Program Assistant

Salary: $18.83 - $20.76 Hourly
Location : 500 W Murray Ave., Durham, NC
Job Type: PT w/o benefits (Less than 20 hours per wk)
Job Number: 26-06143
Department: Parks and Recreation
Opening Date: 09/30/2026
Closing Date: 10/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


Position Description
Work. Serve. Thrive. With the City of Durham
Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.

A nationally accredited team of passionate professionals devoted to building better lives and a better community through the power of parks and recreation. Our talented team at is devoted to community service and provides a diverse range of programs, services, opportunities, and experiences while being united through our core pillars of creating equitable economic impacts; advancing conservation; rejuvenating health and wellness; enhancing quality of life; and sustaining social equity.
Hourly Rate: $18.83 - $20.76/hour
Work Times/Days: Shifts vary between Monday - Friday 11:00 am-8:00 pm, Saturdays 9:00 am- 1:00 pm

***This position may be assigned to any DPR Recreation Center***

Position organizes and leads participants in diverse indoor and outdoor recreational programs for the City of Durham. Incumbent may be assigned to a special skilled development area with responsibility for supervising a single recreational program, including tutoring, arts and crafts, theater, music, sports, and other athletic, cultural, or recreational activities. Incumbent leads and directs program participants in special center and community projects as well as prevention education programs. Must be available to work varying work hours, including evenings and weekends.
Duties/Responsibilities

• Takes responsibility for the health, well-being, and safety of participants of all skill levels and abilities.
• Supervises diverse age groups in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
• Provides assistance with personal care, mobility, and communication needs of participants.
• Maintains order, distributes equipment, and encourages respect for personal and City property.
• Sets a good example for participants in the areas of cleanliness, punctuality, observing rules, and sportsmanship.
• Recognizes and responds to opportunities for group problem solving.
• Leads and directs community work conducted by program participants.
• Provides opportunities for the group so that everyone has an experience of success.
• Facilitates prevention education workshops and participates in group discussions.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, in-service training programs, orientations, and evaluation sessions.
• Assists in maintaining activity and attendance records and submits required paperwork on time.
• Communicates regularly with supervisor regarding concerns, updates, and challenges.
• Encourages respect for personal property, City equipment and facilities.
• Observes necessary precautions to secure the safety of program participants and renders first aid in case of minor injury.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
-Group recreational supervision.
-Group recreational supervision and the rules and regulations governing various competitive games, including athletics.
-Basic arts and crafts.
-Basic behavior management skills.
-Prevention education and positive alternative concepts.
-Elementary math, science, writing, etc.

SKILL IN:
-Interacting positively and communicating effectively with youth and adults.
-Communicating instructions effectively to individuals and groups.
-Organizing and instructing specialty area.
-Adhering to program standards and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSet, TSAC).
• Six (6) months of experience in specialty area.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• A valid Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED - with Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto Injector Certification within the first six months of employment.

Additional Preferred Skills

• Experience leading group activities.
• Experience working with participants from a variety of age groups, cultures, and with differences in abilities.
• Experience with ActiveNet or other Recreation Management Software

01


Where did you first hear about this opportunity?

• City of Durham Website
• Walk in
• Job fair
• Employee referral
• Professional organization ***Please list the organization in "other" box below***
• Internet posting ***Please list the specific web site in the "other" box below***
• Craig's List
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• GlassDoor
• governmentjobs.com
• Monster.com
• Indeed.com
• Employment Security Commission
• Magazine/Newspaper
• Other

02


If you listed "other" above please give specific web site, organization, or publication.
03


Please select your highest level of COMPLETED education.

• Less than a High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
• High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC)
• Associates Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree (PhD, Juris Doctorate)

04


How many months of related experience do you have?

• No related experience
• Less than 1 month of related experience
• 1 month but less than 3 months of related experience
• 3 months but less than 6 months of related experience
• 6 or more months of related experience

05


A valid Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED - with Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto Injector Certification is required for this position "or" if hired, you must obtain the certification within the first 6 months of hire. Do you understand this statement?

• I have the required certification.
• Yes, I understand this statement.
• No, I do not understand this statement.

06


Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you have availability to work Monday-Friday, 11:00 am-8:00 pm, and Saturdays, 9:00 am-1:00 pm, as needed?

• Yes
• No

08


Do you have experience leading group activities?

• Yes
• No

09


Do you have experience working with participants from a variety of age groups, cultures, and with differences in abilities?

• Yes
• No

10


Do you have experience adapting activities to ensure inclusive, accessible participation for individuals with varying abilities?

• Yes
• No

11


Do you have experience providing courteous, effective, and solution-oriented customer service to the public?

• Yes
• No

12


Do you have experience supporting the planning and execution of programs, events, or activities in a community-based environment?

• Yes
• No

13


Have you worked in arts and crafts activities?

• Yes
• No

14


Have you worked in sports and/or fitness activities?

• Yes
• No

Required Question