Recreation Coordinator - CareerLadder Group

Polk County; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County in Lakeland is seeking a Recreation Coordinator to assist the Recreation Supervisor in developing and directing a year-round countywide program for diverse interests and age groups.

The role involves planning and evaluating activities, coordinating sponsorships, recruiting volunteers, promoting events, supervising staff, and ensuring safety and compliance across Parks & Natural Resources programs.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited two-year college with major course work in recreation, education, or a related field and some experience in planning and overseeing recreation programs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a Florida driver’s license.
• Equivalent training and experience may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Recreation Supervisor in developing and directing a year-round countywide recreation program for various interests and age groups.
• Develop, plan, execute, and critique activities such as summer programs, festivals, and adult leagues.
• Coordinate sponsorship programs for Parks & Natural Resources events.
• Assist with recruitment and training of volunteers and promotion of events.
• Oversee youth sports programs, contracts, schedules, and safety/compliance of activities.

Skills

Program planning

Team supervision

Volunteer coordination

Public communication

Event coordination

Education

Two-year college degree in recreation/education

Job description

Recreation Coordinator - CareerLadder Group

Lakeland, FL, United States and 1 more

Job Description

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job are illustrated below:

Illustrated Duties

• Assist the Recreation Supervisor in the general development and direction of a year-round Countywide recreation program for various interests and age groups.
• Develop, plan, execute, and critique activities such as the Summer Recreation Program, Polk County Easter Egg Hunts, Cracker Storytelling Festival, Adult Sports Tournaments, Adult Ball Leagues, and additional recreational events and activities assigned and developed.
• Develop and coordinate sponsorship programs for Parks & Natural Resources special events and programs.
• Assist with the recruitment and training of volunteers.
• Assist with the promotion of Parks & Natural Resources special events and programs.
• Conduct NYSCAor equivalent youth coach program clinics, resulting in certification of coaches and documentation of these clinics to ensure a higher quality Youth League.
• Receive and respond to general inquiries, requests or complaints from the public concerning recreational programs and activities.
• Assist in the interviewing, recommending for hiring and any administrative actions of the recreation program staff. Oversee staff as required.
• Oversee the operation of youth sports organizations that contract and utilize Polk County’s facilities. This is to include contracts, schedules, insurance requirements, coaches training and bylaws compliance.
• Perform related duties as required.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Knowledgeable of a variety of recreational programs and activities.
• Ability to plan, assign, review and oversee the work of others.
• Ability to use good judgment in administrative and personnel matters making independent decisions.
• Ability to display a cooperative attitude and willingness to respond effectively to public concerns, philosophies and needs within recreational planning, program activities and overall county recreation goals and objectives.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, officials and the public.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds regularly and a minimum of 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work flexible hours as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited two-year college with major course work in recreation, education, or a related field and have some experience in planning and overseeing recreation programs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment within this classification.
• A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
• Graduate of an accredited two-year (2) college with major course work in recreation, education, or a related field and have six (6) months’ experience as a Recreation Coordinator or in an equivalent job classification.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment within this classification.
• A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Special Requirements

• Spend a minimum of eight hours becoming familiar with each of the following aspects of the Parks and Natural Resources Services Division:
  • Youth Sports
  • Special Events
  • Parks
  • Sponsorships
• Attendance of at least three FRPA or other professional organization meetings with a minimum of ten field-related classes taken.
• Ability to demonstrate a working knowledge and application of Polk County Parks & Natural Resources Division policies and procedures related to:
  • A.Parks
  • B.Programming
  • C.Sports Leagues
  • D.Special Events
  • E.Rentals
• Graduate from an accredited two-year college with major course work in recreation, education, or a related field and have a minimum of two years’ experience as a Parks & Natural Resources professional, including the qualifications of a Recreation Coordinator I and II.

All levels must undergo a Level 2 (FDLE) screening submitted electronically before commencing work. Those obtaining this certification must maintain certification as a condition of employment.

Job Info

• Job Identification 2610
• Job Category 39-3090 Miscellaneous Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers
• Posting Date 07/13/2026, 05:53 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 1230 SOUTHERN AVE, Lakeland, FL, 33815, US 135 Avenue Y NE, Winter Haven, FL, 33881, US