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Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Our career center is an online resource for parks and recreation professionals looking to further their careers and a resource for members who are seeking to hire new professionals for their departments. 

Members in good standing wishing to post a job opening on this page should contact [email protected] or the CRPA office at (860) 721-0384.

Please note: CRPA is posting these listings on behalf of individual recreation departments/organizations. Any questions regarding job descriptions or the application process should be directed to the hiring organization, not to CRPA.

CRPA Career Posting Rules:

  1. CRPA will accept position postings from member organizations. Postings are to be submitted directly to the CRPA office at [email protected].
  2. Only members in good standing can post a position. Members in good standing are current members and have no payments that are more than 90 days overdue.
  3. Editing and proofreading are the responsibility of the organization, not CRPA. CRPA does not assume liability for inaccurate or incomplete information provided to us by the hiring organization. Postings are to be proofed by the company placing the posting, CRPA is not responsible for the position content's grammar.
  4. Postings must include the companies contact information, as job seekers are to contact the member organization directly and not CRPA.

Quick Links

Use the links below to navigate to the type of position your are searching for.

Full-Time Positions
Part-Time Positions
Seasonal Positions
Internship Positions

Full-Time Positions

Recreation Office Assistant

Location: Torrington Parks & Recreation
Posting date: 12/04/2023

Job Description:

This position is responsible for a variety of secretarial and office duties related to recreation. These duties require extensive use of computers and computer program knowledge. Provides general administrative assistance to the Recreation Director. Prepares reports and recordkeeping that are vital to the success of the Parks & Recreation Department.

Duties and Resposibilities: (Duties are illustrative and not inclusive)

  • Provides assistance to the recreation department staff.
  • Serves as first point of contact in the front office area daily.
  • Provides frontline interaction with the public in a friendly and professional manner through personal contact at the office counter, answering phones, emails, and mailings.
  • Processes program registrations, enters participant data, collects, and processes program registrations fees, processes refund, prepares daily and program reports.
  • Assists Director with revenue tracking, purchase orders, invoices, and all purchases to ensure accuracy.
  • Prepares and maintains program marketing material and public information. Prepares department meeting agendas and minutes.
  • Composes, types, edits a variety of reports, office forms, memos, and applications. Assists the coordinator with news releases, photos, brochures, flyers, and programs.
  • Assists department with events, camps, and classes. Responds to questions and concerns from the public.
  • Performs necessary payroll, accounting, and other financial functions.
  • Processes requisitions for supplies, materials, and other procurement requirements for the department.
  • Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of office methods, procedures, and programs
  • Provide staff support to the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission.
  • Assist in the preparation of a variety of complex analytical and statistical reports and p resentations.
  • Respond to and resolve sensitive and difficult public inquiries and complaints.
  • Attends events and functions as required. Responsible to be an effective and professional public relations representative for the department. Interprets the community recreation program to the public through public speaking, media coverage, literature, and other suitable means. Establishes and maintains cooperative planning and working relationships with public agencies, private groups and other community organizations concerned with recreation, parks, and related fields of interest.
  • Performs other related assignments as required.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Rules, regulations, statutes, ordinances, practices, procedures, and policies as they relate to the Recreation Department.
  • Bookkeeping, payroll procedures, and financial record keeping.
  • Basic Accounting procedures.
  • Office procedures and equipment.
  • Computer based financial systems.
  • Modern principles and methods for developing and implementing a wide variety of recreation, social, and leisure activities for children and adults.
  • Recreational, social, and cultural needs of a diverse community.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, other departments, elected officials, the media, and the public.
  • Highly effective team building, and leadership skills including consensus- building to resolve conflicts, negotiate agreements and gain cooperation among competing interest groups.
  • Strong business and fiscal management skills.
  • Problem analysis and decision making, adaptability/flexibility, and stress tolerance in a highly visible public environment.
  • Strategic planning, organizing, and time management skills.
  • Written and verbal communications skills including public presentation skills.
  • Good computer skills.
  • Coordinate the work of assigned staff.
  • Ability to organize and maintain accurate records, public information, and department communications.
  • Perform responsible and difficult work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
  • Prioritize multiple tasks, work under deadlines, use effective time management, and work with interruptions.
  • Interpret and apply Federal, State, and City laws, codes, regulations, and guidelines affecting recreation programs and activities.
  • Analyze problems; identify feasible solutions; project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, City Council, Commissions and Committees, community organizations, individual citizens, governmental agencies, contractors, and vendors.
  • Assess and monitor community needs; identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures for development and implementation of new program areas.
  • Maintain systems for facility and program scheduling and other functions.
  • Develop, analyze, interpret, and explain Department policies and procedures.
  • Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Required equipment operation:
Operates standard office and recreation equipment; operates a motor vehicle.

Required qualifications (minimum)
Graduation from high school and four (4) years of experience working in a recreation department including two (2) years as an office assistant or graduation from an accredited college or university with a AS. Degree in Recreation Administration or related field and two (2) years of experience in bookkeeping or accounting.CPR and First Aid certificates. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut driver’s license.

Required physical effort:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office and moderately loud when in the field.

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Parks and Recreation Director

Location: Town of Deep River
Posting date: 12/01/2023

Job Description:

The Town of Deep River is seeking a self-motivated, experienced individual who will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing a diverse range of recreational programs that cater to individuals of all ages and interests. This position requires creativity, leadership, and organizational skills. The Parks & Recreation Director performs administrative, supervisory, and professional work in the planning, development, and operations of a comprehensive public recreation program for the community.  Must be able to work independently.

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ASSISTANT TO THE SUPERINTENDENT

Location: Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services
Posting date: 11/22/2023

Job Description:

Provides office administrative, bookkeeping and technical support of a complex, culturally sensitive, confidential and professional nature. Assists with budget preparation and securing quotes for purchases. Performs bookkeeping functions and prepares department payroll. Coordinates and manages the acquisition of office supplies and equipment. Prepares requests for appropriations, transfers and purchases.  Conducts research for grant proposals and related reports. Assists supervisors with grant applications. Administers grant awards and supports supervisors with monitoring expenditures. Sets up secure accounts with funders; tracks and logs receivables for payment of programs. Reconciles accounts and sub-accounts. Submits financial reports to local, state and federal agencies. Compiles data, and formats and types statistical reports. Coordinates and arranges departmental meetings and appointments, prepares agendas, reserves and prepares facilities, takes oral dictation, and records and transcribes minutes of meetings.  Assists with department website.  May direct and train work of other clerical or seasonal office staff.  May represent the Department in city or community meetings. 

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Director of Parks and Recreation

Location: Town of Watertown, CT
Posting date: 10/24/2023
Closing date: 11/17/2023

Job Description:

The Town of Watertown, Connecticut is accepting applications for a Full-Time Director of Parks and Recreation. The annual salary will be based on a candidate's education and experience. During the 6-month probationary period, the annual salary will be reduced by 10%.

Candidate will work under the general direction of the Town Manager. The responsibilities are:

• Plans, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates Parks and Recreation Department operations

• Develops policies and procedures for the Parks and Recreation Department as necessary to ensure efficient operation of the department or implement directives from the Town Manager and/or the Parks and Recreation Commission

• Plans, promotes and implements a comprehensive and diversified community recreation, cultural, athletic, social, and human services programs under policies established by Town Manager and/or the Parks and Recreation Commission; reviews department performance and effectiveness, formulates and implements programs or policies to alleviate deficiencies

• Prepares the proposed annual budget for the Parks and Recreation Department; directs the implementation of the adopted budget; analyzes and recommends improvements to equipment and facilities, as needed

• Directs and supervises the selection, training, assignment, scheduling, evaluation and discipline of department employees; administers personnel rules and regulations and collective bargaining agreements for subordinate employees

• Prepares, submits and presents analytical and statistical reports to the Town Manager and/or the Parks and Recreation Commission; attends meetings of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Commission on Aging

Qualifications are: Graduation from a recognized college or university with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Park Management, or a related field plus four (4) years of professional experience involving the development, operation of park and recreation programs, including two (2) years in a supervisory capacity; or eight (8) years of progressively responsible park and recreation program experience including four (4) years in a supervisory capacity; or any combination of training and experience which provides a demonstrated ability to perform the duties of the position.

Must have a valid Connecticut driver’s license or be able to obtain one in sixty (60) days. Certification as a Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) preferred.

Watertown Job Applications can be picked up at the Town Hall or online at www.watertownct.org and should be sent to the Town Manager’s Office, Town Hall, 61 Echo Lake Rd., Watertown CT 06795 by November 17, 2023. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED. EOE.

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Part-Time Positions

Office Aide

Location: Monroe Parks and Recreation
Posting date: 12/04/2023
Closing date: 12/08/2023

Job Description:

Assist in daily administrative duties of the Parks and Recreation Department to serve the needs of the Town including recordkeeping, financial reports, registration, and customer service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Develop and coordinate Parks and Recreation Commission reports
  • Recordkeeping, daily receipt handling and processing
  • Coordinate data and reports for Great Hollow Lake and Lake Zoar boat launch
  • Seasonal program registration management and processing
  • Serve as office receptionist greeting the public and servicing requests
  • Facilitate reservations and dispensing of department information and services

Education/Skills/Experience:

  • Minimum of 2 years office experience or equivalent education
  • Familiarity with cash accounting, parks and recreation terminology, computerized registration,
  • and basic computer software (Word, Excel, etc.)
  • Data entry, report generation and computer skills
  • Manipulation of data to generate reporting information
  • Working knowledge of Publisher and other graphic design software
  • Experience in customer service oriented office environment with high public traffic
  • Excellent interpersonal skills

Work Environment:
Work is generally performed while sitting in office environment, however may require some work at the parks . Some lifting of small equipment and forms is required. This position does not require heavy lifting on a regular basis; however, when working with the records retention archives, the individual may be required to lift boxes of approximately 20 pounds. Work environment may be subject to changing climate conditions.

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