Parks & Recreation Specialist (Part-Time)

General Statement of Duties

            Performs a variety of responsible public contact, administrative and supervisory work assisting with the coordination and implementation of a variety of recreation programs and special events. 

Distinguishing Features of the Class

 An employee in this class performs a variety of administrative and recreational programming tasks to implement a variety of recreation programs in support of an assigned program area including athletics, dance/fitness, and nature and environmental programs.  Work includes planning, coordinating, teaching, and overseeing recreation programs and activities; assisting in the preparation of promotional materials; ordering and purchasing equipment and supplies; communicating with instructors and program participants; setting up and cleaning up program activities; supervising participants and enforcing department policies and procedures; assisting in the implementation of summer camps; supervising volunteers and seasonal part-time staff during activities and events; and notifying supervisor of unusual problems or emergencies. Employees may individually lead or teach some programs based on program area. Work involves heavy public contact with participants, part-time staff and volunteers, instructors, coaches and contractors requiring the ability to deal tactfully and professionally in facilitating prescribed recreation programs.  Work is performed in accordance with departmental rules and policies and requires judgmental discretion in the application and interpretation of programs and procedures.  Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated in terms of program effectiveness through conferences, observation and discussion surrounding public acceptance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

            Plans, organizes, schedules, coordinates, and implements assigned athletic or recreation activities, classes, events, and programs such as athletic and fitness programs, outdoor programs, youth summer camps, leisure programs, arts and crafts, and other activities.

Assists with preparing promotional program information for distribution; develops flyers and brochures or assists other staff in developing marketing programs.

Coordinates program and staffing schedules and facility reservations for programs; selects and coordinates program locations.

Recruits, selects and secures instructors as needed for classes and programs.

Purchases materials and maintains inventory of program equipment and supply needs.

Sets up rooms for programs, classes, and special recreational events; sets up and takes down tables, chairs, and program equipment; arranges furniture.

Assists patrons in the use of the center and monitors areas within the facility to ensure a safe environment; oversees program participants to ensure safety; enforces established rules and regulations; ensures programs are implemented according to policies.

Selects, trains, and supervises part-time, temporary, and volunteer staff to support the recreation program area; leads staff in completing work tasks in accordance with department policies and procedures.

Opens and closes the recreation center; secures the building; participates in building security, cleaning and minor maintenance activities.

            Assists customers at the center front desk; answers the telephone and addresses inquiries and requests for program information.  

            Assists with the registration of participants; collects fees and forms.

Provides necessary liaison with other public and private groups and agencies.

Prepares and maintains a variety of program records and files.

Additional Job Duties

            Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

            Considerable knowledge of the current principles, practices, and policies of municipal recreation program administration.

            Considerable knowledge of the philosophy and objectives of municipal recreation and the methods involved in organizing and supervising recreation programs and activities.

            Considerable knowledge of the management and operation of recreational facilities and equipment.

            Considerable knowledge of at least one major phase of recreation work such as athletics, fitness, outdoor programming, leisure programming, special needs programming, or other related activities.

            Working knowledge of the facilities and equipment needed in a recreation program.

            Ability to effectively plan, administer and supervise recreation programs.

            Ability to understand the community in relation to its recreation needs.

            Ability to enforce rules and follow all established protocols and guidelines.  

            Ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the activities of recreation staff and participants.

            Ability to coordinate a wide variety of recreational interests and activities into programs for various age groups.

            Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.

            Ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, program participants, instructors, and the general public.

Physical Requirements

            Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, fingering, and repetitive motions.

            Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift objects.

            Must possess the visual acuity to monitor and provide oversight to recreational activities, operate a computer, operate a motor vehicle, and inspect the work of others.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in recreation administration, physical education or related field and preferably some experience in recreation programming; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

            Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Salary : $43,483 - $69,573