Temporary Recreation Specialist bei City of Merced, CA

About the Department

Recreation Specialist assigned to various Recreation programs.  Ideal candidates will be positive, energetic, enthusiastic, flexible, self-motivated and willing to accept new ideas.

Position:  The City's Park and Community Services Department is seeking interested applicants willing to work 5-20 hours a week (not to exceed 960 hours in a fiscal year) in various recreation programs.  The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic and possess strong organization and communication skills. A strong desire for excellence and experience providing responsible recreation programs in a diverse community is desired.  Candidates may be assigned to any of the following program areas:  Youth & Adult Sports, Summer Recreational Programs, and Special events.

Definition:  Performs a variety of semi-skilled duties within various programs and activities; assists groups and individuals who are engaged in recreational activities and performs other related work as required.

Position Duties

Essential Functions: The essential functions of the classification may include, but are not limited to, the functions below and are subject to changes in operational necessity.

All Assignments:

• Follows all safety rules and protocols included in the Injury and Illness Prevention Program; takes appropriate action as required to identify and correct safety hazards and report safety concerns to his/her supervisor;
• Maintains order and discipline at assigned location; enforces rules and regulations governing assigned programs; addresses disciplinary/behavior concerns of participants; administers first aid as needed; secures facilities at conclusion of events.

Recreation Leader:

• Leads, oversees and participates in the activities of participants in various recreation programs, events and activities;
• Assembles supplies, sets up variety of equipment and markings, and sets up tables and chairs needed for various programs; performs all related event set-ups;
• Attends to minor needs and problems that may occur in the program or activity during the period of assignment; facilitates resolution or enlists assistance from Recreation Coordinator.
• Provides recommendations for special programs and events;
• Works with various organizations and groups in implementing assigned programs;
• Assures facilities and equipment are available and maintained in a safe and satisfactory fashion;
• Officiates, organizes, coordinates and keeps score at sports activities;
• Collects fees at fee-based events, programs and activities;
• Prepares post program and activity information, schedules and other reports; and

Recreation Specialist I (In addition to the above):

• Assists in the organization, planning and development of various recreation programs and special events;
• Participates in the selection of staff; provides staff training and input on performance evaluations; schedules staff according to program needs;
• Oversees the overall safety, health and welfare of all individuals involved in the programs; supervises recreation facility site(s); prepares incident and accident reports as required; along with staff and volunteers.
• Prepares required documentation related to activities and departmental requirements;
• Plans for and requests supplies and equipment to support programs and activities; assembles supporting paperwork; assists with facility and event set up and clean up;
• Maintains positive relationship with participants, parents and community partners; provides customer service, information and assistance;
• Incorporates related talent or special knowledge to enhance program and activity operations;
• Assists in the development and distribution of marketing and promotional materials including social media platforms and applications for programs and activities including flyers, news releases, posters and brochures; and
• Takes payments for fee-based programs and activities and provides accompanying receipts; balances cash drawer and prepares related documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of (for all assignments):
 
 Fundamentals and techniques of games, sports, special events and other related recreational activities;
 
 Experience working with computers in a Windows environment;
 
 Application of basic first-aid and lifesaving techniques;
 
 Cash handling; and
 
 Principles and practices of customer service.
 
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and
 
 Knowledge of Municipal code and security procedures are highly desired.

Principles and practices of training and supervision.
 

Ability to (for all assignments):
 
 Develop interest and encourage participation in assigned recreational activity;

Be flexible and create a fun environment;

Work cooperatively with and establish good working relationships with all age groups, parents, participants, volunteers, employees and staff members, as well as the general public;
 
 Work independently and assume responsibility for a task;
 
 Deal effectively and courteously with participants of various ages;
 
 Communicate orally and maintain good relations with the public;
 
 Keep and maintain various records;

Safely manage on site facility and equipment;
 
 Interpret rules and regulations and apply accordingly; and
 
 Apply principles of First Aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation.
 
 Experience and Education Guidelines:  Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would most likely provide the required knowledge and ability would be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
 
 Education:    High school diploma or certified equivalent (GED); coursework in special events, sports, education and related recreation courses is highly desired.

 Experience:  
 
 Recreation Specialist  - one year in municipal recreation programs.

 Specific Program Experience Requirements:
 
 Customer Service - one year experience providing consistent, positive customer service and working with computers in a Windows environment.
 
 Summer Camp - one year experience as a Day Camp Leader or three summers as a Day Camp Recreational lead.  Substantial training and experience related to camp activities is highly desired.

Park Specialist - one year experience involving public contact, exercising good judgment, tact and excellent verbal communication skills.

Licenses/certifications/other requirements: 
 
 Must be willing to work such hours as are necessary to accomplish the job requirements; travel to recreation facilities and meetings.  Classification requires the possession and continued maintenance of a valid class "C" California driver's license.
  
 Must be 18 years of age;
  
 Must obtain a negative TB test by date of hire; and
  
 Possession and maintenance of valid American Red Cross Standard First Aid card, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) certification.

Mandatory Training: There will be mandatory training scheduled which all staff must attend.  Those dates are to be announced.

Conditions of Work:  During the course of performing the functions of this position, the employee may encounter the following conditions:

Working indoors, working outdoors, temperature changes, dust, fumes/smoke/gasses, chemicals, noise, computer monitor use, working alone or with other individuals.