Recreation Programmer I or II

Recreational Services Manager

Under the general supervision of the Recreation Services Supervisor, performs a variety of complex management, administrative, and operational functions to provide recreational, social, health, and educational programs, classes and activities for child, teen, adult, and senior adult populations of all abilities.

Essential Functions

Customer and Patron Services:

Interacts with the public in person to give instruction in classes, events, programs, and activities, and explains, demonstrates, and teaches skills to participants of varying ages and abilities. Ensures safety guidelines are followed during programs and events.

Establishes respectful relationships with and supports positive interpersonal relationships among program participants. Addresses and resolves conflicts among program participants; maintains order during classes and programs.

Interacts with the public in person, on the telephone and by email to respond to inquiries and requests by giving information about recreation programs, recreation policies, guidelines and procedures, and the status of departmental activities.

Interacts with staff and the public in person, by email or by telephone to respond to inquiries, receive complaints, and resolve problems.

Promotes and disseminates information about other recreation programs, activities, and events; provides directions to recreation facilities, parks, the National Frontier Trails Museum, City-owned historic sites, and other attractions.

Leadership and Accountability:

Instructs and directs part-time and seasonal staff. Mentors part-time and seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers.

Ensures equipment and supplies are set up prior to classes, events, programs, and activities; ensures programs are adequately staffed. Determines and disseminates program cancellations due to weather, registration, or other factors.

Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with sports associations, theatre and other artistic associations, and other user groups; serves as department liaison at sports, user group and theatre association board meetings and senior lunch program committee meetings.

Day-to-Day Operations:

Recreation Programming:

Creates, schedules, implements, promotes, and evaluates new and existing recreational programs, activities, and special events to be held in the Department's community centers, parks, facilities and sports complexes, other City facilities and sites, and/or other venues based on needs and interests of residents and City and Department priorities.

Develops and maintains relationships with community groups, school districts, non-profit organizations and other groups to form partnerships for activities.

Researches and purchases necessary equipment and supplies. Delivers and assembles equipment and supplies as necessary. Maintains and stores equipment and supplies in good working condition. Manages inventory of equipment and supplies. Oversees vendor contracts.

Reports maintenance needs related to services, programs, City parks, community centers, sport complexes and other designated venues.

Provides facility and staff supervision support to the Recreation Services Supervisor.

Financial Processes:

I: Assists with preparation of proposed annual budget for programs, classes, events, and activities by calculating expenses, staffing and overhead costs, setting fees, and estimating revenue. Assists with annual preparation of departmental Schedule of Fees. Works with staff to secure sponsorships and grants.

II: Formulates proposed annual budget for programs, classes, events, and activities by calculating expenses, staffing and overhead costs, setting fees, and estimating revenue. Assists with annual preparation of departmental Schedule of Fees. Recommends businesses and individuals for sponsorships and grants.

Administrative Functions:

Creates, designs, plans, coordinates, and supervises programs, classes, events, and activities at all recreation facilities and park locations.

Collaborates with department staff to promote programs, classes, events, and activities on social media and City website. Prepares content for printed and digital flyers, brochures, catalogs, and newsletters.

Collaborates with staff to develop sponsorships for classes, programs, and activities.

Prepares and evaluates surveys to determine future programs and activities.

Compiles information and statistics required to complete monthly and other various reports; collects and maintains information for resource files on topics relevant to aging to provide to participants.

Attends meetings and training on various issues related to area of assignment.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Exercise Science, Gerontology, or related field.

AND

One (1) year of experience performing above and related duties for a I or Five (5) years of experience performing above and related duties for II.

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of principles and practices of facility operations, basic recreation programming as it pertains to programming area; trends in the recreation marketplace as it pertains to programming area; food service regulations and specifications; federal, state, and local laws and ordinances; basic nutrition, health, and recreational needs of children, teens, adults and older adults; physical limitations due to various disabilities experienced by individuals of all ages; policies, procedures, and operations of park facilities and programs; basic mathematics, accounting and recordkeeping; computer usage and applications related to the work; general facility operations.

Skill in cooperative problem-solving; applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; supporting positive interactions among participants within a community center setting; using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines; maintaining files and preparing reports; using a computer to enter and retrieve information. Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a close guidance; planning, organizing, assigning, and directing the work of staff.

Ability to speak in public to individuals and groups of participants; lead and maintain control of groups of children, teens and adults; give directions and gain compliance from participants; make public presentations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; interpret and apply established rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Special Qualifications:

Must possess valid state driver's license.

CPR, AED, and basic First Aid certifications must be obtained within first six months of hire.

Must complete required NIMS level training within first six months of hire.

Food Handler's Permit preferred within first six months of hire.

Work Environment:

While performing the essential functions of this position the employee is sometimes exposed to outdoor weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles, cleaning solutions and close physical contact with the public. Occasional exposure to persons with varying levels of mental abilities, altered mental states and/or who inappropriately use medications. The employee's working conditions vary from moderately quiet office setting to loud group environments.

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to walk, jog, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, to reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity is required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, complex thinking, and common problem solving.

May occasionally be required to work and/or answer City provided cell phone during irregular hours (evenings, weekends, and holidays) as needed to ensure operating efficiencies.

Drug Testing

Background Check

Position Open Until July 21, 2026

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. The City of Independence is a background screening, drug-free workplace.

The City of Independence provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for a job, please submit your request to View email address on click.appcast.io.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of