Recreation Lead Jobs
Recreation Lead jobs are open across parks and recreation departments, community centers, senior living facilities, and youth programs, at every level from entry-level aide to senior lead and program supervisor, with specializations in aquatics, therapeutic recreation, and youth sports. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Recreation Lead JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 8+ Recreation Lead jobs
Benefit type: Part time- non benefited or benefited
Benefits available: For a full description of our benefits, please click here
Have previous experience in childcare or education support or youth camps?Lead a team of youth recreation staff.
About the job:
Bend Park and Recreation District is the largest childcare provider of school-age kids in Central Oregon. In partnership with Bend-La Pine Schools, the Kids Inc. program serves families with high-quality afterschool and no school day care. The Youth Rec Team Lead provides leadership for assigned youth recreation programs while also serving in a front-line lead role, providing safe and rewarding recreation and enrichment opportunities for youth in the community.
Checkout a few of the amazing perks we have to offer!
- Family Recreation Facility Pass for Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, The Pavilion and the Larkspur Community Center to use immediately
- COCC and OSU scholarships available
A day in the life:
- Supervise assigned youth recreation programs and participants, staff and volunteers.
- Oversee the safety of participants in youth programs.
- Provides leadership, expertise and support to assigned staff which may include training, mentoring, directing and assigning work. May assist Supervisor in hiring and evaluating staff.
- Plan, organize, implement and supervise activities designed to be developmentally appropriate and build skills. Activities include SEL, STEM curriculum as well as other recreation activities.
- Communicate on a regular basis with school staff, principal, office staff, custodians, counselors and teachers.
- Identify and direct needed staff and equipment.
- Perform program specific planning and evaluation within broad goals and guidelines.
- Train, mentor, set goals with and evaluate staff.
- Address program specific risk management issues.
- Interact with the youth through crafts, games, and other planned activities.
- Facilitate inclusion of special needs participants in your program.
- Manage accidents and incidents according to procedures
- Complete required reports/paperwork.
- Monitor program expenditures to ensure spending is in line with budget.
- Oversee general upkeep and care of equipment, supplies and facilities used.
- Attend supervisory and planning meetings
- Communicate on a regular basis with patrons, participants, parent/guardians, community partners regarding questions, concerns and emerging issues.
- Report incidents of Child Abuse/Neglect observed by you or reported to you by a child.
- Perform duties of a Recreation 1 and 2, role modeling exemplary performance.
Kid's Inc. Afterschool
Dates: August 31 - June 17
25 – 32 hours per week when school is in session.
Kid's Inc. Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 12:00 pm – 5:30 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 – 5:30 pm
What you'll need for success:
Strong Knowledge of:
- Operations, functions and standards for assignment including programming, facility operations, and risk management;
- Effective supervision and customer service best practices;
- Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures for assignment.
- Behavior management; childhood development and age appropriate crafts, games and activities;
- Effective teaching techniques;
- Safety and sanitation guidelines; and
- General knowledge of supervision practices.
Skill and Ability to:
- Lead, motivate and direct others;
- Exercise initiative and independent decision making;
- Demonstrate a high level of competency and expertise in program area;
- Actively participate in all activities
- Demonstrate organizational and time management skills
- Demonstrate planning and problem-solving skills;
- Communicate effectively with others both verbally and in writing
- Work cooperatively with others and create a positive, constructive, and respectful relationship with staff and the general public;
- Manage emergency/crisis situations
- Operate computer programs as well as staying current with new programs and operate common office equipment;
- Work independently with minimum direction while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others.
- Exercise strong initiative and significant independent decision making;
- Demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, planning and problem-solving skills;
- Communicate effectively in both verbal and written form;
- Supervise and motivate staff; interact with a variety of patrons/participants;
- Handle emergency situations as they arise; actively participate in all activities; and
- Establish and maintain positive, respectful and cooperative relationships with all contacts.
What we're looking for:
Education, Experience, and Training:
- High school diploma or equivalent; college courses in related field preferred; AND
- One (1) year of experience in area of responsibility and/or performing similar tasks; OR
- Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training.
License & Certification:
- Possession of or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire a valid First Aid/CPR certification.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days with an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy.
Supervisory Exercised:
In assisting the Supervisor, provides leadership to assigned staff, which may include directing and assigning work, adjusting work schedules, training, coaching and providing input into evaluating performance.
Supervision Received:
Reports directly to a Supervisor. Follows standard processes and procedures without supervision but confirms changes to standard practices and significant decisions in advance.
Working Conditions:
- Depending on facility, duties may be performed either indoors or outdoors, which may include working in extreme weather conditions.
- Work schedule is varied and includes early evenings and holidays. Some positions require the ability to work a rotating on-call schedule and may require working during off duty hours for emergency call-outs.
- Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending, and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted, pushing, pulling and kneeling.
- The flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time.
- Ability to work and maintain focus in a work environment with moderate noise (i.e., working around others making periodic phone calls or having conversations) and with frequent interruptions.
- Work includes extensive exposure and contact with staff and public, which may cause exposure to illness.
- Occasional focus on a computer screen. Manual dexterity and coordination may be required. Daily precise control of fingers and hand movements while operation computer keyboard, telephone, and standard office equipment.
- Ability to maintain sustained concentration on computer screens; use keyboards and a variety of peripherals.
Selection Process:
Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. An offer of employment is contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by Bend Park & Recreation District policies, including a background check and a driving history review when driving is required for position. To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete online application. Your application and submitted responses to the supplemental questions will be the information we use for our evaluation.
Veteran Preference Status
Under Oregon law, veterans who meet minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for employment preference. To qualify for veterans’ preference, you must submit required documentation prior to the closing date of the recruitment. Veterans’ preference cannot be awarded without required documentation. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain preferences will also apply to current and former members of the Oregon National Guard. For more information on if you qualify for veterans’ preference visit https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/veterans-preference.aspx
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Bend Park and Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Bend Park & Recreation District Core Competencies:
All positions with Bend Park and Recreation District are subject to district and position competencies. Below is a list of the most critical competencies for this position. Additional competencies are required for the position and may change based on needs. A complete list of the competencies is available from Human Resources.
Accountability • Customer Service Orientation • Safety • Judgment and Decision Making • Teamwork and Cooperation • Results Orientation •
Benefit type: Part time- non benefited or benefited
Benefits available: For a full description of our benefits, please click here
Have previous experience in childcare or education support or youth camps?Lead a team of youth recreation staff.
About the job:
Bend Park and Recreation District is the largest childcare provider of school-age kids in Central Oregon. In partnership with Bend-La Pine Schools, the Kids Inc. program serves families with high-quality afterschool and no school day care. The Youth Rec Team Lead provides leadership for assigned youth recreation programs while also serving in a front-line lead role, providing safe and rewarding recreation and enrichment opportunities for youth in the community.
Checkout a few of the amazing perks we have to offer!
- Family Recreation Facility Pass for Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, The Pavilion and the Larkspur Community Center to use immediately
- COCC and OSU scholarships available
A day in the life:
- Supervise assigned youth recreation programs and participants, staff and volunteers.
- Oversee the safety of participants in youth programs.
- Provides leadership, expertise and support to assigned staff which may include training, mentoring, directing and assigning work. May assist Supervisor in hiring and evaluating staff.
- Plan, organize, implement and supervise activities designed to be developmentally appropriate and build skills. Activities include SEL, STEM curriculum as well as other recreation activities.
- Communicate on a regular basis with school staff, principal, office staff, custodians, counselors and teachers.
- Identify and direct needed staff and equipment.
- Perform program specific planning and evaluation within broad goals and guidelines.
- Train, mentor, set goals with and evaluate staff.
- Address program specific risk management issues.
- Interact with the youth through crafts, games, and other planned activities.
- Facilitate inclusion of special needs participants in your program.
- Manage accidents and incidents according to procedures
- Complete required reports/paperwork.
- Monitor program expenditures to ensure spending is in line with budget.
- Oversee general upkeep and care of equipment, supplies and facilities used.
- Attend supervisory and planning meetings
- Communicate on a regular basis with patrons, participants, parent/guardians, community partners regarding questions, concerns and emerging issues.
- Report incidents of Child Abuse/Neglect observed by you or reported to you by a child.
- Perform duties of a Recreation 1 and 2, role modeling exemplary performance.
Kid's Inc. Afterschool
Dates: August 31 - June 17
25 – 32 hours per week when school is in session.
Kid's Inc. Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 12:00 pm – 5:30 pm
- Wednesday 11:30 – 5:30 pm
What you'll need for success:
Strong Knowledge of:
- Operations, functions and standards for assignment including programming, facility operations, and risk management;
- Effective supervision and customer service best practices;
- Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures for assignment.
- Behavior management; childhood development and age appropriate crafts, games and activities;
- Effective teaching techniques;
- Safety and sanitation guidelines; and
- General knowledge of supervision practices.
Skill and Ability to:
- Lead, motivate and direct others;
- Exercise initiative and independent decision making;
- Demonstrate a high level of competency and expertise in program area;
- Actively participate in all activities
- Demonstrate organizational and time management skills
- Demonstrate planning and problem-solving skills;
- Communicate effectively with others both verbally and in writing
- Work cooperatively with others and create a positive, constructive, and respectful relationship with staff and the general public;
- Manage emergency/crisis situations
- Operate computer programs as well as staying current with new programs and operate common office equipment;
- Work independently with minimum direction while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others.
- Exercise strong initiative and significant independent decision making;
- Demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, planning and problem-solving skills;
- Communicate effectively in both verbal and written form;
- Supervise and motivate staff; interact with a variety of patrons/participants;
- Handle emergency situations as they arise; actively participate in all activities; and
- Establish and maintain positive, respectful and cooperative relationships with all contacts.
What we're looking for:
Education, Experience, and Training:
- High school diploma or equivalent; college courses in related field preferred; AND
- One (1) year of experience in area of responsibility and/or performing similar tasks; OR
- Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training.
License & Certification:
- Possession of or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire a valid First Aid/CPR certification.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days with an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy.
Supervisory Exercised:
In assisting the Supervisor, provides leadership to assigned staff, which may include directing and assigning work, adjusting work schedules, training, coaching and providing input into evaluating performance.
Supervision Received:
Reports directly to a Supervisor. Follows standard processes and procedures without supervision but confirms changes to standard practices and significant decisions in advance.
Working Conditions:
- Depending on facility, duties may be performed either indoors or outdoors, which may include working in extreme weather conditions.
- Work schedule is varied and includes early evenings and holidays. Some positions require the ability to work a rotating on-call schedule and may require working during off duty hours for emergency call-outs.
- Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending, and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted, pushing, pulling and kneeling.
- The flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time.
- Ability to work and maintain focus in a work environment with moderate noise (i.e., working around others making periodic phone calls or having conversations) and with frequent interruptions.
- Work includes extensive exposure and contact with staff and public, which may cause exposure to illness.
- Occasional focus on a computer screen. Manual dexterity and coordination may be required. Daily precise control of fingers and hand movements while operation computer keyboard, telephone, and standard office equipment.
- Ability to maintain sustained concentration on computer screens; use keyboards and a variety of peripherals.
Selection Process:
Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. An offer of employment is contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by Bend Park & Recreation District policies, including a background check and a driving history review when driving is required for position. To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete online application. Your application and submitted responses to the supplemental questions will be the information we use for our evaluation.
Veteran Preference Status
Under Oregon law, veterans who meet minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for employment preference. To qualify for veterans’ preference, you must submit required documentation prior to the closing date of the recruitment. Veterans’ preference cannot be awarded without required documentation. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain preferences will also apply to current and former members of the Oregon National Guard. For more information on if you qualify for veterans’ preference visit https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/veterans-preference.aspx
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Bend Park and Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Bend Park & Recreation District Core Competencies:
All positions with Bend Park and Recreation District are subject to district and position competencies. Below is a list of the most critical competencies for this position. Additional competencies are required for the position and may change based on needs. A complete list of the competencies is available from Human Resources.
Accountability • Customer Service Orientation • Safety • Judgment and Decision Making • Teamwork and Cooperation • Results Orientation •
See All 8 Recreation Lead Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Recreation Lead JobsRecreation Lead Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in recreation lead jobs.
- CPR and first aid certification current and valid at time of hire
- Experience planning and leading group recreational programs for a defined population
- Associate or bachelor's degree in recreation, kinesiology, or a related field
- Ability to pass a background check, including fingerprinting for youth-serving roles
- Valid driver's license and willingness to transport participants when required
- Proficiency with scheduling software or activity management platforms
Tips for Your Recreation Lead Job Search
Tailor your resume to the setting
Recreation lead roles in senior living facilities emphasize patience, adaptive programming, and dementia-friendly activities, while youth sports positions prioritize coaching certifications and crowd management. Customize your resume's summary and bullet points to match the specific population and environment you're targeting.
List every relevant certification clearly
Employers scan for CPR, first aid, Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, and aquatics certifications before reading anything else. Put these in a dedicated credentials section near the top of your resume so they're visible immediately, and note the expiration date for each.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists recreation lead openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight program planning with specifics
Generic phrases like 'organized events' don't stand out. Name the programs you built, the participant counts you managed, and the outcomes you tracked, like registration rates or repeat attendance. Recreation directors want evidence you can design and sustain a calendar, not just execute one.
Prepare a scenario answer about conflict
Interviewers for recreation lead roles consistently ask how you handle a participant who disrupts group activities or violates facility rules. Prepare a brief, specific story using the situation, your action, and the outcome, because supervisory judgment is the core competency they're testing for.
Negotiate start date around seasonal cycles
Many recreation lead positions ramp up before summer or fall programming seasons, so employers often have flexibility on start date if you ask early. Raising this in the offer conversation signals operational awareness and can buy you time without affecting compensation.
Recreation Lead Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most recreation leads?
HealthFitness, City of Greeley, and Millwood Hospital are hiring the most recreation leads right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, Oregon, and Ohio, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Municipal parks departments and senior living operators tend to post the highest volume of openings year-round.
How do you become a recreation lead?
Start by earning a degree or certificate in parks and recreation, kinesiology, or a related field, and get your CPR and first aid certifications current. Build hands-on experience as a recreation aide or program assistant, ideally with the population you want to work with. Take on scheduling or facilitation responsibilities to demonstrate readiness for a lead role, then apply to positions that match your program area.
Can you get hired as a recreation lead with little experience?
Yes, many employers will consider candidates with limited paid experience if you can show relevant volunteer work, internships, or coaching history with a specific population like seniors, children, or people with disabilities. Emphasize any certifications you hold, describe programs you helped run informally, and apply to entry-level lead roles at community centers or municipal parks departments, which tend to train from within.
What does the recreation lead interview process look like?
Most recreation lead interviews run one or two rounds. The first round is typically a phone or video screen covering your background and certifications. An in-person interview follows, often with a panel that includes a recreation director and a supervisor, focused on scenario questions about participant management, program planning, and emergency response. Some employers also ask you to describe or briefly demonstrate a sample activity.
Where can I find and apply to recreation lead jobs?
You can find and apply to recreation lead jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your program specialization and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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