Recreation programmer job description template

Table 1: Position Identification

1. Position Summary

The Recreation Programmer designs, coordinates, and delivers community-based recreation, sports, cultural, and leisure programs for [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. The role supervises program instructors, activity leaders, and volunteers to maintain safe, inclusive, and structured participant experiences. The Recreation Programmer manages day-to-day facility allocations, monitors program supply budgets, and handles participant registrations in accordance with Canadian occupational classifications. This position serves as the primary operational liaison between participants, community user groups, facility staff, and [OWNER_OR_MANAGER].

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Program Planning and Development (25%)

• Plan and schedule seasonal recreational programs, camps, workshops, and drop-in activities for diverse age groups and skill levels.
• Research community recreation trends and participant feedback to introduce new leisure and physical activity offerings.
• Establish program curriculum, learning objectives, equipment requirements, and supply lists for each seasonal session.
• Adapt program materials and delivery methods to support inclusive participation and accommodation requests.

2.2 Staff and Volunteer Coordination (20%)

• Recruit, onboard, schedule, and assign duties to seasonal recreation instructors, camp counsellors, and activity volunteers.
• Conduct operational orientations covering site safety, emergency response, child protection procedures, and customer service standards.
• Monitor on-site instructional quality and conduct periodic performance reviews with front-line program staff.
• Review and approve bi-weekly time entries for casual staff and submit them to [OWNER_OR_MANAGER] for payroll processing.

2.3 Facility Scheduling and Logistics (15%)

• Coordinate facility bookings, field allocations, and room configurations using [HRIS_NAME] or designated booking software.
• Inspect activity spaces, sports courts, and equipment before and after scheduled programs to ensure clean and safe conditions.
• Issue, track, and inventory recreation equipment, sports gear, and program craft supplies.
• Submit maintenance and repair work orders to facility staff when defects or safety hazards are identified.

2.4 Community Engagement and Customer Service (15%)

• Respond to participant and parent inquiries, registration questions, program feedback, and service complaints in a timely manner.
• Prepare promotional copy, program guides, flyers, and digital announcements for marketing recreation schedules.
• Coordinate community open houses, seasonal special events, and program demonstration days.
• Maintain regular communication with local community partners, sports associations, and venue operators.

2.5 Safety, Risk Management, and Compliance (15%)

• Implement standard operating procedures for participant safety, field trips, equipment operation, and severe weather protocols.
• Maintain complete participant emergency contact records, medical disclosures, and signed consent waivers.
• Administer first aid, manage incident response, and complete injury or property damage reports within 24 hours of an occurrence.
• Verify that all active instructors hold valid first aid certifications, required qualifications, and clean background checks.

2.6 Administration and Financial Monitoring (10%)

• Track program revenue, registration numbers, and drop-in fees against seasonal operating targets.
• Reconcile program supply purchases, process supplier invoices, and submit expense receipts to [OWNER_OR_MANAGER].
• Compile monthly statistical summaries on enrollment, cancellation rates, and facility utilization.
• Order equipment and supplies within approved spending limits and maintain purchasing documentation.

3. Qualifications & Experience

Table 2: Required and Preferred Qualifications

4. Competencies

Table 3: Core Role Competencies

5. Working Conditions & Performance Measures

5.1 Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Table 4: Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Note: Physical and environmental demands listed above reflect core operational duties and serve as a baseline for accommodation and return-to-work evaluations.

5.2 Performance Measures

Table 5: Performance Measures

6. Career Path

6.1 Typical Prior Experience

• Recreation Assistant, Activity Leader, or Day Camp Counsellor.
• Sports Coach, Fitness Instructor, or Community Centre Attendant.
• Customer Service Representative in municipal parks, recreation, or non-profit community centres.

6.2 Potential Advancement Opportunities

• Senior Recreation Programmer or Recreation Coordinator.
• Community Centre Manager or Recreation Facilities Supervisor.
• Community Development Officer or Parks and Recreation Manager.

7. Position Acknowledgement

This job description outlines the primary duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the Recreation Programmer position at [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. It does not constitute an exhaustive inventory of all tasks that may be assigned. Operational priorities and community requirements may necessitate adjustments to specific duties, work schedules, or program assignments. Management reserves the right to amend this position description with reasonable notice to the employee.

I acknowledge that I have received, reviewed, and understood the contents of this job description.

Employee Name (Printed): [EMPLOYEE_NAME]
Employee Signature: _____
Date: _______

Manager Name (Printed): [MANAGER_NAME]
Manager Signature: _____
Date: _______

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