Recreation Coordinator (Temporary/Hourly)

*First review of applications will be May 1, 2026.*

The Parks and Community Services Department is looking for an organized, creative, and community-oriented individual to serve as a part-time, temporary Public Art Program Coordinator. This new position will support the planning, development, and implementation of the City's public art initiatives and the growth of the newly designated Downtown Watsonville Cultural District.

Key Responsibilities include:
Coordinate all phases of public art projects; Administer artist calls, including drafting RFQs/RFPs, managing submissions, and organizing selection panels; Serve as liaison between artists, contractors, community stakeholders, and internal departments; Coordinate community engagement efforts such as public meetings, workshops, and outreach events; Maintain records, databases, and documentation of public art collections, prepare reports, presentations, and grant applications.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the guidance of the Recreation Supervisor, the Recreation Coordinator will provide supervision to a specific area of the Recreation Division, including planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and evaluating assigned portions of the City’s recreation program. Employees in this classification receive limited supervision within a broad framework of policies and procedures. Employees in this classification direct, coordinate, supervise and formally evaluate the work of others. This job class is typically responsible for one or more recreational program areas and functions at a full supervisory level of classification.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This job class performs professional level project planning, organization, and supervision of the City recreational services, special events and facilities.  This is a mid-management classification, which requires knowledge of facility rental operations for a wide variety of facilities, including meeting rooms, multi-purpose facilities, and parks. Additionally, knowledge of one or more recreation program areas, such as special events, aquatics, arts programs, adult sports, youth sports, special interest activities, older adult programs, preschool and day camps is required.  The Recreation Coordinator is also responsible for program budget administration, cost recovery efforts, and the development of program operating procedures.  As a coordinator, the incumbent is responsible for performance evaluations, discipline, and reviewing the work of assigned staff. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Recreation Specialist in that the latter classification typically assists with the coordination and supervision of the activities and operations of a single program or multiple small programs, but does not possess the supervisory-level program area responsibilities of the Recreation Coordinator.  

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following duties are performed personally, in cooperation with the Recreation Supervisor and/or in coordination with other City staff, operating partners, other public and private organizations, and community groups. Additional duties may be assigned.

1. Supervises a recreation program area and ensures programs are safe, high quality and meet the evolving needs of the community.

• Directs, coordinates and monitors ongoing review of recreation programs for efficiency in operations and maximization of available resources.
• Effective utilization of contract instructors supports revenue growth and community participation.
• Evaluation of recreation program offerings ensures community needs and participation goals are being met.
• Timely investigation and resolution of customer complaints received from the public and other City staff creates increased community trust and satisfaction.
• An innovative plan for recreation programs results in the ability to meet changing community needs.
• Purposeful community engagement supports the development of services and activities that serve the entire community.
• A strategic marketing and promotions plan for programs increases community awareness, participation rates, and program sponsorships and revenues.

       2.  Leads the development of a high performing team where employees, contractors, and volunteers provide high quality services in a

            coordinated manner.

• Collaborative leadership style that fosters teamwork and encourages employee input and involvement in decision-making.
• Coordination of work with other Department aids in creating an effective team oriented organization.
• Thorough and ongoing staff coaching and training support the provision of excellent customer service by staff members.
• Recruitment, selection, orientation, advancement, and evaluation of employees leads to the successful achievement of organizational and employee goals.

       3.  Creates community collaborations in which community organizations develop trust and confidence in the City and the Community

            Services Department.

         4.  Prepares, submits, and administers an approved annual program budget including the control necessary to ensure budgetary

              compliance and careful evaluation of maintenance needs and priorities.

• Current year projects, programs, and activities are successfully completed within approved budget parameters.
• Innovative approaches to maximize revenue and contain expenses are evaluated and implemented.          

          5.  Performs other job-related responsibilities as evident or directed.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of organizing and directing a variety of recreational activities
• Recreational programs for specialized groups such as preschool, handicapped, teens, senior citizens

Ability to:

• Provide creative leadership in organizing and directing recreational activities
• Properly schedule programs and activities
• Prepare accurate reports, as required
• Effectively promote assigned activities and events
• Work well with community groups, participants, and staff
• Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

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

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION

• A valid and appropriate California Class Driver’s License and a safe driving record
• Must obtain CPR and first aid certifications within six months of employment

Prior to appointment to the position of Recreation Coordinator, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.

The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.

NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE.

Salary : $33 - $45