Recreation Specialist

JOB TITLE: Recreation Specialist

POSITION GRADE/LEVEL: Non-benefit eligible – Part-Time - Schedule B

RATE RANGE: $15.00 per hour and up (dependent upon qualifications)

LOCATION: Recreation Department

WORK SCHEDULE: Variable as needed per program

SUPERVISION: Recreation Director

Statement of Duties: The employee is responsible for the conduct and instruction of a specific recreation activity, or several related activities at a single facility or at a variety of facilities and localities. The employee may serve as an instructor in a specialty field of recreation as scheduled, with considerable freedom as to approach, method and subject material. This position may involve the actual conduct of the activity or the organization and initiation of activity groups Classes are nonacademic, demonstrational and participational in nature, and designed to develop hobbies in people which they can continue when the instruction is finished. The Recreation Specialist may direct and supervise the work of recreation leaders, non-professional personnel, and volunteers who may be assigned to assist in the instructional phase of the specified activity. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties as required.

Supervision Required: Under the general direction of the Director and Assistant Director, the employee plans and carries out the regular work in accordance with standard practices and previous training. Employee has substantial responsibility for determining the sequence and timing of action and substantial independence in planning and organizing the work activities, including determining the work methods. The employee is expected to solve problems by adapting methods or interpreting instructions to resolve the particular problem. Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines and priorities. Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with supervisor, but ordinarily the employee plans and carries out work independently. Work is generally reviewed for technical adequacy, appropriateness of actions or decisions, and conformance with policy or other requirements.

Supervisory Responsibility: Employee may lead other workers in accomplishing assigned work and performs non-supervisory work that is usually of the same kind and levels as is done by the group led. The employee is responsible for assisting employees to accomplish their assigned work and may perform non-supervisory work that is of the same kind and levels as is done by the group being led. Work operations are subject to substantial cyclical or seasonal fluctuations in work procedures or volume.

Confidentiality: The employee may have access to confidential information such as official department personnel files and patron records.

Accountability: Consequences of errors, missed deadlines or poor judgment may result in adverse public relations, monetary loss, labor and material costs, danger to public safety and legal repercussions to the Town.

Judgment: Numerous standardized practices, procedures, or general instructions govern the work and in some cases, may require additional interpretation. Independent judgment is needed to locate, select and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation or guideline.

Complexity: The work consists of a variety of duties which generally follow standardized practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the particular situation.

Work Environment: The nature of duties may involve a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions that may be unpleasant. However, work is suspended during inclement weather conditions.

Nature and Purpose of Public Contact: Position interacts with co-workers, the public and external contacts such as vendors, or representatives from other local organizations to explain or interpret procedures or guidelines, plan or coordinate work, or resolve problems as they occur. More than ordinary courtesy, tact, and diplomacy may be required to resolve complaints or deal with uncooperative persons who are participants in department-sponsored activities or events.

Occupational Risk: Duties generally do not present occupational risk to the employee. Personal injury could occur through employee failure to properly follow safety precautions or procedures. Examples of injury include bruises from falls, minor cuts or burns, muscular strains from lifting or carrying heavy equipment or materials or exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

1.     Participates in the training of staff for department activities.

2.     Attends training programs in order to maintain certification requirements of the position.

3.     Gives instruction in the area of specialty or more general recreation activities as necessary

4.     Explains and demonstrates the uses of supplies and equipment, and the techniques and procedures used in the activity sessions.

5.     Maintains equipment and supplies necessary for classes and/or instruction.

6.     Exercises professional judgement and responsibility in the conduct of the specialty activities for various age groups.

7.     Incorporates the activity into an acceptable total philosophy of recreation, and interprets this to the participants and to the general public in an effort to motivate expanded interest in the activity.

8.     May participates in planning course content.

9.     Assists other recreation staff in working with the specialized activity to meet the specific interests of people in the community.

10.   Assists with administrative duties in program of specialty.

11.   Plans and conducts field trips.

12.   May train staff and volunteers in the activities and related services.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience: High School diploma or equivalent preferred, with three (3) years of related work experience; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential function of the position.

Special Requirements: First Aid and CPR with AED Certification.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge: Knowledge of athletics, recreation and leisure activities and practices related to youth/adolescents and their families. Specific knowledge of theory and practices of a particular hobby, specialty, sport or recreational interest, including equipment and materials utilized; skill in particular specialty sufficient to demonstrate techniques of principles to students; skill in instructing others in techniques of hobby, specialty or craft; ability to effectively relate to a wide variety of patrons and ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software; ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of the position; initiative; tact; creativity; resourcefulness; physical condition commensurate with the duties of the position.

Abilities: Ability to develop diplomatic, effective and constructive working relationships with coworkers, adults of all ages, children, adolescents and service providers. Must be physically fit in order to participate in department-sponsored activities or programs.

Skill: Proficient oral and written communication skills required as well as effective time management and customer service skills. Computer, spreadsheet, word processing, calendar, e-mail skills are a plus.

Physical and Mental Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Physical Demands

Work requires agility and physical strength to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. The employee is required to lift, push, or pull objects such as recreation equipment and related supplies

Motor Skills

Duties require mental and physical abilities, as well as fine and gross motor skills. In addition activities may include moving objects, operating a telephone system, computer and other office equipment, typing and/or word processing, filing and sorting. Must be able to demonstrate sport-related recreational skills.

Visual Demands

Visual demands require the employee to constantly read documents for general understanding and analytical purposes. Employee must be able to distinguish colors.