Recreation Specialist

Recreation Programmer

Under general supervision, plans, organizes, publicizes, develops, and instructs special recreation, sports, cultural, or social service programs & activities at various parks, schools, and recreation facilities. Positions may include assignments in the following areas: Sports (officiating, score keeping, refereeing youth and adult sports); Senior Cultural (classes, excursions, senior citizen programs and special events); Racquet and Fitness Center (fitness room, front counter, swimming pool, and special programs); Child Development (Kidstuff Child Care programs); or clerical. Performs other related duties as required.

Receives general supervision from an assigned Recreation Programmer. May receive functional or technical supervision from an Assistant Pool Manager and/or Recreation Aide.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participate in and conduct recreation activities, program planning, attend staff meetings, review current programs and make recommendations to immediate supervisor.
• Plan, organize and supervise group activities and programs.
• Keep score or records for citywide youth sports programs as needed.
• Conduct recreation programs, after-school programs, special events, or youth sports as assigned.
• Chaperone at dances, excursions or special events.
• Monitor volunteers to ensure they are meeting city and department requirements as assigned.
• Develop participant and spectator interests, enthusiasm and participation.
• Issue, collect, properly maintain and inventory city equipment and supplies.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports of program activities.
• Set up rooms for activities or rentals.
• Supervise and monitor facility rentals to ensure applicant complies with city department policies and procedures.
• Be familiar with department flyers and publications and be able to share accurate information with customers regarding department programs/services.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Six months of paid, volunteer, or participant experience in a recreation setting; equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Possession of, or ability to obtain within 6 weeks of employment, a valid American Red Cross First Aid/CPR certificate.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, rules, and practices of organizing, planning and conducting recreation programs.
• First aid and CPR methods necessary in taking safety precautions.
• Basic operations, services and activities of recreation programs, activities and events.
• Principles and practices of recreation program development and implementation.
• Rules and proper techniques for playing a variety of sports activities.
• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Current office equipment including computers.

Ability to:

• Work a flexible schedule.
• Adhere to work schedule and deadlines.
• Instruct individual and group fitness programs & activities for youth and adults.
• Speak publicly to program participants.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Learn and perform assigned tasks.
• Prepare and maintain recreation program records as directed.
• Interact tactfully and effectively with program participants.
• Chaperone participants on excursions and at dances and parties.
• Develop actives for programs assigned.
• Maintain detailed files and records.
• Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, co-workers, supervisors and all city staff.
• Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.