Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department is looking for highly motivated, team-oriented and enthusiastic individuals who have a desire to make difference in youth programs to help increase participation and eliminate barriers. Youth programs for youth 5 – 12 years old. A Recreation Specialist is responsible for assisting with the implementation of youth mobile recreation and outreach programs and will work under the general supervision of the Recreation Program Supervisor and Youth Programs Specialist.
A Recreation Specialist will assist with implementing youth, teen mobile recreation, special events in the community, supervision of participants and staff and outreach opportunities in the community. We are looking for team members who enjoy being outside, working in a fast-paced environment, interacting with youth, and teens. As a team member of the Recreation and Parks team you will work together to develop innovative programs focused on quality partnerships and achieving successful results.
Application Deadline: This job posting will be open until filled. If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.
Engage youth in sports, arts, science, literacy, nature, team building and events
Engage existing and potential community partners in youth programs
Implement, plan, and evaluate recreational activities for youth under 13 years old
Implement programs at various special events in the City of Brooklyn Park
Assist in supervision of youth program locations and participants
Recruit and register youth to participate in youth programs
Assist in reporting deliverables to Recreation Supervisor and Youth Programs Specialist
Assist in evaluation of youth program locations, participants and staff
Assist with duties in youth programs such as data entry
Attend all staff development/training programs and staff meetings
Assist with building and park clean-up after each event
Work collaboratively with all team members to establish a welcoming, engaging and supportive environment for youth, parents and community members
Maintain order and assure participants are following set policies
Understand and implement Center of Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health guidance
Understand policies and procedures to ensure safe environment exists for all participants; complete required reports
Report any accident and assist with completing the required reports
Appropriately handle and report incidents to the Prevention & Intervention Specialist and Youth Services Manager and/or police officer
Participate in First Aid and Emergency training when provided
Other job duties as assigned
Education High school diploma or equivalent
Experience 18 years of age or older
Equivalency An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Ability to interact with youth in a caring, responsible and professional manner
Ability to maturely and appropriately respond to any emergency or incident that may arise
Ability to communicate effectively and respond with tact and courtesy
Ability to load and unload supplies and recreation equipment
Ability to maintain order and security
Ability to effectively work with youth and others
Ability to be a strong and positive leader with the youth, families, partners and peers
Ability to make rational decisions based on established policy and procedure
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Prepare for, lead, and clean-up after program activities and events
Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectations
Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement
Desired Qualifications
Coursework, classes or training leading to a college degree in Recreation, Education, Human Services, or related field
21 years of age or older
Experience supervising seasonal staff and volunteers
Experience in leading arts, sports, team activities, outdoor games and science activities
Experience working with young people with disabilities
Experience working with at risk youth from a variety of cultural backgrounds
Experience working in youth development activities with teens and/or youth
Experience working with mobile recreation/outreach, youth sports, camps, clinics or sports leagues
Previous successful experience working with the public and providing customer service
Previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao or Vietnamese language(s)
A valid driver's license
Working Conditions: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fully and safely perform the essential duties.
This is a seasonal, non-benefited position that will work an an average of15-38hours per week. Works shifts are primarily in the evening hours Monday - Friday from 1pm-9pm and possible weekend shifts available between 9-7pm; may work daytime shifts during week
Lifting and carrying equipment and supplies weighing at a minimum of 10 lbs. to a maximum of 30 lbs.
Ability to set up recreation equipment (i.e. portable basketball hoops, speakers, folding tables,) and arts and supplies
Ability to work independently with participants
Ability to verbally communicate to participants, parents and staff promptly and effectively
Ability to make rational decisions and comprehend written instructions to deliver program plan
Background Check The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
Brooklyn Parkis a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Fifty-four percent of residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home. Our Vision, Values and GoalsDepartment/Division: Recreation and Parks Department/Zanewood Recreation Center
Anticipated Hiring Wage: $15.85 starting wage with no experience. With additional desired qualifications, pay is up to $24.60 per hour, depending on qualifications
Limited Benefits:
Earned Safe & Sick Leave mandated by the state - Employees earn one hour of Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours of Sick Leave per year. This specific leave applies to all employees (including temporary and part-time employees) performing for at least 80 hours in a year for the City.
We welcome applications from all individuals, including (but not limited to): people of all abilities, persons of color, Veterans, LGBTQ+ and women. If you need these materials in an alternate format or if you have a disability related need and need assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at humanresources@brooklynpark.org.
