Recreation Program Specialist (Youth & Outdoor Programs)

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

 

Performs responsible recreation, administrative, and supervisory work in planning, organizing, and supervising recreation programs.

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

An employee in this class plans, organizes, implements, and supervises a variety of recreation programs and events.  Work includes administration and oversight of: summer camps, various youth programs, annual events, and outdoor education programs Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment in properly coordinating recreational programs. Employee must also exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with program participants and employees. Work is performed in accordance with departmental rules and policies and requires judgmental discretion in the application and interpretation of programs, standards, and procedures.  Employee is subject to hazards in parks and recreation including working in both inside and outside environments and in extreme temperatures, and noise.  Duties may also expose the employee to human body fluids and the work is covered by the OSHA requirements on bloodborne pathogens. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated in terms of program effectiveness and through observation and consultations.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS

 

Plans, organizes, implements, supervises, and evaluates a variety of programs, including but not limited to: summer camps, teambuilding and leadership programs, outdoor programs (archery, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, etc.), seasonal youth events, as well as other social and educational activities. Emphasis on protecting natural resources and environmental quality within the assigned programs & facilities.

 

Develops and prepares budget requests for the purpose of implementing/operating programs; calculates program costs and sets or recommends fee amounts for participants, monitors/manages associated revenues and expenses.

 

Communicates with program host sites (Recreation Center, schools, and trip destinations) in the planning and implementation of camps and programs. 

 

Recruits, trains, assigns, supervises and evaluates employees and/or volunteers for programs and events; maintains appropriate documentation, including but not limited to employee records, training qualifications, & time sheets.

 

 

Manages inventory of equipment necessary for conducting programs; controls approved budgetary expenditures.

 

Promotion and marketing of outdoor recreation and youth programs, to include development and distribution of brochures, flyers, and/or other marketing materials, providing content for the website and/or social media publications, and/or assisting with promotion via approved avenues.

 

Prepares a wide variety of schedules; coordinates with facilities, maintenance, and others to ensure events run smoothly; works with various community groups as needed.

 

Attends conferences, workshops, seminars and training programs to enhance job performance and maintain current standards; establishes and maintains professional affiliations to keep abreast of new ideas and trends in program area.

 

Assists in the development of department and/or division operations, risk management, and policies and procedures.

 

Receives and responds to inquiries, com­plaints, compliments and other comments from public concerning  programs and activities.

 

Schedules use of vehicles issued for programs; coordinates maintenance as needed.

 

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

 

Assists other department staff/divisions in various events, programs, and related activities.

 

Motor Vehicle Operator for Iredell County. Transports program participants and/or equipment to/from sites for recreational activities.

 

Performs other related work as required.

 

Work schedule may require some nights and weekends.

 

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

 

Considerable knowledge of the policies and procedures of the Parks and Recreation Department and related state and local laws.

 

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation, outdoor education and challenge programming, and/or summer camps and counselor training.

 

Considerable knowledge of recreation facilities and services.

 

Knowledge of the application of information technology to the work of the department.

 

Knowledge of County personnel, budgeting and purchasing policies and procedures.

 

Skilled in facilitation and collaborative conflict resolution.

 

Ability to work effectively with other departments, staff personnel, community organizations, the general public and special population groups.

 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, citizens, employees, supervisors, clients, group leaders and participants.

 

Ability to develop and implement small and large scaled recreation programs.

 

Ability to evaluate program effectiveness.

 

Ability to design publicity material.

 

Ability to keep accurate records and prepare and present reports.

 

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in written form.

 

Ability to recruit, select, and supervise and organize the work of others.

 

Ability to train and instruct participants in a variety of activities.

 

Skill in organizing a variety of activities including attention to details, deadlines, and proper coordination with others.

 

DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

 

Degree in Recreation Administration, General Education, Outdoor/Environmental Education, or a related field, and one to three (1-3) years of experience in Governmental or Institutional Outdoor Recreation Programs, Recreation Programming, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

 

Prefer at least one (1) to three (3) years of employee supervisory or management experience

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Prefer possession of a valid North Carolina Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Passenger (“P”) endorsement, or willingness to obtain within one year of employment. 

 

Possession of CPR and First Aid Certification to be obtained within 6 months of employment.