recreation Director in his absence.
Valid Texas Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 30 days.
Tools and Equipment Used:
Personal Computer/laptop, printer, copy/fax machine, calculator, Microsoft Office Suite and phone.
Use of a city vehicle on occasion.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The physical requirements of the job include the ability to sit, talk, kneel, bend at both the waist and knee, reach with the arms over the head, and hear, both on the telephone and in person, using regular conversational tones; vision requires the ability to focus and read printouts, computer, screens and other written material. Duties may require lifting up to 50 pounds and have the use of hands and fingers to perform essential functions of the job, i.e., typing, data entry, using the calculator and operating other office equipment.
General Purpose:
Assist the Parks and Recreation Director with the management and direction of the Department by direct and/or indirect oversight of the divisions including Recreation, Senior Services, Marketing, Park Operations, Facility Maintenance, Membership Services, Athletics and Aquatics.
Supervision Received:
Works under the general guidance and direction of the Parks and Recreation Director
Supervision Exercised:
Manages subordinate supervisors who will supervise all full time, part time, temporary employees, volunteers and contract labor in their respective division. Oversees the entire Department in the absence of the Director.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Direct and/or indirect oversight of the divisions including Recreation, Senior Services, Marketing, Park Operations, Facility Maintenance, Membership Services, Athletics and Aquatics.
Oversee the budget preparation for assigned divisions.
Oversee hotel/motel appropriations for all divisions that supervision is exercised in.
Assist the director with capital improvement projects for the department.
Establish and develop all policies and procedures for divisions that supervision is exercised in.
Lead and direct long-term planning; organize and implement parks and recreation activities and programs; provide public relations for the Parks and Recreation Department.
Assist in leadership and direction to Parks and Recreation staff; review and evaluate the work activities of subordinate personnel.
Meet with and provide reports and information to the Director of Parks and Recreation, City Manager, City Council, community groups, and the Parks and Recreation Commission; Assists the Parks and Recreation Director with agenda information for Council packets and for the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Oversee operations and implement policies for all facilities within the Parks and Recreation Department including but not limited to; rental facilities, athletic facilities and aquatic facilities.
Develop and oversee all goals and objectives for revenue programs.
Develop and maintain working relationships with the public and outside agencies.
Develop, negotiate, secure and manage major corporate sponsorships and donations for department programs, facilities and events.
Research and pursue grants and help create business funding opportunities.
Oversee and establish committees for all Parks and Recreation Department special events.
Assist the director as department liaison to the Youth Sports organization agreements, ensuring conditions of the agreement are met and maintain regular communication with the presidents.
Peripheral Duties:
Performs all other related duties as assigned, including any special or recurring projects that may be assigned. Including but not limited to; serving on various community committees, assist in transportation for department activities and delivering meals for Senior Services.
Serves as the Parks and Recreation Assistant Director of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
Desired Minimum Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s Degree is required. Degree in Parks and Recreation, Health and Human Services, Public Administration or any other related field of study is preferred. Relatable years of experience may be considered in lieu of field of study.
Minimum 5 years of management job experience within a municipal or government setting.
Minimum 5 years' experience with progressive responsibilities as a recreation and/or park superintendent.
CPRP (Certified Parks and Recreation Professional) certified or ability to obtain certification within one year from date of employment.
CPR and First Aid Certified or ability to obtain with 60 days.
Valid Class C Texas Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 60 days.
Preferred Qualifications:
Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) and/or Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification or ability to obtain within 1 year.
Member of Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) and Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF).
National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) Training.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Publisher).
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize time and duties as pursuant to the job.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Knowledge in Parks and Recreation registration software (preferably RecTrac).
Strong interpersonal communication skills, leadership and team qualities.
Ability to operate a computer, telephone, cell phone, fax machine, copier, pager and calculator.
Ability to serve the public and other city departments in a diplomatic and professional manner, exercising good emotional control.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
Ability to simultaneously perform a variety of technical and administrative functions and maintain a quality work product.
Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
Ability to understand and analyze complex issues and projects and identify effective strategies and solutions.
Ability to work with a wide variety of personalities and cultural differences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, co-workers, and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.
Ability to estimate materials and supply needs.
Knowledge and previous experience in the development of and management of municipal recreation programs and services.
Knowledge and previous experience in the development and management of special events, senior programs and youth and adult athletic programs.
Knowledge of the design, construction, maintenance and repair of parks and recreation facilities.
Knowledge of management and supervisory methods and practices.
Knowledge of effective public relations methods and practices.
Ability to understand general accounting practices.
Ability to manage capital improvement projects.
Ability to research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery.
Ability to complete assigned task under the pressure of time and an extreme workload.
Ability to multi-task several projects due at the same time.
Special Requirements:
Hours are typically 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday but may require occasional work on evenings and weekends.
Available for on-call duty.
Act as a backup to the Parks and Recreation Director for the Emergency Management Committee.
Act as a backup to the Parks and Recreation Director in his absence.
Valid Texas Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 30 days.
Tools and Equipment Used:
Personal Computer/laptop, printer, copy/fax machine, calculator, Microsoft Office Suite and phone.
Use of a city vehicle on occasion.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The physical requirements of the job include the ability to sit, talk, kneel, bend at both the waist and knee, reach with the arms over the head, and hear, both on the telephone and in person, using regular conversational tones; vision requires the ability to focus and read printouts, computer, screens and other written material. Duties may require lifting up to 50 pounds and have the use of hands and fingers to perform essential functions of the job, i.e., typing, data entry, using the calculator and operating other office equipment.
See All 9 Recreation Assistant Jobs in Texas
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Find Recreation Assistant JobsRecreation Assistant Jobs by City in Texas
Where Texas roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Recreation Assistant Job Market in Texas
A snapshot from current Texas openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Texas Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in recreation assistant jobs across Texas.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification required or must obtain within 30 days of hire
- High school diploma or GED required, associate or bachelor degree in recreation or related field preferred
- Experience leading structured recreational activities for youth, older adults, or individuals with disabilities
- Knowledge of Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services activity programming standards for senior care settings
- Ability to pass a criminal background check and Texas Health and Human Services clearance
- Valid Texas driver's license and clean driving record for community outreach or program transport duties
Recreation Assistant Jobs in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a recreation assistant in Texas?
Most recreation assistant positions in Texas require a high school diploma at minimum, with employers in healthcare and senior living preferring an associate or bachelor degree in recreation, kinesiology, or a related field. Texas does not require a state license specifically for recreation assistants, but those working in long-term care facilities must meet Texas Health and Human Services activity staff competency standards. CPR and First Aid certification is expected before or shortly after hire at most Texas employers.
Which companies hire recreation assistants in Texas?
Texas recreation assistant roles are posted by Aramark, City of Dallas, and DEL MAR COLLEGE and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Texas's large network of municipal parks systems, nonprofit senior centers, and regional hospital networks creates a broad and consistent employer base across the state.
Which Texas cities have the most recreation assistant jobs?
Pampa, Dallas, and Abilene post the most recreation assistant openings in Texas. Houston and San Antonio lead because of their size, large municipal parks departments, and dense concentrations of senior living communities and hospital systems, while Dallas draws significant volume from both corporate wellness programs and a growing network of long-term care facilities in the DFW metro.
How can I get hired as a recreation assistant in Texas with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to municipal parks and recreation departments, where cities like Houston, San Antonio, and Austin regularly post part-time or seasonal recreation assistant roles that require no prior professional experience. Large senior living operators in Texas, including Brookdale and CHRISTUS-affiliated communities, also run on-the-job training programs for entry-level activity aides. Getting CPR and First Aid certified before applying and volunteering at a local community center or adult day program gives candidates a meaningful edge over other first-time applicants.
Where can I find and apply to recreation assistant jobs in Texas?
You can find and apply to recreation assistant jobs in Texas on Migrate Mate, which lists current Texas openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, preferred location, and setting, then apply directly to the ones that fit. No signup is required to search and review open positions.
See All 9 Recreation Assistant Jobs in Texas
Find roles in Texas that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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