Recreation Assistant ( Temporary/Hourly)

Are you passionate about creating memorable experiences for youth through recreational activities? The Parks and Community Services Department is looking for an energetic and dedicated Recreation Assistant to join our team with Camp WOW! In this role, you will lead engaging activities, supervise campers, and help foster a fun, safe, and inclusive camp environment. This position requires flexibility to work weekdays and occasional weekends, with shifts extending beyond standard business hours. If you love working with youth and making summer unforgettable, we encourage you to apply!

JOB SUMMARY
Assists with or independently organizes, plans, directs and implements a wide range of programs that foster human development, promote health and wellness, provide recreational experiences, and strengthen safety and security through activities, programs, and special events. Employees in this classification receive general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures. This position may assist in supervising or directing the work of Recreation Leaders, Center Attendants and/or volunteers. This job class requires knowledge of recreation program principles, creative ability, and organization and planning skills.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This job class is typically responsible for one program area and functions at an entry level of classification.EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• assists in the planning and delivery of a defined activity and/or program area or service, which may include pre-school programs, after school/summer programs, facility/equipment rental programs, aquatics, sports or special events
• assists with supervising, leading and directing assigned program staff  
• purchases and orders supplies and materials
• follows and giving oral and written directions
• maintains accurate records and preparing reports

• supervises program activities and participants
• maintains facility and equipment in a clean and orderly manner
• responds calmly and efficiently in emergency situations
• observes and enforces safety regulations to secure safety of activity, participants and spectators
• ensures proper food and/or cash handling procedures are maintained
• Provides excellent customer service, to include professionally and politely communicating with participants, parents, and teammates
• maintains order, discipline and good public relations

• opens and closes buildings

• drives City vehicles and transports program participants and staff
• performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:

• principles, practices, methods, techniques, procedures and policies of planning and promoting recreational and cultural programs, and/or events related to area of assignment
• facilities, operations and techniques used in area of assignment
• effective use of technology - computer and modern office equipment - to organize and distribute information
• proper English language usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation in order to read, comprehend, and communicate clearly, concisely, and tactfully both verbally and in writing
• modern theories, principles, practices, methods and human development models of organizing, conducting, and directing play and recreation to create recreational experiences 
• understanding of inclusive practices as they apply to the operation of programs, services, and facilities 
• time management tools and techniques to organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments to meet deadlines
• techniques of advertisement, outreach, and public relations for the promotion of assigned program area
• practices of coordinating, training, and monitoring subordinate staff or volunteers

Ability to

• provide creative leadership in organizing, directing, and conducting recreation programs and activities
• determine supplies and equipment necessary for assigned programs
• prepare accurate reports, program schedules, and publicity materials as required
• work well with community groups, parents, volunteers, and staff
• assist with and/or supervise use of facility or monitoring of activity to insure compliance with policies and codes, protection of property, and safety of all users and staff and resolve conflicts or problems that arise
• effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities is:

•  to have actively participated in sports programs, music, art and/or music classes, or similar activities
• have some experience in supervising a recreation program and communicating with the general public and/or in leadership activities, such as experience as a Recreation Leader or related work

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION:

• possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a safe driving record
• must obtain CPR and first aid certifications within six months of employment

Prior to appointment to the position of Recreation Assistant, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.

The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.

NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE.

Salary : $22 - $29