Recreation Leader (Temporary/Hourly)

The Parks and Community Services Department is seeking self-starting, creative, forward thinking, team oriented individuals to fill the role of Recreation Leader. This position will be responsible with planning and implementing recreational activities for our Youth Development unit including our day camps and after school programs.

DEFINITION
Successful performers are positive, enthusiastic and creative individuals who enjoy working with people.  Under direct supervision Recreation Leaders assist in organizing, planning, directing and implementing 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.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is an entry level part-time classification used for assignment to a variety of specialized activities and/or program areas or services.  Recreation Leaders in this classification work under direct supervision in accordance with specific instructions and well defined program procedures, and exercise limited independent judgment. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Recreation Leaders receive direct supervision from the Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Specialist and/or the Senior Recreation Leader. This position does not supervise or direct other personnel.Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the planning and delivery of a defined activity and/or program area or service
• Supervising program activities and participants
• Following and giving oral and written directions
• Maintaining facility and equipment in a clean and orderly manner
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing reports
• Responding calmly and efficiently in emergency situations
• Observing and enforcing safety regulations to secure the safety of activities, participants and spectators
• Maintaining order, discipline and good public relations

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Recreation Leaders are expected to possess or acquire the following abilities and knowledge:

Ability to:

• be open minded to learn, understand, and implement action/work plans to meet the goals, objectives, priorities, and policies of the Parks and Community Service Department 
• be a role model to promote protection and conservation of the environment 
• distribute, monitor, coordinate, and maintain equipment and facilities to ensure effective and efficient programs and services
• demonstrate good judgment and initiative in problem solving and program implementation
• approach situations tactfully and diplomatically using keen observation, insight and patience
• respond constructively to conflict and work collaboratively with individuals and groups
• clearly communicate in order to give and receive work directions verbally and in writing
• apply knowledge of the community to meet the recreational, cultural and service needs of the community
• understand and implement evaluation tools and suggest changes
• work in a team-based environment to achieve common goals and foster a positive and harmonious relationship with co-workers and the public
• work with diverse populations to increase their participation in programs and activities
• demonstrate motivation for work by demonstrating patience, understanding, care and enjoyment in implementing recreational programs and services
• contribute to the advancement of the profession by continually engaging in staff training and activities that support and develop professional competencies required for the position
• support the Parks and Community Services Department’s philosophy of providing excellent customer service in all forms of communication
• be responsible, self-motivated, and reliable and independently initiate and complete work activities
• act professionally and positively, with confidence and enthusiasm, modeling integrity and honesty
• actively and purposefully engage participants in activities that promote growth and learning 
• effectively express ideas and facts to individuals or groups through presentations

Knowledge of:

• and skill to effectively utilize 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
• the role of recreation in preventing substance abuse issues, gang dynamics and other social problems
• and understanding of inclusive practices as they apply to the operation of programs, services and facilities
• local government structure and culture, elected officials, representatives, commissioners, board members and administrators
• time management tools and techniques to organize, prioritize and follow up on work assignments to meet deadlines

A typical way to acquire the above knowledge and abilities is to have actively participated in sports programs, music, arts and/or music classes, or similar activities and/or have some experience in supervising children and in communicating with parents and the general public.Prior to appointment to the temporary position of Recreation Leader, fingerprinting and a TB skin test 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 : $16 - $21