What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recreation Program Specialist, Sr. position at City of Seattle?
NOTE: This advertisement is seeking candidates for 2 different Sr. Recreation Program Specialist positions. Please review the job ad thoroughly to understand each body of work, and be sure to provide a response to the supplemental question to capture your interest in one or both positions.
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.
Traditionally, we have provided recreation opportunities through our network of community centers, pools, and other facilities. We are building our capacity to bring recreation programs to the people—not just in our facilities, but also in parks, in streets, and through partners, with goals of reducing racial health disparities and empowering historically underserved communities.
SPR commits to the City of Seattle's Workplace Values and Expectations, and Racial Equity and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We support and hold ourselves accountable by striving to eliminate barriers to access and provide employees with equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement. We are committed to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs and facilities.
The Recreation Division inspires all people to reach their full potential through recreation programs and activities. We operate over 50 recreation facilities (community centers, teen centers, pools, school-based learning centers, environmental learning centers, and boating and sailing centers) and provide opportunities for people to play, learn, and lead healthy, active lives. Our programs and events include fitness and athletics, licensed childcare and preschool, swimming and boating, youth development and job preparation, academic enrichment, and more -- including programs designed for older adults and people with disabilities, as well as grant and partnership programs designed and implemented with immigrant and refugee communities. With nearly 300 regular employees and a budget of nearly $40 million annually, Recreation is a major operation with significant impact on the communities we serve. In addition to our current operations, we also strive to constantly improve the ways we serve Seattle’s residents, specifically through implementation of the SPR Strategic Plan, innovation in our facility staffing and programming approaches, and learning from national best practices and quality standards.
About Camp Long:
Camp Long is a unique asset located in West Seattle, and is home to the oldest climbing rock in North America. The 68-acre park offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy nature, hike in the forest, camp in rustic cabins, rock climb, and learn about natural history all without leaving city limits! SPR and community partners host a variety of field trips, overnight and day camps throughout the year.
We are looking for a person passionate about Parks and Recreation, outdoor education and with an excellent customer service record. The position will work collaboratively with the Camp Long advisory council.
This Recreation Program Specialist, Sr. position will be stationed at Camp Long and will design and implement specialty programs, manage the facility needs and train and supervise customer service staff and volunteers.
This position will be overseeing a facility and the customer service, rentals and programing at Camp Long. They will provide management with technical expertise in program and facility development and implementation of Environmental and Outdoor Education programs, as well as recreational opportunities. Knowledge of planning, organizing, supervising and implementing group recreation programs in specialized assigned program areas such as Environmental Education is important. The position will oversee the facility budgets, partnerships and community relations such as the Advisory Councils and other community groups.
About Specialized Programs:
The Specialized Programs unit of Seattle Parks and Recreation offers year-round activities for people with disabilities. The purpose is to provide recreational opportunities for individuals who may choose to participate in activities specifically designed and conducted by trained staff to best meet their needs. The programs are particularly suited to people with a range of cognitive and physical disabilities.
This position will lead City wide recreation programs for youth and adults with Disabilities. This position will report to the Recreation Program Coordinator.
Specialized Programming - Examples of Duties:
- Provides quality recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in a Parks and Recreation setting.
- Collaborates with department staff, outside agencies, schools, and the public to offer programs and develop partnerships that meet the needs of participants.
- Recommends new programming ideas or improvements to better serve people with disabilities.
- Plans, coordinates, and leads indoor/outdoor recreational activities, special events, and social activities.
- Assists participants with personal care (dressing, feeding, toileting) and operates adaptive equipment as needed.
- Secures and maintains all materials and equipment for assigned programs.
- Supervises program participants, ensuring safety and maintaining order in facilities and public settings.
- Collects and maintains program records, including participant data, statistics, and other relevant information.
- Monitors and evaluates the performance of volunteers, coaches, Recreation Leaders, and officials.
- Responds to inquiries, comments, and complaints from program participants.
- Ensures safety by observing precautions and providing first aid when necessary.
- Prepares reports on program activities, including attendance and volunteer participation.
- Prepares promotional materials and coordinates program publicity through various media outlets.
- Coordinates facility maintenance with other divisions as needed.
- Prepares and manages the program budget, including recommending annual budget needs.
- Interviews and recommends selection of department staff and advisory council members.
- Develops staff schedules and coordinates their activities in various locations.
- Purchases and maintains program supplies and equipment.
- Solicits funds through grants, donations, and fundraising events to support programs.
- Coordinates community engagement by meeting with neighborhood and community groups to plan events and encourage support for recreation programs.
- Plans, organizes, and coordinates training for staff and volunteers to ensure safety and program effectiveness.
- Directs an 8-week youth summer camp and various day and overnight camp activities, including leading overnight trips for adults.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Camp Long - Examples of Duties:
- Manages and supports the customer service at the Camp Long lodge as well as throughout the park.
- Develops, implements and coordinates recreation programs within the lodge and park.
- Prepares general recreation program policy recommendations.
- Develops methods for publicizing programs through news releases, television and radio announcements, mailings or speaking engagements; and coordinates production of promotional materials.
- Coordinates maintenance of facility and grounds with other divisions when needed.
- Prepares recommendations for annual budget; and monitors program budget expenditures.
- Interviews and recommends selection of department and advisory council staff.
- Develops staff schedules and coordinates their activities in varying locations.
- Purchases and maintains program supplies and equipment.
- Organizes, directs and coordinates the activities of appropriate advisory council; and monitors advisory council budget expenditures.
- Solicits funds for programs through grant applications, donations and special fund-raising events.
- Maintains records and prepares a variety of reports on program activities.
- Disseminates program information to interested individuals, groups and the general public.
- Meets with neighborhood and community groups to plan special events and to encourage civic action in support of public recreation programs.
- Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates training for department advisory council and volunteer staff ensuring all safety requirements are met.
- Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.
Requires two years experience in developing and coordinating recreation programs, to include one year supervisory experience and a Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Recreation Administration, Physical Education or related field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
License, Certification and Other Requirements
- Current Washington State driver's license.
- First Aid and CPR Certificate required within six months of employment.
- May be required to work evenings and weekends.
Successful candidates for Specialized Programs will demonstrate:
- Experience working with people with a variety of disabilities; including physical and cognitive, in a recreation or educational environment.
- Two years of experience in planning, implementing, and leading recreation programs for youth, teens, and adults with disabilities.
- Two years of experience working in adaptive recreation setting (Camps, Community Centers, Boys and Girls Clubs etc.)
- One year of experience working with staff and volunteers.
- One year of experience providing excellent customer service, and ability to communicate information clearly in written and oral styles. Basic computer skills including competence in MS Word, Excel and MS Outlook. Candidates must possess the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple tasks, changing priorities and attention to detail with excellent organizational skills.
- Experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
- Candidate should possess the ability to work effectively as a team member and excellent problem-solving skills.
- Ability to use basic American Sign Language.
- Acquire Food Handler's Permit.
- De-Escalation skills and use of AAC devices.
Successful candidates for Camp Long will demonstrate:
- At least two years of experience developing, coordinating, implementing and evaluating a variety of recreation and education programs and services.
- At least one year experience managing or overseeing a challenge or ropes course.
- At least one year experience overseeing a facility.
- At least one year or experience supervising staff.
- At least two years of experience developing partnerships and working with partners including non-profits and educational institutions.
- Experience designing programs to meet the needs of diverse or underserved communities.
- Experience marketing in print and online including social media.
- Excellent time management, problem-solving and leadership skills.
- Commitment to the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative.
- Experience working with a budget and grant writing.
- Experience with facility rentals and marketing space rentals.
- A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
- A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA , people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
This position requires on-site work during assigned shifts, and does not offer remote work options.
The full salary range for this position is $46.10 - $53.74 per hour.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans
Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov
SPR’s Core Competencies are:
Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high-quality standards.
Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.
Salary : $40
