Job Description

RECREATION SPECIALIST - 6300

GRADE - 104

PAY RANGE - $25.48/hr (SEASONAL)

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Oversees and supervises recreational activities for all age groups at an assigned facility; performs directly related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The principal function of an employee in this class is to supervise quality-of-life recreational programs at an assigned facility. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Recreation Programs Supervisor, but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. Supervision is exercised over the work of Recreation Program Specialist involved in recreational activities. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, School Department officials, community and neighborhood organizations, and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in an indoor and outdoor recreational setting.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:

• Oversees recreational activities for all age groups at an assigned facility or park;
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates support staff;
• Manages major behavior problems;
• Reviews and maintains accurate records and reports, including verifying payroll, accident/injury reports, discipline reports, and maintenance records;
• Organizes group events, such as field trips, special event days, etc., for all participants;
• Contacts and solicits small donations from local business owners for program activities;
• Promotes recreational activities by explaining programs and encouraging callers or visitors to participate in events;
• Provides administrative oversight to recreational sites by ensuring equipment is available and in good working condition and that grounds are clean and safe;
• Coordinates administrative oversight of recreational sites by ensuring facilities utilized are operational and secured;
• Enforces, park rules;
• Communicates with parents of program participants;
• Ensures the safety of all participants at assigned recreational programs;
• Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
• Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
• Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
• Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
• Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
• Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Substantial knowledge of the current principles and practices involved in recreational activities and athletic programs;
• Substantial knowledge of the goals and objectives of the recreational area of the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Department;
• Substantial knowledge of techniques used in the promotion of community, recreational, and athletic events;
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate the work of others;
• Ability to coordinate the work of volunteers;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Graduation from High School or possession of a GED, preferably supplemented by additional training in Leisure Arts, Parks and Recreation Administration, or related field; and
• Three to five years of experience in supervising recreational activities; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to pass a background check;
• First Aid and CPR Certifications.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to monitor assigned recreational activities;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to function in a recreational environment;
• Sufficient strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 50 pounds occasionally, 30 pounds frequently and 20 pounds consistently;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to be physically active for long period of time at various locations throughout the City.