Recreation Programmer

Recreation Programmer

Salary

$38,080.07 Annually

Location

Hickory, NC

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

200-01291

Department

Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism

Opening Date

06/24/2026

Closing Date

7/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary Depends on Qualifications

Yes

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This position is responsible for all duties relating to developing, coordinating and implementing a variety of recreational and leisure programs for citizens of all ages.

This position will work a 40-hour work week however; employees could be scheduled anytime during operating hours. Monday-Thursday 6 AM-9 PM, Friday 6 AM- 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM and Sunday 1 PM- 6 PM. In addition, employees may be scheduled for special events outside of these hours.

Salary Depends on Qualifications

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must meet the City criteria for an acceptable driving record.

Major Duties

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and implements recreation programs for assigned age groups and at assigned recreation facilities.
• Registers program participants; schedules facilities for program activities.
• Enforces safety rules and regulations.
• Develops and coordinates special recreational events.
• Supervises recreation facilities.
• Maintains required records and documents.
• Assists in the maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Assists with athletic programs as needed.
• Ensures that facilities are clean, safe, and ready for scheduled events.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal recreation programming.
• Knowledge of departmental and safety rules and regulations.
• Skill in the supervision of personnel.
• Skill in the organization of recreational activities and programs.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid drivers license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Recreation Center and Events Coordinator(s) assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include American Red Cross Health and Safety guidelines and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related supervisory and administrative duties in the coordination of recreation activities and programming.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to coordinate assigned recreational activities for the city. Successful performance of these duties provides recreation activities for the citizens of the City of Hickory.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, program participants, and the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate personnel, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is performed while sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee must occasionally lift light and heavy objects. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in this position to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently/repeatedly required to stand; walk; use hands and exert forces needed to handle various types and sizes of tools, equipment and objects; reach with hands and arms and perform elevated work for periods of time; climb ladders and balance; climb into vehicles and equipment; stoop; kneel; half-kneel; squat; crouch; or crawl; and talk; or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift, push, pull and/or move more than 50 pounds. An employee in this position will have successfully passed a "Functional Prework Screen" administered by a professional and impartial third-party specialist.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is performed in an office and at recreational facilities.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position has functional supervision over assigned personnel.

The City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package, in addition to salary:

• 11 paid holidays
• 12 paid sick leave days per year
• Paid vacation
• City-paid individual health insurance (H.S.A.)
• Low-cost dental and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program - 5 FREE visits
• 14.35% contribution per employee to the NC Local Government Retirement System
• Up to 5% matching contribution to 401k
• Free Life insurance of 1.5 times salary up to ($125,000)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• On-site Wellness Clinic
• A selection of voluntary benefits such as additional life insurance, dependent life, Short-term disability insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance; All at very competitive rates.
• Benefits package valued at over ($15,000) annually.
• Employees working in seasonal/part-time positions are not eligible for benefits.*

01

Are you at least 21 years old?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a minimum of a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate (such as GED, Task, HiSet etc.)?

• Yes
• No

03

Describe your combination of work experience and education in the Recreation/Leisure field as it relates to this job.

04

Describe your customer service skills and philosophy.

Required Question

Employer City of Hickory

Address 76 North Center Street

PO Box 398

Hickory, North Carolina, 28603

Phone 828-323-7421

Website http://hickorync.gov/employment