Recreation Specialist

Department/Building: Community Education

Direct Supervisor: Director of Community Education & Youth Enrichment Coordinator

Hours: up to 40 hours per week, starting at 28 hours per week | Beginning the 2026-2027 SY

Pay: $24.05

Benefits: PERA, ESST, & PFML

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Director of Community Education and the Youth Enrichment Coordinator, the Recreation Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating high-quality indoor and outdoor youth recreation opportunities for youth and adults, including those with disabilities, serving students and families throughout Proctor Public Schools and Hermantown Community Schools. Working under the direct supervision of the Youth Enrichment Coordinator, this position assists with the development and daily operation of youth recreation programming, swim lessons, special events, and community outreach initiatives.

The Recreation Specialist provides direct leadership for recreation programs, recruits and supports instructors, oversees the Proctor Swim Lesson program, assists with the operation of the DORA (Discover, Outreach, Recreation, and Adventure) mobile recreation program, and ensures programs are safe, engaging, and aligned with the mission of Community Education.

Qualifications:

• Strong organizational, communication, customer-service, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple programs simultaneously.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification within a specified period after hire.
• Current Red Cross lifeguard and swim instructor certification, or ability to obtain both certifications within a specified period after hire.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, based on program needs.
• Ability to pass an MN background check.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license and ability to travel between program locations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Holds a B.A. or B.S. Degree in Community Education, Education, General Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, or related field.
• One to three years of experience planning, coordinating, or implementing youth recreation, enrichment, sports, aquatics, camps, or community education programs.
• Experience coordinating multiple programs, activities, schedules, facilities, instructors, and/or community partners.
• Knowledge of youth development principles, age-appropriate recreation practices, and program safety.
• Experience with aquatics or swim lesson programming, including scheduling, instructor coordination, or program supervision.
• Experience supervising, training, or providing direction to part-time, seasonal, volunteer, or program staff.

Essential Duties: Youth & Adult Recreation Programming 

• Assist the Youth Enrichment Coordinator in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating youth recreation programs.
• Research and recommend new recreational activities based on community needs and trends.
• Coordinate program logistics including facilities, supplies, equipment, instructor needs, and participant communication.
• Support before- and after-school, evening, weekend, and summer recreation opportunities.
• Ensure programs promote inclusion, safety, positive youth development, and lifelong learning.
• Evaluate program participation and recommend improvements.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Aid in promoting all Community Education opportunities to a diverse population
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties: Swim Lesson & Open Swim Coordination:

• Assist with coordinating all operational aspects of the Proctor Community Education Swim Lesson Program.
• Schedule instructors, lifeguards, and lesson sessions.
• Ensure equipment and instructional materials are available and maintained.
• Monitor program quality, participant satisfaction, and instructor performance.
• Communicate with families regarding registration, scheduling, cancellations, and program expectations.
• Maintain compliance with pool safety procedures and district policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties: DORA (Driving Opportunities with Recreational Activities):

• Planning and daily operations of the DORA mobile recreation program.
• Coordinate supplies, activity materials, transportation logistics, and event preparation.
• Provide direct supervision and leadership during DORA programming.
• Promote positive community engagement while representing Community Education.
• Communicate with families regarding registration, scheduling, cancellations, and program expectations.
• Maintain equipment inventory and recommend purchases as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties: Special Events: 

• Assist in planning and implementing community recreation events, family activities, and seasonal celebrations
• Assist with coordinating volunteers, instructors, and event logistics.
• Represent Community Education at outreach and promotional events
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties: Other:

• Serve as an instructor for youth enrichment and recreation classes as assigned.
• Develop engaging lesson plans and recreational activities.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment.
• Adapt programming to meet varying ages, abilities, and participant needs.
  
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, and supporting program instructors.
• Provide guidance regarding curriculum, classroom management, safety procedures, and district expectations.
• Assist in evaluating instructor performance and program quality.

• Work directly with the Youth Enrichment Coordinator regarding:

  • Program approval
  • Scheduling
  • Budget considerations
  • Instructor assignments
  • New program development
• Assist with maintaining accurate program records, attendance, evaluations, and reports.

• Help prepare marketing materials, course catalog descriptions, website content, newsletters, and social media information.

• Maintain inventories of recreation supplies and equipment.

• Provide excellent customer service to participants, families, instructors, and community members.
• Respond professionally to questions, concerns, and requests.
• Promote Community Education programs throughout both school districts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills Required to Perform the Work:

• Demonstrate knowledge and ability to work with community members.

• Ability to work collaboratively with team members, school district staff, and other groups or organizations.

• Excellent communication skills and techniques in promoting, advertising, and informing the community of pertinent information.
• Applying judgment and discretion in handling problems, issues, and conflicts per ISD 700, ISD 704, and Community Education policies and procedures.
• A desire to gain knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, and philosophy of lifelong learning, public education, and the relationship of community education to E-12 programming.
• Be reliable and responsible.

Application Deadline:  Open until filled

Salary : $24