Senior Recreation Specialist

Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Closing Date: July 19, 2026 New full-time position - Therapeutic Recreation Unit (Inclusion) Under direct supervision, leads the planning and coordination of specialized recreational programs for the community and provides staff assistance in a specialized program area; and performs other duties as assigned. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Provides work guidance and participates in the work of Recreation Specialists, contract, temporary and administrative support staff; participates in prioritizing workload and monitoring work of other employees for completeness, accuracy and conformance with departmental standards; provides information, instruction and training on work processes; provides input on employee work performance. Leads the planning, promotion and implementation of specialized recreation programs for an assigned community area or group, including registration and special events; verifies staff and/or instructor availability; resolves conflicts related to activities and events; assists in conducting training programs for staff and recruiting volunteers and contract personnel. Determines needs for and assignment of personnel and/or contractors; oversees the day‑to‑day work performance and coordinates work with contractors and internal departments. Participates in collecting fees for services; provides patron assistance with payments; properly stores or transfers cash monies; processes refund requests; initiates purchase orders; tracks revenue and expenditures; contributes to budget monitoring and development. Serves as liaison with community groups to assess needs and proposes program ideas; engages patrons to solicit feedback on existing programs and identifies gaps in service; implements changes and adjustments to programs to enhance participants’ experience. Generates, reviews and maintains a variety of records and reports related to all aspects of programming, training, participation, staff scheduling and other records as required. Promotes participation in scheduled activities and explains specialized programs to patrons; interfaces with prospective and current participants through emails, telephone and social media contacts; collaborates with marketing team to create fliers, assists in collecting information for print material, submits material for approval, and posts print advertisements. Performs regular safety inspections of assigned units; initiates maintenance work orders; maintains appropriate emergency supplies and first aid inventory for facility. May be assigned to camp programs. Other Duties and Responsibilities May be required to drive a District or personal vehicle. May attend and participate in councils or associations related to specialty. Participates during disasters or when emergency response is needed. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education/Experience: Graduation from high school or GED, and two years of relevant experience, specialized training and at least 30 units completed in recreation or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. An associate’s degree is preferred. When assigned to Inclusion: an associate degree from a two‑year college with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, or a closely related field, along with two years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Language Ability: Ability to communicate effectively in English in both written and oral form. Ability to write routine correspondence using correct spelling and grammar. Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions and decimals. Reasoning Ability: Ability to use common sense and exercise good judgement in solving problems. Ability to establish effective relationships with fellow employees, volunteers and participants and parents/guardians. Certificates and Licenses First Aid & CPR/AED within 90 days of employment with ability to maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of employment. A valid California driver’s license with a good driving record and current automobile insurance. For Therapeutics unit: ability to obtain a commercial driver license within one year of employment (for a 15‑passenger van). Department of Justice fingerprint clearance. Proof of a negative TB skin test. Conejo Senior Volunteer Program (CSVP): ability to obtain ServSafe Food Manager Certification within 90 days of employment. Aquatics Unit: American Red Cross Lifeguard Training; American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor; American Red Cross First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22); American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor; Certified Pool Operator or Aquatic Facility Operator. Supervisory Responsibilities This position provides lead-level work guidance to Recreation Specialists and/or part‑time staff, contractors and volunteers. Contributes to and participates in performance evaluations. May act as Recreation Coordinator in their absence. Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a community center or office environment subject to frequent public contact and interruption, and to intermittent exposure to individuals acting in a disagreeable fashion. The noise level is usually moderate. The employee frequently works in the field and in outdoor weather conditions subject to extreme heat or cold; and where the noise level may be loud. Exposure to hazardous conditions in the environment will vary depending on unit assigned. If assigned to the Sports/Aquatics, Conejo Senior Volunteer Program (CSVP) or Therapeutics Unit, the employee is regularly exposed to wet or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and risk of electrical shock. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is frequently required to lift, push or pull up to 50 pounds. The physical demands will vary depending on unit assignment. In accordance with the Immigration and Control Act of 1986, the Conejo Recreation and Park District must verify that all new employees have written proof of their right to work in the United States at the time of hire. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES The District encourages applications from qualified individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals who will require a reasonable accommodation to take a test as part of the selection process must notify Human Resources. Applicants with disabilities that affect sensory, manual or speaking skills may be provided with a test in a format that does not require the use of the impaired skill. Persons requesting reasonable accommodation will be required to provide documentation of such need. Agency: Conejo Recreation and Park District #J-18808-Ljbffr