NYC Parks serves as the steward for over 30,000 acres of land, which includes 1,000 playgrounds, 36 recreation centers, 66 pools and 14 miles of beach. Our primary responsibility is to build and maintain clean, safe and accessible parks, and to create cultural and educational programs for New Yorkers of all ages to enjoy. The mission of Recreation is to enable all New Yorkers to lead physically active and intellectually stimulating lives through sports, fitness, outdoor adventure, technology, education, and the arts. Recreation programs include specialized exercise classes, youth sports, senior activities, summer camps and free afterschool programs. Recreation programming occurs throughout the City in NYC Parks recreation centers, parks and playgrounds.
Major Responsibilities
- Under supervision, conduct dynamic and innovative workshops, sports and specialized recreational programs for the Recreation division.
- Develop and facilitate programming to engage New Yorkers in sports, fitness and outdoor adventures.
- Lead and coach youth programming, work mobile unit programs and other special events.
- Instruct participants in basic fitness skills, including proper fitness equipment use, basic safety precautions and the health benefits of regular exercise.
- Lead fitness classes, practice sessions and facilitate sports programs for New Yorkers of all ages.
- Maintain equipment and fitness areas daily, including keeping an inventory of necessary materials and supplies. Inspect public spaces and report evidence of unsafe or hazardous conditions.
- Establish program objectives, evaluate recreational programs and design cutting-edge curricula.
- Supervise, develop and implement afterschool, teen and summer camp curricula that meet all Department of Health (DOH) criteria.
- Promote NYC Parks Recreation Center memberships and assist in events and special projects.
- Collect and submit accurate data, forms, and reports to meet internal deadlines.
How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 772596.
All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.
*Current City Employees please include your ERN on your cover letter and resume.
NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. *Posting period extended to 07/07/2026. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply. References will be required upon request.
nyc.gov/parks
MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.
For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)
RECREATION SPECIALIST (DEPT OF - 06070
1. 18 months of participation in an art, craft or other recreational pursuit as a teacher, performer, coach, official, contestant or demonstrator, including at least one year of experience in that art, craft or recreational pursuit to be performed on the job, as described below; or
2. Experience or study in that art, craft or recreational pursuit to be performed on the job as described below, acquired in job training, internships, volunteer service, high school, college or other appropriate institution over at least a three-year period; or
"3. A satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience or education in that art, craft or recreational pursuit to be performed on the job as described below.
Job assignments are limited to the following recreational specialties: woodworking , weight lifting, tennis, aquatics, soccer, fencing, golf, gymnastics, ham radio, horseback riding, hockey, figure skating, martial arts, music, nature study, art, photography, dramatics, dance-roller skating, small crafts, sewing, astronomy, auto mechanics, baton twirling, bridge, chess, modern dance, dog obedience, puppetry, boxing and storytelling."
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The City of New York is the most iconic and dynamic city on the planet. With a population of more than 8.4 million people, New York is not only the largest city in the United States — it is the academic, cultural, commercial, and financial capital of the world.
City government is filled with opportunities for talented individuals seeking to improve their communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their fellow New Yorkers. Every day, the City’s more than 300,000 employees improve infrastructure, provide vital social services, build technology, protect health and safety, and so much more. Join us today at: http://www1.nyc.gov/jobs
The City of New York offers its employees:
• A chance to build the future of this city. New York City government is at the crossroads of where policy, great ideas, city services, and smart urban planning meet the lives and needs of every day New Yorkers.
• Competitive salary and benefits. Hiring packages include a competitive salary, health benefits, various pension plans, employee assistance programs, and individual retirement accounts.
• Diverse career opportunities. As the largest local government in the United States with more than 40 agencies, the City of New York offers a broad spectrum of opportunities — from education, housing development, and public health to sustainability, economic growth, technology, and emergency management.
• Career Satisfaction. As a City employee, you will have the chance to shape the future of New York City and improve the quality of life for your family, neighbors, and fellow New Yorkers.
• Equal Opportunity and Inclusion. The City of New York is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discriminatory action against City employees and applicants for employment based on their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity alienage, citizenship status, gender, religion, creed and all other protected categories.
