Recreation Coordinator - Limited Term presso City of Issaquah, WA

About the Department

The City of Issaquah has an exciting opportunity to join a small and dynamic team as a Limited Term Recreation Coordinator. The City has long recognized Parks and Community Services as an integral part of the city and essential to the quality of life of its residents.

The Recreation Coordinator is one part of our Event and Rentals team at Pickering Barn. This position organizes and leads a variety of programs held at City-owned facilities, including the Issaquah Farmers Market, venue rentals, and the community garden. This position works closely with the Recreation Leader and a group of part-time employees. Work involves supporting facility event bookings, maintaining record systems, computer software utilization, and staff leadership. Must provide excellent customer service and have a passion for enabling others’ success.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Parks & Community Services Director, the incumbent is responsible for planning and developing program activities. The incumbent is expected to have critical problem-solving skills and must have excellent organizational skills to perform at times detailed clerical work. The incumbent must possess excellent interpersonal communication skills with the ability to respond to customers who may be upset or under stress. The candidate must be a strong team player who demonstrates drive and initiative while motivating staff through dynamic leadership. Budget monitoring and forecasting is an imperative skill for this role.

The schedule for this position is Tuesday–Saturday (or Wednesday-Sunday, if desired). Weekday hours are typically 9 am-5 pm, and Saturday hours vary between 6 am–4 pm. Flexibility is necessary to accommodate the needs of live events and meetings. Infrequently, it may be required to work on a Sunday, Monday, or an evening.

Come join our team. Our mission – we enhance lives through public service!

This position is a limited-term position with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2025, with the possibility of a permanent extension.

Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary, the City offers the following:

• Excellent low- and high-deductible medical plan options, free for you and low cost to add your whole family.
• Employer HSA contributions (with high-deductible medical plan): $3350 individual/$6650 family.
• 100% employer-paid dental and vision.
• Generous vacation and sick time, plus paid holidays.
• Participation in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) with employer contribution.
• $200/month match into a 457b deferred compensation account.
• And more! 

EQUITY STATEMENT

The City of Issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state, and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations.

Position Duties

• Assist the Recreation Supervisor with technical and clerical support for specific programs, including planning, recordkeeping, and program design.

• Work closely with the Recreation Leader position to coordinate management of upcoming live events, current clients, and rental leads. Assists with training and oversight of part-time staff.

• Work with other City staff to coordinate operations and solve issues, and ensure customer service tools are functioning appropriately.

• Monitor program revenue and expenditure, assist with preparing and monitoring the budget.

• In the absence of the Farmers Market Manager, understand and carry out program specifics to deliver successful markets. This includes managing vendors, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

• Launch 2026 farmers market applications and ensure vendors include necessary licenses in their applications and pay all applicable fees.

• Manage vendor payments, reimbursements, merchandise sales, and financial records for the Farmers Market.

• Manage community partners, volunteers, and market staff communication during the market season.

• Provide leadership & direction to part-time non-regular staff and volunteers; plan in-person training and monitor progress of online training.

• Track metrics and data regarding program interest and participation.

• Able to diffuse conflict effectively when necessary.

• Able to provide high efficiency, proactive leadership with the ability to adjust direction in response to shifting priorities.

• Must have a strong attention to detail and the ability to self-direct.

• Provide on-site leadership at Pickering Barn events, which include managing the event from start to finish.

• Manage risk for scheduled events to ensure alignment with venue policies and include the risk manager on any questions outside of scope.

• Carry out marketing goals for all programs, working with communications and outside agencies to ensure program promotions are accurate and timely. Track metrics of marketing campaigns.

• Ability to learn and adhere to financial policies and procedures, including PCard usage policies, SNAP reimbursements, and reconciliation requirements.

• Maintain relationships with community partners.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in recreation, community planning, or a related field; and

• Four or more years of work experience in recreation programming. Preference will be provided to those with event planning, hospitality, or office management experience. 

• Or any combination of education and experience that would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License with a driving record free of serious or frequent violations

• Qualified applicants over 18 must pass a background check.

Other Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Practices related to Parks programming and services

• Principles of personnel management and training

• Marketing techniques and public engagement

• Insurance policies as they apply to events and event activities

• Methods and techniques for evaluating programming and services

• First aid, risk management, and safety practices

• Effective instructional methods and techniques

Skilled in:

• Microsoft Office applications

• Recreation Programs

• Venue Management

• Planning and Organization

• Office Management

• Using computers and applicable software programs

Abilities:

• Organize and direct a variety of programs and services.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

• Keep records and prepare reports.

• Express and relate ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Plan, schedule, and supervise the work of assigned staff.

• Make presentations to community groups.

• Develop program-related policies and procedures.

Working Conditions:

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, stand or sit for long periods of time, bend, squat, and climb a ladder. In some assignments, work is performed outside in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, and heat.

The Human Resources Department shall be available to help any employee who wishes to fill out a job interest card in order to receive email notifications for specific types of job vacancies. ASA members who meet the minimum qualifications, apply for a job opening, and are in good standing in their current position shall have the opportunity to interview for the position applied for in accordance with the examination procedures established for the specific recruitment.