Recreation Specialist

Salary Range:$51,813.01 - $54,530.69 annually. Salary reflects Step 1 and Step 2 of a 7-step pay scale. Salary at hiring will be dependent upon the applicant's education, experience, and training.

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, the Recreation Specialist is responsible for the development, coordination, scheduling, and implementation of specialized recreation programs and facilities for youth/teens, adults, seniors and families in the areas of sports, fitness, wellness, camps, aquatics, outdoor adventure, education, special events, facility rentals and/or other specialized interest areas.

Scope of Responsibility:

Incumbent has a general understanding of department or functional operations and are able to work with considerable initiative. Working under the direction of the Recreation Superintendent, incumbent will make decisions and judgments based on the application of professional principles. Work product has noticeable impact on the Recreation Division operations with limited impact on the overall organization. Incumbent has frequent interaction with staff, co-workers and customers to provide general procedures and respond to technical questions. Incumbent provides supervision and training to seasonal employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities may include the following duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by this position.

Recreation Programming

• Responsible for the development, coordination, scheduling and implementation of recreation programs and special events for assigned areas.
• Research and recommend new program and facility ideas, opportunities, concepts and designs.
• Develop proposed program and facility operation budgets and fee schedules.
• Responsible for program revenues tracking and the consistent monitoring program expenses.
• Compile and maintain program reports including verification of employee work hours and all direct costs associated with each program.
• Evaluate program success and recommend improvements or changes for the future.

Supervise Employees

• Advertise, interview, select, train, supervise, motivate and evaluate seasonal employees.
• Develop and conduct staff orientation, on-going training, on-site observances of programs in progress, and updating of program manuals and job descriptions for all seasonal staff.
• Supervisory duties include training, scheduling; instructing; assigning; and planning; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; acting on employee problems; and recommending disciplinary action for seasonal employees.

Safety Standards

• Implement necessary precautions to assure general safety for all program participants and staff.
• Coordinate a safety training program for recreation program and facility staff.
• Inspect recreation facilities, equipment, and vehicles to assure safe and proper working condition.
• Demonstrate and operate safe and proper use of equipment and/or vehicles used for recreation programs and facilities.

Division Operations

• Participate and assist with Recreation Division annual budget preparation.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for programs and facilities in the Recreation Division.
• Assist and participate in a variety of organizational studies, investigations, operational studies and special projects including manpower, material and equipment utilization studies; recommend modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness of programs, facilities and operations.
• Participate or serve on a variety of community organizations boards; attend and participate in professional association meetings both nationally and in the state of Montana; stay abreast of new trends, innovations, and regulations in the field.
• Provide responsible staff assistance and coordination with the Parks and Cemetery Divisions.
• Work with the school district and other community organizations to ensure proper activity space and use of facilities.
• Assist in the preparation, start-up, winterization and operation of City aquatic facilities.

• Assist in the preparation, start-up, winterization and operation of Batting Cage facility.
• Perform promotional work to encourage citizen participation, attendance, and interest in recreational activities; design and create flyers, brochures, signs, and other promotional materials.
• Produce and develop marketing strategy and materials for recreation programs and facilities.
• Assist in the management of the department’s website (BillingsParks.org).
• Contribute to the department’s social media site(s).
• Provide customer service assistance by answers department’s main reception telephone, assists walk-in customers, and registering participants.

• Utilize and fully implement the department’s online program registration system (RecTrac).

Knowledge, Skills and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of Parks & Recreation Department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Knowledge of parks and recreation safety considerations and OSHA standards and guidelines.
• Knowledge and ability to promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with City safety policies.
• Knowledge of behavioral characteristics, needs, and interests of the community and target populations.
• Skill in designing, leading, and supervising municipal recreation programs, facilities and special events.
• Skill in utilizing Microsoft Outlook, Work, Excel, Publisher and /or CorelDraw and registration software (RecTrac).
• Skill in supervising and training employees.
• Skill in being able to perform custodial, and mechanical and maintenance duties.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in exercising initiative and discretion in confidential matters.
• Skill in managing multiple tasks, with attention to detail.
• Skill in conflict resolution and team development.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with schools, vendors, community service organizations, city employees, user groups and citizens.
• Position requires continuous decision making, interpersonal skills, teamwork, creativity, customer service, use of discretion, negotiation, problem analysis, and training/supervising.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, physical education, leisure services, or a related field
• Two (2) years of recreation program experience

OR

• Any equivalent combination of education, training, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities which allow an individual to perform the duties of the position

AND

• A valid Montana driver’s license or must be obtained within thirty (30) days of employment

Preferred Qualifications or the Ability and Interest to Attain:

• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
• Certified Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) and/or a Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO)
• State of Montana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger endorsement

The Recreation Specialist works in an office environment subject to frequent interruption and with a moderate noise level. Work is also performed out of the office with a high degree of physical mobility required to provide set-up and supervision of recreation facilities, programs and events at various locations. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends is required. Intermittent physical effort involving lifting of 50 pounds or less is required. Work requires high attention to detail or deadlines between 15% and 45% of the time. A typical workday involves exposure to multiple disagreeable elements, none of which are greater than moderate intensity of moderate intensity between 15% and 45% of the time. Frequent driving on department business is necessary.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The City retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.