What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recreation Specialist - Arts & Engagement (Zanewood Recreation Center) position at City of Brooklyn Park?
This position will work under the general supervision of the Arts & Engagement Specialist in the Recreation & Parks Department in the City of Brooklyn Park. A Recreation Specialist will assist and support the work of arts and cultural community engagement opportunities and support the Workforce Development/Prevention & Intervention work utilizing arts and wellness programs and events. This position will assist in reaching the city's goal of connecting with disengaged youth and families and being a critical partner in the public safety efforts of the city to increase safety in communities.
In 2026, the City has opened a new teen center--The Wood--connected to the Zanewood Recreation Center.
Application Deadline: This job posting will be open until filled. If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.
- Support and assist in idea creation of programs, classes, and activities around arts, wellness and engagement that includes K- 5th grade and Teen art programs at Zanewood.
- Assist with evaluation of arts, cultural events and family and community events for the City.
- Support identified strategies to address youth and community barriers and connection to pathways towards a career through arts and engagement.
- Promote, distribute and market the Citywide assessment " Re-beautification Survey” in parks, business, partners and participants to receive community feedback for program direction.
- Assist in the coordination of arts’ programs, family days, classes and programs with community partners.
- Event setup, take down and implementation with other staff classes and art program support.
- Represent the City in tabling opportunities and direct outreach with external organizations and institutions, including other City departments, other governmental entities, educational institutions, the business community, cultural communities and the community to promote programs, events, classes and opportunities.
- Research and identify new partners in the arts community, visual, theater, music, language, performance, etc, that support Arts and Engagement work.
- Assist the Arts & Engagement Specialist in evaluation in registration, post program surveys, etc. to support the implementation and reporting of the “Re-beautification Survey” and support Arts and Engagement Specialist to deliver new programs and report on existing programs to community by social media, presentations, street marketing, podcasts, etc.
- Schedule and support “onsite correspondents" and advisory committee to deliver strategic art and engagement portfolio.
- Support Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) and YEP participants in curriculum, program design and portfolio completion for Shark Tank final project and business work.
- Attend required staff development trainings and meetings to stay current on best practices in youth engagement.
- Maintain clean and organized program spaces by assisting with setup and cleanup of activities and events and ensuring safety standards are met.
- Maintain order and assure participants are following set policies.
- Understand and implement Center of Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health guidance.
- Report any accident and assist with completing the required reports.
- Participate in First Aid and Emergency training when provided.
- Other job duties as assigned.
Specialized arts training beyond High School.
Experience
One (1) year of experience in assisting in the creation of programs, classes and activities around arts, wellness and engagement that includes K-5th grade and teen art programs.
Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Ability to relate and interact with teens in a caring, responsible and professional manner
- Demonstrated strong relationship-building skills with teens, families, and community members from a diverse environment
- Ability to respond promptly, maturely and professionally to emergencies, conflicts, and behavioral challenges
- Skilled in communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to maintain order and security
- Ability to effectively work with youth and others
- Ability to be a strong and positive leader with the youth, families, partners and peers
- Ability to make rational decisions based on established policy and procedure
- Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and outdoor activities as needed
- Willingness to engage in performance management process, using feedback and evaluations to grow professionally and improve program outcomes
- Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
- Proven ability and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive workplace related to racial equity, diversity and inclusion
- Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectations
- Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement
Desired Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in the visual arts, fine arts, design, art education or highly related degree
- Experience supervising seasonal staff and volunteers
- Passion for working with teens and experience in leading youth programming (recreation, mentoring, education, sports, arts, science or related fields)
- Experience working with youth and teens with disabilities
- Experience working with youth facing high barriers from a variety of cultural backgrounds
- Experience working in youth development activities with teens and/or youth
- Previous successful experience working with the public and providing customer service
- Previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
- Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao or Vietnamese language(s)
- A valid driver's license
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fully and safely perform the essential duties.
- This is a seasonal, non-benefited position that will work an an average of 15-38 hours per week. Works shifts are primarily in the evening hours Monday - Friday from 1pm-9pm and possible weekend shifts available between 9-7pm; may work daytime shifts during week
- Lifting, carrying and moving equipment and art supplies weighing at a minimum of 10 lbs. to a maximum of 50 lbs.
- Ability to set up and take down equipment (i.e. tables, chairs, and generator)
- Ability to work independently with participants
- Ability to verbally communicate to participants, parents and staff promptly and effectively
- Ability to make rational decisions and comprehend written instructions to deliver program plan
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Sixty-four percent of residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.
Our Vision, Values and GoalsDepartment/Division:
Recreation and Parks Department/Zanewood Recreation Center
Recreation Specialists will work Monday – Friday; 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. including evenings and weekends. Anticipated work months are September-June with a possibility to continue working through the summer.
Anticipated Hiring Wage: $15.85 starting wage with no experience. With additional desired qualifications, pay is up to $24.60 per hour, depending on qualifications.
Limited Benefits:
- Earned Safe & Sick Leave mandated by the state - Employees earn one hour of Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours of Sick Leave per year. This specific leave applies to all employees (including temporary and part-time employees) performing for at least 80 hours in a year for the City.
We welcome applications from all individuals, including (but not limited to): people of all abilities, persons of color, Veterans, LGBTQ and women. If you need these materials in an alternate format or if you have a disability related need and need assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at humanresources@brooklynpark.org.
Salary : $16 - $25