Recreation specialist

POSITION SUMMARY :

Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation is excited to add Outdoor Recreation Specialists to the team! These full-time positions will be responsible for planning and leading outdoor recreation programs, such as paddling, hiking, day camps, scout activities, orienteering / geocaching, and occasional overnight trips for youth, adults, and seniors.

In addition, the incumbents will be responsible for ensuring all program equipment / resources are maintained properly as well as assisting with general nature center tasks including engaging visitors and providing customer service.

The ideal candidates would be key members of our staff in advancing environmental stewardship through community engagement and programming and be willing to assist with environmental education / interpretive programs.

These positions will be based at McDowell Nature Center and Quest at Latta Nature Preserve and will be required to work most weekends, some evening and holidays, and rotating shifts dependent on business and seasonal needs.

By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available.

If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience leading various outdoor recreation programs

Paddle Sport Instructor certification, or other relevant outdoor recreation certifications

Willingness to develop innovative programs for our community

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Develop and lead programs and trips in orienteering, canoeing, climbing, kayaking and other outdoor recreational activities
• Lead and guide day, weekend and extended trips, events, clinics and classes and arranges for provisions, such as transportation, food, and equipment
• Assist and perform pre / post-trip logistics and administrative tasks
• Scout, inspect and prepare trip locations / sites and necessary equipment
• Ensure safety of participants / spectators and administer first aid when necessary
• Respond to and follow all risk management / emergency procedures
• Submit incident / Injury report forms with appropriate documentation in timely manner
• Collect fees and registrations for recreational programs and facility rentals
• Assist in light maintenance of facilities and recreational areas
• Supervise children involved in after-school, summer or other recreational programs
• Handle inquiries and complaints from public

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• Experience : Minimum of two (2) years of directly related experience
• Education : Bachelor’s degree in Park & Recreation Administration or a related field
• Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted? : Yes
• Licenses and Certifications : Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges;

Requires the ability to obtain (within one year of hire) and maintain CPR, Wilderness First Aid or First Responder, and American Canoe Association Kayak and SUP level I or II

Computer Skills : Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge :

• Knowledge of and technical skills in experiential education and adventure programming
• Knowledge of industry safety standards regarding top rope, lead climbing, kayaking, etc.
• Proven knowledge and experience of the delivering outdoor activities with groups
• Educational programming and instruction
• Instruction and safety protocols in outdoor recreation and adventure programming such as archery, climbing, bouldering, mountain biking, paddle sports, team building, and orienteering

Skills :

• Managing multiple tasks concurrently
• Organizing and presenting demonstrations in area of specialization
• Risk management

Abilities :

• Applied Learning : Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner
• Building Trust : Interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
• Communication : Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
• Customer Focus : Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving forces behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and own organization’s needs
• Initiating Action : Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive
• Safety Awareness : Identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee safety; upholding safety standards

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS :

In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation.

• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance;
• dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days;
• near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more;
• an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities;

paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

Works outdoors exposed to varying weather conditions

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT :

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT :

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions.

Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time.

Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and / or disaster situations.

Last updated : 2024-10-12

Salary : $20 - $27