Aquatic Specialist

NYC Parks serves as the steward for over 30,000 acres of land, which includes 1,000 playgrounds, 36 recreation centers, 66 pools and 14 miles of beach. The mission of Recreation is to enable all New Yorkers to lead physically active and intellectually stimulating lives through sports, fitness, outdoor adventure, technology, education and the arts. Recreation programs include specialized exercise classes, youth sports, senior activities, summer camps and free afterschool programs. This position will provide recreation programming throughout Staten Island.

Major Responsibilities

• Under supervision, conduct dynamic and innovative workshops, sports and specialized recreational programs for the Aquatics Division.
• Provide swim instruction to tots, children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities. Aquatic Specialists may be asked to coach swim teams, supervise lap swim, teach water exercise classes and serve as Aquatics Directors at Summer Camps.
• Develop and facilitate programming to engage New Yorkers in aquatic recreational activities.
• Lead and coach youth Aquatics programming.
• Instruct participants in basic fitness skills, including proper fitness equipment use, basic safety precautions and the health benefits of regular exercise.
• Lead aquatics fitness classes for New Yorkers of all ages.
• Maintain equipment and fitness areas daily, including keeping an inventory of necessary materials and supplies.
• Inspect public spaces and report evidence of unsafe or hazardous conditions.
• Establish program objectives, evaluate recreational programs and design cutting-edge curricula.
• Promote NYC Parks Recreation Center memberships and assist in events and special projects.
• Collect and submit accurate data, forms and reports to meet internal deadlines.
  
  

Work Location: Staten Island

How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 695691.

All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.

• Current City Employees please include your ERN and Job ID# 695691 on your cover letter and resume.
  
  

Eligible for overtime and comp time.

NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. *Posting period extended to 4/11/2025. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply.

References will be required upon request.

nyc.gov/parks

MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.

For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)

RECREATION SPECIALIST (DEPT OF - 06070

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years of participation in an art, craft or other recreational pursuit as a teacher, performer, coach, official, contestant or demonstrator, including at least one year of experience in that art, craft or recreational pursuit to be performed on the job, as described below; or
• Major study in that art, craft or recreational pursuit to be performed on the job, as described below, acquired in a high school, college or other appropriate institution over at least a three year period; or
• A satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience as described above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience or education in that art, craft or recreational pursuit to be performed on the job as described below.
  
  

Job assignments are limited to the following recreational activities: woodworking, weight lifting, tennis, aquatics, soccer, fencing, golf, gymnastics, ham radio, horseback riding, hockey, figure skating, martial arts, music, nature study, art, photography, dramatics, dance-roller skating, small crafts, sewing, astronomy, auto mechanics, baton twirling, bridge, chess, modern dance, dog obedience, puppetry, boxing and storytelling.

Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in physiology, recreation or a sports related field. 2. Thorough knowledge and application of teaching swimming and water safety skills. 3. Experience recruiting, instructing and coaching sports, including girls’, women’s and non-traditional sports. 4. Proficiency in computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 5. Able to work weekends and non-traditional hours. 6. Fluency in Spanish, Korean, Mandarin/Cantonese or Polish is a plus. 7. Valid New York State driver license
  
  

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

Residency Requirement

Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service. New York City residency required within 90 days of hire for all other candidates.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.