Recreation Specialist

The Recreation Specialist leads and assists in planning, implementing, and evaluating Recreation Division programs and services. This position provides administrative and planning support to recreation, culture, and arts programs and facility rentals, prepares recreational facilities for participant use, and provides general supervision of programs, classes, activities, communication, special events, and rentals.

The Recreation Specialist differs from other positions in the Recreation Division by being the Division’s generalist, providing support to all aspects of the Division’s programs, services, and events. This position reports to a Recreation Coordinator and is expected to receive rotating assignments from multiple Recreation Coordinators.

• Assist with the planning and implementation of programming and services of the Recreation Division.
• Develop and implement activities and programs that meet the needs of the community.
• Prepare facilities for use; ensure that appropriate equipment is available for classes, rentals, and events; set up and take down equipment. Open and close facilities.
• Perform a variety of administrative tasks in support of Division programs, events, and rentals; receive program and rental registrations, collect fees, and document cancellations; maintain waiting lists for programs, classes, and activities as needed.
• Provide information to program instructors, leaders, and participants regarding program schedules; explain registration requirements to the general public.
• Provide information to rental groups; explain booking process and requirements.
• Assist in promoting the Division’s activities in the community; may coordinate social media; design and deliver promotional materials throughout the City.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluating programs, services, and events; ensure the evaluation process for programs is completed. Perform data entry and assist with data analysis.
• Assist in the development and implementation of program and facility goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; implement resulting policies and procedures.
• Assist in developing and administering the budget.
• Contribute to preparing reports, studies, surveys, memos, policies, and communications.
• Schedule staff and volunteers, assist with training, lead staff meetings, and cover staff breaks.
• Maintain and monitor the use of facilities and inventories, including adherence to all applicable safety and facility rules and regulations.
• Monitor and reply to external inquiries.
• Maintain attendance reports, activity logs, incident/accident reports, and related records.
• Perform custodial duties as needed.
• May staff special events.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in parks and recreation or related field.

• Maintain good working relationships with customers, volunteers, department staff, and City employees.
• Implement and assist in coordination of program, events, rental, and activity schedules.
• Interpret and enforce policies and procedures.
• Operate office equipment to perform administrative tasks including computers and supporting software applications, copiers, fax machines, and telephones.
• Work with money and cash receipts; must be bondable.
• Maintain files, monitor, and track fees, payments, and registrations.
• Work with minimal supervision, even in times of stress.
• Be flexible in work habits, work schedule, and able to perform multiple tasks.
• Coordinate and complete various activities and projects with changing priorities, timelines, and work scope.
• Speak with a clear voice in the English language.
• Maintain confidentiality of information and records.
• Possess current First Aid/CPR certification or obtain within the first 6 months of employment.

• The Microsoft Office suite - must have or be able to obtain intermediate-level experience and understanding of relational databases.
• Troubleshooting users’ problems with PerfectMind software. Experience with an automated scheduling program is highly desirable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly express thoughts to others and exchange information through various methods.
• Excellent spelling and grammar skills.
• Demonstrated record of good work attendance and reliability.

• Ability to drive a City vehicle, possess a current and valid Washington State driver's license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days of residency), and have an acceptable driving record. A current Abstract of Driving Record (ADR) will be required.
• Successfully passing a national criminal history background check compliant with the Child/Adult Abuse Information Act (CAAIA) is required.
• Acceptable personal reference check results.
• Completion of an I-9 Form, documenting eligibility to work in the United States.
• Specific assignments may have other certification requirements.

Work may be performed indoors or outdoors in adverse weather conditions and uneven surfaces (trails, fields) depending on the program, season, and location. This position may be physically demanding in setting up and taking down events and activities, including pulling, pushing, bending, stooping, sitting, walking, climbing, crawling, and/or standing for extended periods of time. This position requires occasional lifting of equipment and materials in excess of 50 lbs. Prolonged standing, sitting, and extensive computer and telephone use may be required, and fine manipulation skills are required for computer use. Attendance at evening, holiday, and weekend meetings and activities is required. The work environment is sometimes stressful in trying to meet customer needs. Employee must be able to multi-task and handle interruptions in addition to a regular workload. This position also requires good listening skills. Employee must be able to respond and react to an emergency in an effective manner, which includes performing CPR as well as reporting to work if requested when the Emergency Shelter is activated.