What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recreation Program Specialist position at City of Fairfield?
Description
The Parks & Recreation Department is seeking a dynamic individual to work in the Community Services, Events and Facilities Division. This role will manage contract instructor recreational camps and programs and assist with community events and rentals for facilities, parks and ballfields.
Program Specialists must excel in customer service, fostering relationships with internal and external stakeholders, contractors, and vendors. Essential qualifications include strong organizational, communication and leadership skills to ensure the delivery of exceptional programs, events, and rentals that meet community needs. Candidates should anticipate project requirements, prioritize tasks effectively, meet deadlines independently, and be available to work evenings and weekends as required. This position has a 9/80 schedule that includes working all department events listed in link below and nights and weekends to meet the operational needs. Click here for "Events Schedule".
This recruitment will remain open until 5:00 p.m. April 27, 2026, or until the first 150 qualified applicants are received, whichever occurs first.
Definition
To coordinate activities in an assigned program or service area, including but not limited to: recreation activities, health and fitness programs, prevention programs, classes, special events, marketing functions, and city-wide volunteer programs. Work with the general public, which may include senior citizens, adults, teens, youth, and/or preschool age children.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting, community center or activity site with frequent interruptions, deadlines, complaints, and peak workload periods. Position may require working nights and weekends.
Physical Demands
Work may include prolonged sitting and standing, as well as light to moderate lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, pulling, manual dexterity, clear (understandable) speech, visual and hearing acuity.
Supervision Received And Exercised
Receives guidance and direction from a recreation program coordinator and general supervision from a supervisor or manager assigned to the service area. May provide guidance to part-time staff, volunteers and or contract employees.
Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Experience
For the complete job description please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fairfield/classspecs
Knowledge & Abilities
The Selection Process
Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination.
How To Apply
Candidates must submit an online application via NeoGov/Governmentjobs.com by 5:00 p.m. of the closing date. If you have any difficulties submitting your online application, please call NeoGov's Applicant Support Line at (855) 524-5627.
Mac users please note: To ensure compatibility, please use Google Chrome and ensure iOS settings are up to date.
If you feel you will need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the testing/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 428-7394 at least 1 week prior to the application deadline or examination date.
Reference Checks
The City utilizes an electronic reference check process to gather references of candidates once mutual interest is established. Please note that if you include your current supervisor in the “References” section of your application, they may be contacted once you have accepted a conditional job offer from the city.
Candidates are encouraged to notify anyone they list in the “References” section to help ensure a timely response. When listing references, please identify persons who can assess your professional qualifications in the context of the workplace. Examples include former colleagues/supervisors, mentors, etc. If you have limited or no work experience, you may identify personal references familiar with your qualifications that correlate to workplace experiences. Examples include teachers, volunteer coordinators, mentors, etc.
The City of Fairfield is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism.
FULL-TIME/PRO-RATA POSITIONS - The City of Fairfield offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes City contribution toward the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and deferred savings; medical, dental and vision; life insurance; paid holidays, vacation, personal leave and sick leave. For a more detailed overview of the benefit package, please click on the following link: FEA Employee Benefits.*
PART-TIME POSITIONS – For benefits associated with part-time positions, please see the Fairfield Part-Time Employees' Association (FPTEA) Memorandum of Understanding.*
I understand that my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used by the City of Fairfield to assess my application and determine advancement in the recruitment process. NOTE: We encourage applicants to provide detailed and thoughtful answers, as responses to the supplemental questions are reviewed during the initial screening process. Responses such as "see application" or "refer to resume" will not be accepted as this does not adequately answer the specific question or demonstrate your qualifications.
I understand the work hours for this position are varied and will include nights and weekends depending on when programs and events are scheduled.
Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California Driver's License at the time of appointment?
Which best describes your highest level of education?
Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position with a minimum of two years' experience working with the demographic served by the program area where the vacancy is being filled. Your response must be validated by the information provided in the work experience section of your application.
Provide details about your background in customer service and your experience with cash handling.
07
Discuss in detail your experience recruiting and managing contract instructors for recreational camps and classes.
08
Describe a specific instance where you engaged with the community to gather insights into their preferences and needs for events and programs.
09
Explain your experience working in environments characterized by transparency, public scrutiny, and customer management.
10
Detail your experience in managing contracts. Include the types of contracts you've handled and your processes for ensuring compliance and successful execution.
The Parks & Recreation Department is seeking a dynamic individual to work in the Community Services, Events and Facilities Division. This role will manage contract instructor recreational camps and programs and assist with community events and rentals for facilities, parks and ballfields.
Program Specialists must excel in customer service, fostering relationships with internal and external stakeholders, contractors, and vendors. Essential qualifications include strong organizational, communication and leadership skills to ensure the delivery of exceptional programs, events, and rentals that meet community needs. Candidates should anticipate project requirements, prioritize tasks effectively, meet deadlines independently, and be available to work evenings and weekends as required. This position has a 9/80 schedule that includes working all department events listed in link below and nights and weekends to meet the operational needs. Click here for "Events Schedule".
This recruitment will remain open until 5:00 p.m. April 27, 2026, or until the first 150 qualified applicants are received, whichever occurs first.
Definition
To coordinate activities in an assigned program or service area, including but not limited to: recreation activities, health and fitness programs, prevention programs, classes, special events, marketing functions, and city-wide volunteer programs. Work with the general public, which may include senior citizens, adults, teens, youth, and/or preschool age children.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting, community center or activity site with frequent interruptions, deadlines, complaints, and peak workload periods. Position may require working nights and weekends.
Physical Demands
Work may include prolonged sitting and standing, as well as light to moderate lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, pulling, manual dexterity, clear (understandable) speech, visual and hearing acuity.
Supervision Received And Exercised
Receives guidance and direction from a recreation program coordinator and general supervision from a supervisor or manager assigned to the service area. May provide guidance to part-time staff, volunteers and or contract employees.
Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Experience
- A minimum of two years' experience working with the demographic served by the program area where the vacancy is being filled is required.
- Experience in coordination and implementing a variety of activities and programs in the area of specialization is highly desirable.
- Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade is required. An Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree is desirable.
- Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment is required.
- First Aid and CPR certification may be required based on the program area where the vacancy is being filled.
For the complete job description please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fairfield/classspecs
Knowledge & Abilities
The Selection Process
Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best-qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the examination may consist of an application screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination.
How To Apply
Candidates must submit an online application via NeoGov/Governmentjobs.com by 5:00 p.m. of the closing date. If you have any difficulties submitting your online application, please call NeoGov's Applicant Support Line at (855) 524-5627.
Mac users please note: To ensure compatibility, please use Google Chrome and ensure iOS settings are up to date.
If you feel you will need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the testing/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 428-7394 at least 1 week prior to the application deadline or examination date.
Reference Checks
The City utilizes an electronic reference check process to gather references of candidates once mutual interest is established. Please note that if you include your current supervisor in the “References” section of your application, they may be contacted once you have accepted a conditional job offer from the city.
Candidates are encouraged to notify anyone they list in the “References” section to help ensure a timely response. When listing references, please identify persons who can assess your professional qualifications in the context of the workplace. Examples include former colleagues/supervisors, mentors, etc. If you have limited or no work experience, you may identify personal references familiar with your qualifications that correlate to workplace experiences. Examples include teachers, volunteer coordinators, mentors, etc.
The City of Fairfield is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism.
FULL-TIME/PRO-RATA POSITIONS - The City of Fairfield offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes City contribution toward the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and deferred savings; medical, dental and vision; life insurance; paid holidays, vacation, personal leave and sick leave. For a more detailed overview of the benefit package, please click on the following link: FEA Employee Benefits.*
PART-TIME POSITIONS – For benefits associated with part-time positions, please see the Fairfield Part-Time Employees' Association (FPTEA) Memorandum of Understanding.*
- Benefits, terms and conditions of employment may be amended or modified through the collective bargaining process.
I understand that my responses to the following supplemental questions will be used by the City of Fairfield to assess my application and determine advancement in the recruitment process. NOTE: We encourage applicants to provide detailed and thoughtful answers, as responses to the supplemental questions are reviewed during the initial screening process. Responses such as "see application" or "refer to resume" will not be accepted as this does not adequately answer the specific question or demonstrate your qualifications.
- Yes, I understand.
I understand the work hours for this position are varied and will include nights and weekends depending on when programs and events are scheduled.
- Yes
- No
Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California Driver's License at the time of appointment?
- Yes
- No
Which best describes your highest level of education?
- Less than High School
- High School Diploma or GED
- Some College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree or Higher
Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position with a minimum of two years' experience working with the demographic served by the program area where the vacancy is being filled. Your response must be validated by the information provided in the work experience section of your application.
- Yes
- No
Provide details about your background in customer service and your experience with cash handling.
07
Discuss in detail your experience recruiting and managing contract instructors for recreational camps and classes.
08
Describe a specific instance where you engaged with the community to gather insights into their preferences and needs for events and programs.
09
Explain your experience working in environments characterized by transparency, public scrutiny, and customer management.
10
Detail your experience in managing contracts. Include the types of contracts you've handled and your processes for ensuring compliance and successful execution.
- Required Question