Recreation Program Assistant

buncombecounty; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 23,653 - 28,474; Part time

Job summary

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is seeking a Part-time Recreation Program Assistant to support planning, implementation, and delivery of community programs and events. The role works with a small team dedicated to serving the community through outdoor recreation and customer service.

The position requires a high school diploma (or GED) and at least 1 year of related experience. Shifts are often evenings and weekends, with a dynamic, outdoor work environment and equal opportunity employment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and at least 1 year of customer service or maintenance experience.
• Valid driver’s license issued by the state of North Carolina.
• Ability to perform in outdoor environments and interact with the public.

Responsibilities

• Promote good public relations and communication with park and recreation patrons.
• Participate in fee collection, event registration, and evaluation activities.
• May perform a variety of duties associated with daily use of park areas and facilities.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings and nights as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Public relations

Event registration

Fee collection

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on August 07, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on August 07, 2026.

Job Title: Recreation Program Assistant

Department: Recreation Services

External Hiring Range: $17.17 - $20.67

Compensation Grade: 2001

Posted Internally and Externally

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is hiring a Part-time (19hrs/wk) Recreation Program Assistant - PRN to support the planning, implementation, and delivery of community programs and special events for youth, adults, and seniors. This position works closely with a small, collaborative team dedicated to serving the community through recreation.

This position reports to the Recreation Program Coordinator and follows a variable schedule, with shifts commonly including weekday evenings and weekends.

The Recreation Program Assistant plays a hands‑on role in assisting with events and programs, while also promoting positive public relations and providing excellent customer service to patrons. The primary work location varies depending on the location of programs and events throughout the county. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, engaging with the public, and supporting inclusive recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities. This is a vital support role in a community‑focused department that values teamwork, professionalism, and proactive service.

The position is designated as emergency essential and may be required to work during public emergencies. Regular, in‑person attendance is required, and the position offers valuable experience in community recreation within a mission‑driven county department.

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to perform a wide variety of tasks to support our daily park operations within the Recreation Department.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):

High school diploma or GED, and a minimum of one (1) year of experience in customer services or maintenance work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:

Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina.

Physical Requirements:

The work is primarily medium work requiring exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking. The work is primarily active/outdoor work requiring standing for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind and rain.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Promote good public relations and communication with citizens using the park and recreation facilities.
• Participate in various fee collection, event registration, and evaluation activities.
• May perform a variety of duties associated with the daily use of park areas and facilities.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings and nights as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to use small office equipment and computers.
• Ability to adapt to a work environment that may include exposure to outdoor climate, dust and dirt, exposure to the hazards of working in and near traffic, exposure to various chemicals including fertilizers and pesticides, and exposure to domestic and wild animals.
• Ability to answer questions and provide information to the public.
• Ability to speak, understand and communicate information and ideas so others may understand.
• Ability to use and/or repair small equipment.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee’s unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.