The Recreation Leader – Sports Camp Instructor is responsible for leading and supporting daily activities for youth ages 5–12 participating in the City’s Summer Sports Camp at the Recreation Center. This position plays a key role in creating a fun, safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where children can learn fundamental sports skills, teamwork, and confidence through structured games and activities. Sports Camp Instructors serve as mentors and role models while helping deliver high-quality recreation programming that promotes physical activity, sportsmanship, and positive social interaction.Essential Duties & Responsibilities:- Lead and assist in daily sports activities, drills, and games appropriate for youth ages 5–12.
- Supervise participants to ensure a safe and inclusive environment at all times.
- Teach basic sports skills such as passing, shooting, dribbling, running, throwing, and teamwork fundamentals.
- Facilitate organized activities including warm-ups, skill stations, scrimmages, and group games. Support behavior management using positive reinforcement and age-appropriate communication.
- Assist with camp setup and cleanup including equipment and activity areas.
- Build positive relationships with participants and serve as a role model.
- Communicate effectively with camp staff and supervisors regarding participant needs or concerns.
- Monitor participant safety and report incidents or concerns promptly. Contribute to a welcoming and energetic camp atmosphere.
Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working with youth and an interest in sports or recreation. Ideal candidates are energetic, dependable, and enjoy engaging with children ages 5–12 in a fun and supportive environment.Additional preferred qualities include:- Experience in camps, coaching, childcare, or youth programs
- Basic knowledge of sports and ability to lead group activities Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Positive attitude and ability to serve as a role model
- Candidates pursuing careers in recreation, education, or youth development are encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION: The Recreation Leader plans and conducts department activities, events and programs at various sites, including but not limited to: parks, schools, recreational facilities and administrative offices.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives immediate direction from the Recreation Supervisor I/II or designee. No direct supervision of staff is exercised.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This is a part time, extra help position in the Parks & Recreation Department. The Recreation Leader is distinguished from the Recreation Aide by the performance and level of more complex and difficult tasks requiring greater independence and judgment in completing assigned programs, specialized programs, projects or activities.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.· Assists with the organization, coordination and marketing of department programs, events and activities.
· Supervises and instructs less experience recreation personnel.
· Maintains records and prepares reports as required.
· Conducts and guides recreational activities such as arts and crafts, science, nature, drama, and sports.
· Maintains order and assists in the promotion of and adherence to the department rules, regulations, and policies; assists in instruction of volunteer and subordinate personnel in in-service training and recreation workshops for leaders.
· Performs a variety of reception, clerical and administrative tasks as necessitated by the assignment.
· Performs other related duties as assigned.
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:Education: Minimum age of seventeen (17) years at the time of employment.
Experience: One (1) year experience working with youth and/or the public.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: Depending upon assigned program, project, facility or activity, may be required to possess or obtain a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate and Multi-Media and/or Standard First Aid certificates prior to placement at worksite.
WORKING CONDITIONS: May be required to attend off-hour meetings. Incumbent may be exposed to weather conditions while performing some duties outdoors. Prior to placement at the worksite, the employee must positively pass a fingerprint check and drug screen.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Mobility to work in a standard office environment, use standard office equipment and attend off-site meetings. On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist and reach while performing office duties; lift light weights. Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (binders, manuals, etc.); vision to read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone; may supervise children and be required to kneel, sit in low chairs, or sit on floor for prolonged periods; must be able to sustain posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS: Work in an office or field environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may be exposed to inclement weather conditions if working in a field environment. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing department guidelines, policies and procedures.
