What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recreation Specialist II - Customer Service ($21.61/hour - $29.17/hour) position at HAYWARD AREA RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT?
Do you believe exceptional customer service can make someone’s entire day better? If you’re energized by connecting people to opportunities, solving problems with patience and care, and serving a diverse community — we’d love to meet you. The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) is seeking multiple Recreation Specialist II professionals to join our Customer Service Team. In this role, you’ll be the welcoming voice and face of our District — helping residents access parks, programs, and services that enrich their lives.
About H.A.R.D.
H.A.R.D. is an independent special use district serving over 309,000 residents across a 100-square-mile area that includes the City of Hayward and the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, Fairview, and Hayward Acres. We proudly operate over 135 parks and facilities, providing programs and spaces that promote health, wellness, learning, and fun. Our mission is simple but powerful: to enrich the quality of life for our community. And our Customer Service Team plays a vital role in making that mission happen every single day.
What You’ll Do
As a Recreation Specialist II, you will:
• Deliver warm, professional, solution-focused customer service to instructors, volunteers, and community members
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for programs, permits, registrations, and District services
• Manage daily clerical operations with accuracy and attention to detail
• Collect and maintain data and statistics for reporting purposes
• Respond thoughtfully and efficiently to inquiries from outside agencies and the public
• Balance multiple priorities while maintaining composure and professionalism
Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust and strengthen community relationships.
Who You Are
You thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment and bring:
• A genuine passion for helping others
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• The ability to multitask and pivot smoothly throughout the day
• Confidence working independently and collaboratively
• Prior experience in customer service and/or clerical support
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (highly desired) — the ability to clearly speak and write in both languages is a tremendous asset in serving our diverse community
You understand that customer service isn’t just answering questions — it’s creating positive experiences.
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in a role where service truly matters, we invite you to apply and help us continue building a welcoming, connected, and vibrant community.
Here are additional details about the positions:
- Available positions: 4
- Hourly Rate: $21.61/hour - $29.17/hour
- Work Location: Multiple locations across the District
- Work Schedule: Up to 20-hours/week, Mondays – Fridays
- Typical Work Hours: Between the hours of 9:00AM – 5:00PM
- Part-Time, Year-round, Hourly, Non-Exempt Position
- Anticipated Start Date: ASAP
- Hours not to exceed 960 hours per fiscal year. (July 1 – June 30)
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. This posting may close at any time.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under direction, performs difficult, complex and specialized recreation program work; oversees recreational programs for specific age groups and interests; develops recreation program/course content; conducts classes and trains subordinates within a specialized service area including, but not limited to: officiating; Class B driving; unique instructional classes or workshops; security; special projects, and/or graphic design; performs special project and graphic design work; and performs related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a highly specialized class that is separate from the Program Aide class. Incumbents in this class typically perform complex and difficult work within one or more specific program areas.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Incumbents may not perform all duties. Duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Plans, organizes and conducts classes in specialty fields for groups of various ages and interests; develops course content and designs course materials
- Serves as a subject matter expert and trains subordinates within a specialty field
- Stimulates interest and appreciation for the specialty field
- Maintains and operates specialized equipment; procures supplies for classes
- Provides technical guidance to students by demonstrating methods and conducting training in an area of specialty
- Maintains control of classes or groups
- Addresses participant complaints; communicates with parents and/or participants regarding the complaint; takes action to resolve the complaint based on policy and procedure and within limits of authority
- Maintains records of participation and collects participant fees
- Implements and monitors District procedures regarding the safety of participants
- Performs administrative duties such as attending/ staff meetings, preparing reports, and monitoring expenditures; administers program budgets and contracts
- At all times, demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors and the public
- Performs other duties as assigned
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. The functions of this position may be performed in both indoor and outdoor locations, alone or as part of a team. In an indoor environment, the setting may be consistent with an office environment or a specialized recreational venue. In an outdoor environment, incumbents may occasionally be exposed inclement weather conditions. Specialized aspects of the work environment may also include high noise levels, exposure to equipment with moving parts, and exposure to dust. Incumbents may be assigned an irregular working schedule, including weekends, evenings and holidays and may frequently have to travel between various locations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have: hearing and speech adequate to communicate in person, by telephone, by PA system and by radio; vision adequate to read fine print and computer screens; bodily movement adequate to sit, walk, and stand frequently, and to reach, turn, bend, kneel, push and pull occasionally; manual dexterity adequate to grasp objects, use fine manipulation, write and operate office machines and equipment; and strength to safely perform lifting and carrying of items up to 50 pounds.
Qualifications:MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Ability and Skill to:
- Plan, organize and implement recreational programs and activities in the area of specialty, based on District rules, regulations, policies and procedures
- Serve as a lead worker over subordinate staff and volunteers who are providing recreational program services; arrange staffing schedules; provide training as needed; organize and direct work assignments; monitor performance
- Instruct adults, children and families in a highly specialized program area
- Monitor program and participant compliance with District regulations and policies
- Prioritize work assignments, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure and with frequent interruptions; respond appropriately in an emergency situation
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
- Maintain discipline among program participants and observe safety precautions
- Communicate effectively with a wide range of people
- Make arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy; prepare narrative and statistical reports
- Respond appropriately to changing situation
- Use computer hardware and software, including standard word processing, spreadsheet, calendar, email and internet software
- Maintain the confidentiality of participant, parent and staff information
- Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of the work
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of course development and planning
- Principles and practices related to assigned specialized program area(s)
- Principles and practices of leadership and supervision
- Principles and practices of public relations and complaint resolution
- Policies, rules and regulations related to assigned activities
Education/Experience/Training:
- At least two (2) years of recent full-time paid experience (or the part-time equivalent), providing highly specialized recreational services to youth or adults in the area of assignment
- Must have current certification of First Aid, CPR and AED and must maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of continued employment
- Specific areas of required expertise may vary, depending upon program specialty. Depending upon the area of assignment, a current certificate, credential or license in the specialty field may be required, or applicants may be required to demonstrate competence in the specialty field prior to appointment
- Any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education that provided the required knowledge, skills and abilities of the class is also acceptable
Special Requirements:
- Must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license
- If 18 years of age or older, must pass a fingerprint and/or background clearance prior to employment
Salary : $22 - $29