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Recreation Specialist

City of Burlington, WA
Burlington, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 8/12/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/30/2026
JOB TITLE: Recreation Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
CLASSIFICATION: FLSA Non-Exempt, Non-Union
REPORTS TO: Recreation Coordinator
HOURS PER WEEK: 40

WAGE RANGE: $4,691.22 - $6,002.98 monthly

SUMMARY:

This position is under the supervision of the Recreation Coordinator and will implement and operate a wide variety of recreation programs. Events and activities may include but are not limited to the following: Lawn Mower Races, Burlington Fall Festival, Veterans Day Parade, Merry & Bright Night, Enrichment Services programs, concerts, and small community events. The Recreation Specialist will assist the Recreation Coordinator in special event logistics, entertainment coordination, vendor management, set up, tear down and participant engagement to enhance community celebrations. The Recreation Specialist will assist the Recreation Coordinator in recruiting, training, and retaining skilled instructors which are crucial for quality programming. This position may assist the Recreation Coordinator in developing and expanding outdoor programming, sport leagues, and community engagement activities for all ages.

The Recreation Specialist will support the recreation division with workplace tasks such as program registration, quarterly program data input and distribution of marketing materials. The individual in the position will represent the City and Parks & Recreation Department and effectively communicate and interact with program participants, fellow city staff, parents and the general public.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

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

  • Assist in coordination and implementation of assigned community recreation activities such as outdoor recreation, adult programming, festivals, events, instructional classes and expansion of the sports programs under the supervision of the Recreation Coordinator.
  • Assist with creating and maintaining records applicable to the City of Burlington events and recreation activities.
  • Assist with the development and distribution of marketing materials, both digital and print for special events and recreation activities.
  • Meet as needed with the Recreation Coordinator and/or other staff to provide updates on assigned tasks.
  • Operate a variety of office and event equipment and a city vehicle to conduct work.
  • Attend and participate in assigned meetings and training sessions.
  • Requires frequent interaction with the public including children and adults. It is expected of all employees to present a positive image of the City of Burlington to various users, participants and the public.
  • Responsible for maintaining organized equipment inventory for events and activities.
  • Responsible for promoting safety and maintaining order at recreation facilities during organized events and activities.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
  • Performs other duties as required.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

  • Ability to assist with organizing, coordinating and facilitating community events, and recreation activities.
  • Ability and willingness to work with a variety of personalities.
  • Ability to train and provide work direction and guidance to volunteers.
  • Ability to project a positive role model image.
  • Ability to cope with situations firmly, and with respect for individual rights and beliefs.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to plan and organize recreation programs and events for all ages.
  • Ability to work with full, seasonal, and part-time staff, volunteers, contracted personnel, as well as the general public.
  • Ability to perform manual tasks for extended periods of time in all types of weather conditions.
  • Ability to recognize hazards and identify safety precautions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, specifically participants, parents, co-workers, and staff from partner agencies and work effectively with superiors and co-workers.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
  • Knowledge of safety procedures and basic first aid to ensure the wellbeing of all participants.
  • Knowledge of basic office equipment, i.e. operation of a computer and assigned software.
  • Knowledge of public relations, promotions and marketing techniques.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • High School Diploma required.
  • Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation or related field or two (2 year) college level course work.
  • Preferred one (1) year experience in municipal parks and recreation department, non-profit or private recreational setting.
  • Experience working with the general public to include a variety of age groups.
  • Previous experience working in youth sports setting, at special events or any equivalent combination of experience and education to provide the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the work required of this position.
  • Requires a valid Washington State Driver’s license.
  • Must have excellent driving record.
  • Must be able to successfully pass a background check required for employees working with minors.
  • Must have legal authorization to work in the United States.
  • Must possess current First Aid and CPR certification or ability to acquire immediately.
  • Must provide own transportation to work site.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is generally completed on a regularly scheduled basis; the normal workweek is forty (40) hours per week; however, work schedules may require working a flexible schedule, and may require attendance at meetings, workshops, conferences, and other assignments. Schedule may include nights and weekend work. Work is generally performed inside and outside. Outdoor work is performed in all weather conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work involves walking, hiking, sitting, standing or stooping, lifting heavy objects (over 40 pounds), and working in busy areas. The employee must be able to lift up 25 pounds on a frequent basis: lift/move up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance, vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. This position requires the employee to have a high degree of physical mobility, and excellent hand-eye coordination.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

  • Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively on the telephone and in person.
  • Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to use computers and other office equipment.
  • Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to drive to various locations.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak workload periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply for the position you are required to submit a cover letter, resume, and completed City of Burlington Application for Employment.

City of Burlington application for employment forms can be found within the Tools of job posting, on the City’s website at www.burlingtonwa.gov/jobs, or by request at City Hall, located at 833 S. Spruce Street, Burlington, WA 98233.

Complete application packets must be submitted in a sealed envelope via mail, in-person to Burlington City Hall, ATTN: Human Resources, or emailed to HR@burlingtonwa.gov. Please specify the job title that you are applying for in the email subject line.

Applications must be received no later than 5pm Friday, August 14 for consideration.

The City of Burlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CITY OF BURLINGTON
833 S. SPRUCE STREET, BURLINGTON, WA 98233
(360) 755-2390, http://burlingtonwa.gov

Miscellaneous Information

BENEFITS: Vacation, Paid Holidays, Sick Leave, Employee Assistance Program, Medical, Vision and Dental insurance, and Washington State PERS retirement.

Job Details

Category
Employment Opportunities
Status
Open
Salary
$4,691.22 - $6,002.98 monthly
Posted
July 30, 2026 2:00 PM
Closing
August 14, 2026 5:00 PM

Tools

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Salary : $4,691 - $6,003

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