Recreation Specialist- Youth Programming

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career Please Apply By: Thursday, July 9, 2026 Hiring Range: $20.71/hr - $27.18/hr At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all. Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) strives to enrich the lives of our residents by providing exciting and safe recreational amenities and programs, improving fitness levels and decreasing health care costs. The department manages over 21,000 acres and 230+ parks, nature preserves, greenways and facilities across Mecklenburg County. Position Summary Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is excited to add an innovative and dynamic Recreation Specialist to the team at Northern Regional Recreation Center. This position will focus on youth and teen specific programming in areas such as arts, crafts, games, special events, summer camps and after‑school programs. The selected candidate will also build and maintain partnerships with the community and continually evaluate community needs for new programs and activities. This full‑time position requires a work schedule that includes mornings/daytime, evenings, and weekends on a rotating basis. The candidate will close on Wednesday evenings and rotate to close one Friday and Saturday per month. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with children in after‑school and/or summer camp programs highly preferred Strong leadership skills Essential Functions Develop, lead, and evaluate programs and activities in a recreation center or park facility. Provide customer service and handle funds through telephone, emails, website, social media, and walk‑in patrons for information, program registration, center daily use and rentals. Ensure safety of participants/spectators and administer first aid when necessary. Enforce rules and regulations. Collect fees and take registrations for recreational programs and facility rentals. Assist in light maintenance of facilities and recreational areas. Referee at various sports activities. May provide services as timekeeper, scorekeeper, or linesperson at games. Supervise participants involved in after‑school, summer, or other recreational programs. Handle inquiries and complaints from the public. Some programs may require driving a county vehicle to transport participants or commute to a different location. Assist with department events and field trips. May serve as manager on duty if the Sr Rec Specialist is not available. Minimum Qualifications Experience: No experience required. Education: Bachelor's degree in Park and Recreation Administration, Health and Physical Education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Accepted combinations include: Bachelor's degree with 6 months of prior work experience as a temporary or part‑time employee with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department. Associate’s degree, or Bachelor's degree with two (2) years of related experience. Four (4) years of similar related experience. Combination of relevant experience and relevant education accepted: Yes. Computer Skills Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite. Licenses and Certifications Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges; CPR/First Aid. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge Recreational programming and instruction. Instruction in area of specialty or specialization. Principles, practices, and techniques of public recreation for all ages. Skills Applying recreation knowledge through hands‑on activities while meeting the needs of diverse populations. Developing and enforcing general rules and safety procedures. Managing multiple tasks concurrently. Ability to work independently. Organizing and presenting demonstrations in area of specialization. Abilities Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization. Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job‑related information in a timely manner. Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message. Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and the organization’s needs. Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive. Safety Awareness: Identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee safety; upholding safety standards. Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures. Compensation And Benefits In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near‑site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program; an employee assistance program; access to County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5 % employer match on retirement savings plan contributions; and a defined benefit plan for retirement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Moderate noise is typical for the work environment for this job.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of job‑related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mecklenburg County