Senior 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 Senior 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, Senior 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 a part-time classification used for assignments in a variety of specialized activities and/or program areas or services.  It is distinguished from other part-time classifications in that incumbents are expected to have some specialized knowledge and experience in the assigned program area and will be responsible for some program preparation, implementation and supervision. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Senior Recreation Leaders receive direct supervision from the Recreation Coordinator and/or Recreation Specialist.  This position may assist in supervising or directing the work of Recreation Leaders, and/or volunteers.
 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 safety of activity, participants and spectators
• Maintaining order, discipline and good public relations
• Purchasing and ordering supplies and materials
• Opening and closing buildings
• Driving City vehicles and transporting program participants and staff
• Assisting with supervising assigned program staff   

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Incumbents are expected to posses 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
• learn and utilize community resources for the enhancement of programs and services offered
• collect, handle and administer City/program funds
• plan and implement programs and services with the goal of promoting community wellbeing
• identify and communicate needs and desires in order to make recommendations for the development and improvement of programs, services, and resources
• assist and participate in the strategic planning process within the parameters expected of the position

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
• local environmental protection and restoration needs and issues to engage participants in programs and activities that promote restoration and conservation
• techniques of advertisement, outreach, and public relations for the promotion of assigned program area
• practices of coordinating, training, and monitoring subordinate staff or volunteers
• Spanish language highly desirable, but not required

A typical way to acquire the above knowledge and abilities is to have actively participated in sports programs, music, art and/or music classes, or similar activities and/or have some experience in supervising children, communicating with parents, and the general public.  Some experience in leadership activities and a minimum of one year experience as a Recreation Leader or related work.  

Training and experience in the areas of child development, recreation, art, and physical education are highly desirablePrior to appointment to the temporary position of Senior 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 : $18 - $24