Recreation Specialist

Salary: $16.00 - $19.00 Hourly
Location : Lynchburg, VA
Job Type: Seasonal Wage
Job Number: 03590
Department: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 05/04/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description
The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Lynchburg Parks and Recreation is seeking an energetic, responsible, and community-minded individual to plan and implement programs including arts, camps, sports, and other community-based programming. Program areas include nature, athletics, archery, dance, culinary arts, enrichment, health and wellness, fitness, therapeutic recreation, specialty camps, and visual arts such as theater and multimedia. The selected candidate will also support community outreach events outside of regularly scheduled programming.

This position is supervised by the Community Recreation Supervisor. Hours vary and include daytime, evening, and weekend shifts based on seasonal and program needs. This position does not include benefits.

Pay is negotiable based on experience. Learn more about Lynchburg Parks & Recreation at

Essential Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES


This is a brief overview of expected duties. Other duties that provide direct or indirect service to the community may be assigned.

• Plan and implement programs, activities, trips, and other community recreation offerings
• Manage program spaces and maintain an organized, welcoming environment
• Present information and lead activities in an engaging and age-appropriate manner
• Communicate effectively with instructors, staff, and participants
• Enforce departmental policies and procedures
• Ensure safety is the top priority in all programs
• Resolve minor conflicts between participants
• Maintain certifications as necessary
• Maintain accurate records such as attendance records
• Process monetary transactions as needed
• Use RecTrac recreation management software to track program data
• Provide excellent customer service to participants and the public

Minimum Education and Experience Required
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education High School Diploma or GED required. 2 years college preferred.

Experience & Skill s

• Experience planning and implementing programs or activities
• Customer service experience
• Teaching, presenting, or instructional experience
• Ability to de-escalate minor conflicts
• Familiarity with the needs and interests of Lynchburg community members

Language & Reasoning

• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to follow written and spoken instructions
• Ability to independently resolve basic, day-to-day challenges
• Solid computer skills with the ability to learn database and recreation management software

Work Environment

• Work conditions range from high-energy and fast-paced to calm and low-key
• Work takes place both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to heat, humidity, cold, rain, and other weather conditions
• Must be able to independently lift and carry irregularly shaped objects up to 50 lbs.

Additional Requirements

• Must obtain First Aid and CPR certifications within six months of hire
• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from criminal background, Child Protective Services, driving record, and employment reference checks
• Must possess a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record per City criteria

Additional Requirements

• Must obtain First Aid and CPR certifications within six months of hire
• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from criminal background, Child Protective Services, driving record, and employment reference checks
• Must possess a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record per City criteria

The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.

• Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS);
    the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefit
  • Life insurance at no cost to the employee
  • Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.
  • Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance
  • Paid Time Off
• Employees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position

Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans

Additional information about City benefits can be found on our and in the
01


Why do you want to work with Lynchburg Parks and Recreation?
02


Please describe any experience you have instructing or programming in the following areas: nature, athletics, archery, youth and family programming, arts, culinary, theater, dance, health and wellness, or fitness.
03


Do you have any specialized skills or knowledge you would like to apply to Lynchburg Parks and Recreation programming?
04


Please list any relevant trainings, classes, or certifications you have completed.
05


Is there anything else you would like the hiring committee to know about you that is applicable to this position?
06


This position may require you to drive a mini-bus (no CDL required). Are you comfortable doing so with proper training?
07


This position involves varying hours, including days, evenings, and weekends. Are you available for this schedule?
08


DMV Release Notice: This position requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving history. I hereby certify that I have read the DMV Record Release Notice, and give the City permission to obtain my driving record.

• Yes
• No
• I do not currently possess a Virginia Driver's License

09


If you answered in the above question that you currently possess a Virginia Driver's License, please provide your License Number.
10


(Current Out-of-State applicants and applicants who have had an Out-of-State Drivers License at any time in the last 3 years): I agree to provide, WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF MY APPLICATION, a copy of my driving record from that state where I am currently licensed or have been licensed within the past 3 years. I will contact Human Resources within 2 weeks if I am unable to obtain my out of state driving record in that time. I understand that my application may not be considered for this position until I submit my out of state driving record.You can email this information to View email address on click.appcast.io, or fax to View phone number on click.appcast.io or mail this information to Human Resources, 900 Church Street, Lynchburg VA 24504. Include the name of the position for which you are applying. If you have a driving record less than 30 days old you can upload as an attachment to your application.

• Agree to provide record within 2 weeks of application date
• Do not agree (I understand I will no longer be considered for this position if I disagree.)
• Not applicable (I have not had an Out-of-State Driver's License during the past 3 years.

Required Question