Recreation Programmer Jobs

Recreation Programmer jobs are open across municipal parks and recreation departments, YMCAs, senior living communities, therapeutic recreation programs, and campus recreation centers, at every level from entry-level coordinator to program director, with specializations in adaptive recreation, aquatics, and youth programming. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.

Find Recreation Programmer JobsLooking for remote work? View remote recreation programmer jobs →

Overview

Open roles690+
Top stateCalifornia
Top employerEnsono
Top cityLos Angeles, CA
Work type62% On-site
Top industryTechnology

Showing 5 of 690+ Recreation Programmer jobs

IT Programmer Analyst Spring Co-Op
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New 1h ago
IT Programmer Analyst Spring Co-Op
Jabil
Florence, Kentucky
Business Analysis
Project & Program Management
Project Management
10,000+

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Developer Programmer
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New 3h ago
Developer Programmer
VIVA
Raleigh, North Carolina
Backend Engineering
Full-stack Engineering
Software Engineering
$62.86 - $67.86/hr
On-Site
11-50

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Computer Numerical Control Programmer
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New 10h ago
Computer Numerical Control Programmer
Teksky LLC
Kansas City, Missouri
Manufacturing Operations
Skilled Trades
Quality Control
CNC Operator
$80k - $100k/yr
On-Site
None

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Senior Business Systems Analyst / Programmer – Rhapsody Integration Engine
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New 11h ago
Senior Business Systems Analyst / Programmer – Rhapsody Integration Engine
Vision Square Inc
Remote
Business Analysis
Business Analyst
Project Management
Remote (US)

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CNC Toolroom Programmer–Machinist (GibbsCAM Specialist)
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New 13h ago
CNC Toolroom Programmer–Machinist (GibbsCAM Specialist)
WORKFORCE Employment Specialists
Holland, Michigan
Administrative & Office Support
Business Analysis
Project Management
$23 - $34/hr
On-Site
High school diploma or GED
501-1,000

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Recreation Programmer Job Market

Who's Hiring

  • Ensono17
  • Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences12
  • Citi10
  • Jobot10
  • University of Alabama6

Top Industries Hiring

  • Technology & Software18
  • Staffing & Recruiting11
  • Healthcare & Medical Services10
  • Consulting & Professional Services10
  • Education7

What Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in recreation programmer jobs.

  • Bachelor's degree in recreation management, kinesiology, or a closely related field
  • Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating recreation programs for diverse populations
  • Current CPR, first aid, and AED certification required at time of hire
  • Certified Parks and Recreation Professional credential preferred or required
  • Proficiency with recreation management software for registration and facility scheduling
  • Valid driver's license and ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Tips for Your Recreation Programmer Job Search

Tailor your resume to program populations

Recreation programmer roles differ sharply by population served. A resume targeting adaptive recreation should highlight therapeutic recreation certifications and disability inclusion experience, while one targeting youth programs should foreground camp counseling, curriculum design, and age-specific programming outcomes you delivered.

Earn certifications before you apply

Many postings require or strongly prefer a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional credential, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist license, or a current CPR and first aid card. Completing these before applying removes a common screening hurdle and signals readiness to hiring committees.

Apply early to roles that fit

Migrate Mate lists recreation programmer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.

Demonstrate program outcomes, not just duties

Hiring managers in parks and recreation want to see what your programs produced: participation growth, repeat enrollment rates, community feedback, or budget adherence. Replace task-focused bullet points with brief outcome statements that show your programs actually worked for the populations you served.

Prepare a programming portfolio for interviews

Bring two or three sample program plans to your interview, one for each population type the employer serves. Interviewers frequently ask candidates to walk through how they would design or adapt a program, and having a concrete example on paper makes your answer far more credible.

Ask specific questions about budget authority

Recreation programmer roles vary widely in whether you control a programming budget, approve vendors, or submit every purchase for separate approval. Asking about this directly in the interview tells you how much autonomy the role actually carries and shows you understand the operational side of programming work.

Recreation Programmer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies are hiring the most recreation programmers?

The most active employers for recreation programmers right now are Ensono, Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences, and Citi, and the most openings are in California, Texas, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Municipal parks departments, YMCA affiliates, and senior living operators consistently account for the largest share of open roles.

How many recreation programmer jobs are remote?

About 38% of recreation programmer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most programming work. Administrative and program coordination sub-roles, such as grant writing, curriculum development, and virtual wellness programming, are most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.

How do you become a recreation programmer?

Start by completing a bachelor's degree in recreation management, therapeutic recreation, kinesiology, or a related field, since most employers require one. Gain direct experience through internships, seasonal positions, or volunteer work with parks departments or nonprofits. Earn a CPR and first aid certification before applying, then pursue a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional credential to strengthen your candidacy for full-time roles.

How do you get hired as a recreation programmer with little experience?

Focus on seasonal and part-time recreation aide or program assistant roles, which regularly serve as entry points into full-time recreation programmer positions at the same organization. Volunteer to lead a specific program type, such as a youth sports league or senior fitness class, so you have a concrete programming example to describe in interviews. Completing your CPR certification and any available recreation management coursework before applying removes common early-screening barriers.

What does the recreation programmer interview process look like?

Most recreation programmer interviews involve an initial phone or video screen with HR, followed by an in-person panel interview with the parks and recreation director and one or two program supervisors. Candidates are frequently asked to describe a program they designed from start to finish, explain how they handled a low-participation situation, and demonstrate familiarity with the specific populations the employer serves. Some employers request a brief written program proposal as part of the process.

Where can I find and apply to recreation programmer jobs?

You can find and apply to recreation programmer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from parks departments, YMCAs, senior living communities, and other employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to each one that fits.

See All 690+ Recreation Programmer Jobs

Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Recreation Programmer Jobs