Recreation Associate - Nelson Center

Springfield Park District

Recreation Associate

Nelson Center

Department: Nelson Center

Position Title: Part-Time Recreation Associate_ NC

Reporting Authority: Business Administrator

Classification: Non-Exempt - Non-Union

Salary: $15.00 per hour

What is the Springfield Park District?

The Springfield Park District offers a variety of educational and recreational programs, classes and events for people ranging in age from 6 months to seniors. The Park District partners with several local organizations and clubs to provide athletic programming such as youth baseball/softball, men’s soccer, disk golf leagues, cricket, rugby, pickleball, youth football, bicycling clubs and related clubs/groups. Additionally, the Springfield Park District also maintains intergovernmental/cooperative agreement with various Police Departments, School District and local colleges. We manage 4 Golf Courses, 2 Indoor Ice Rinks, 2 Outdoor Pools, Indoor Pool, 3 Dog Runs, 3 Disc Golf Courses, 2 Baseball Stadiums, 2 Early Childhood Program Facilities; Preschool & Funshop, 2 Historic Pavilions, Special Needs Facility, a Carillon, Botanical Garden, Tennis Complex, Skate Park, Erin’s Pavilion Rental Facility and the Henson Robinson Zoo.

Our Mission: to provide accessible and memorable recreational opportunities that enrich the community and improve the quality of life for generations as well as conserve our natural resources.

Position Summary:

The Recreation Associate is an entry level position. Candidates must demonstrate the skill and competence necessary to assist with a variety of Program Coordinators, Facility Managers, and Teachers in class activities, front-line/guest services, customer service initiatives, point of sale systems and rental services throughout the Springfield Park District, but for this position advertisement is specific to and reports at the Nelson Center.

Experience in babysitting, nanny positions, child-care facilities, camp counselor, receptionist, retail, food industry, customer service representative and other similar activities involving pre-school age children to seniors is a plus.

This position reports to the Nelson Center 1601 N. 5th. St., Springfield, IL 62702 Ph: 217-753-2800. Associates will operate cash registers, assist with registration, assist with public skate ticket processing, assist with rentals, birthday parties, work Special Events, and provide customer service to Nelson Center patrons. The work is performed in and around the Nelson Center facilities and involves regular contact with the public.

Working hours may vary. Candidates must be willing to have flexibility in scheduling and could work weekdays, evenings and/or weekends and hours are based on facility’s needs. Activity prep and activity time can average each shift 3 hours and sometimes Recreation Associates may be asked to fill hours at more than one Park District recreational program area or facility per day.

Schedules for the Recreation Associate_ NC are determined by the Nelson Center Business Administrator or designated Program/Facility Supervisors, and to the best of abilities we try to accommodate multiple part-time staff schedules. Candidates – plan to provide which days and times you have availability to be considered for this part-time position.

Specific Responsibilities:

• The Recreation Associate shall work under direct supervision and/or guidance of the Nelson Center Business Manager, LEAD Recreation Associate, and Facility Program Supervisor, or any other designee. Recreation Associate shall not assume full responsibility for a group of children or program participants without supervision or parental guardians present.
• Successful Completion of Park District Orientation, Rectrac Learning Lab & Customer Service Training.
• Operate Point of Sale Systems to include cash handling, cash registers, cash close-out responsibilities, learning RecTrac and online portal WebTrac (Park District Online Registration Software) to assist patrons with admissions, membership passes, activity sign up, rentals, etc.
• Recreation Associates will be responsible for setup and cleanup of classes, birthday parties, and other activities including but not limited to;
• Working front line registration desks,
• Responsible to follow all COVID-19 facility rules and policies,
• Responsible to ask COVID-19 screening questions and take temps,
• Responsible for good customer service,
• Receptionist duties such as answering phones in a professional manner, transferring calls to other staff, filing, organizing, and other office duties as assigned.
• At times, could be required to assist with recreation program preparation for the Facility Mangers, Facility Program Supervisor or Instructors and cleaning projects, organizing back room activities for the participants and their parental/guardian chaperone.
• At times, with direct supervision, helping with group activities for pre-school aged children all the way to seniors.

SPECIFIC TO NELSON CENTER ICE RINKS AND POOL:

• Perform specific duties, procedures at the Nelson Center pertaining to daily Admissions to the ice rinks and swimming pool.
• Responds to customer inquiries regarding the Nelson Center programs, services, and rentals.
• Aids other area Nelson Center Staff as assigned and when needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Preferred Candidates will be 16 years of age or older. Qualified candidates age 15 might be considered but must provide parental permission, Work Permit and have transportation to and from work shifts.
• Must be currently enrolled in High School or possess a High School diploma.
• Willingness to learn educational information and details about the Park District and specific to the Nelson Center.
• Must be a team player and be willing to work in groups.
• Must possess emotional maturity and show respect when working with children and adults.
• Sensitivity to patron and/or participants socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds and individual needs and capabilities.
• Must follow lead and direction of Business Administrator or designated Facility Program Supervisors.

General Requirements:

• Must be able to read and write and have good command of the English language.
• Good oral and written communication.
• Physical capabilities – lifts 50 pounds, squat, bend and move as necessary for the job.
• Must be able to perform basic mathematics.
• Must have basic proficiency of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Must possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License; unless position approved for 15-year old with ID.
• Must present a neat and professional appearance.
• Responsible for following policies and procedures outlined in Springfield Park District employee manual.
• Must live within 50 miles of the Springfield Park District Administrative office located at 2500 S. 11th St, in the State of Illinois or must be willing to move within the stated area in the State of Illinois within the first 6 months of acceptance of a position with the Springfield Park District; unless otherwise pre-approved by Hiring Manager/Supervisor.

Deadline to Apply:

Applications & Resumes should be submitted Online:

To be considered for a position, all applicants should apply online through our Job Opportunity and Tracking Portal. No paper applications or resumes will be accepted. Go to www.springfieldparks.org and click on Join Our Team to see a full list of job opportunities.

The Springfield Park District is committed to the provisions of Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action to its applicants regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, age sex, marital or veterans’ status, national origin, disability or any other legally protected status.

(updated 4.21.2025)