Recreation Program Specialist (Athletics)

TOWN OF APEX
invites applications for the position of:
Recreation Program Specialist (Athletics)

ABOUT THIS POSITION:
Expected Hiring Range: $23.75-$31.45
Work Location: John M. Brown Community Center, 53 Hunter Street (will transition to Pleasant Park once open)
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm with some nights and weekends required.
Posting Closing Date: Open until filled (application review process will start May 2)

The Town of Apex is searching for an experienced recreation professional to run youth and adult athletic programs within the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department. Be a part of opening the Town's brand new athletic complex, Pleasant Park! With 6 turf multipurpose fields, 4 baseball/softball fields, and a huge amenity area with a splash pad and incredible play area, this unique facility will be the first of its kind in the Triangle area. As part of the Athletics staff, you will have the opportunity to create and expand a variety of new and exciting programs. Come and join our team!

WHO WE ARE:
Known as "The Peak of Good Living, the Town of Apex is a rapidly growing Wake County municipality with a current population of 70,000 and was ranked in 2015 as Money Magazine's Best Place to Live in America. Our current workforce is comprised of over 540 full-time employees and over 125 part-time/seasonal staff. Our Human Resources Department - with the support and confidence of Town leadership - is committed to providing best-in-class HR programs for our employees, with a mission to create a culture of empowerment and accountability that maximizes individual and organizational potential. We offer a generous benefits package, and have a highly competitive compensation program. More than that, the Town is an awesome place to work, as evidenced by the 96% job satisfaction rating received in the last employee opinion survey conducted with our employees.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING (DESCRIPTION):
This position performs professional work in planning, coordinating, implementing, and supervising a variety of youth and adult athletic programs for the Town. Work involves researching needs and interests of assigned program groups, planning, coordinating, and scheduling of games, practices and other events; maintaining budget for assigned programs; recruiting volunteer coaches, and scheduling and supervising their work; and contact with participants, community groups, and contracted staff such as instructors and officiating personnel. The employee is also responsible for ordering materials, equipment, and supplies used in programs, and arranging for setup. Work is performed in accordance with departmental rules and policies, and requires judgmental discretion in the planning and delivery of service. Employees are subject to regulations on protections from bloodborne pathogens, and may be subject to hazards in parks and recreation including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather. Work is under the general supervision of the Pleasant Park Manager and is evaluated in terms of program effectiveness, through observation and through discussions surrounding public acceptance.

A SAMPLE OF THE ESSENTIALS (DUTIES & TASKS):
Oversees the day-to-day administration of assigned program areas, including planning and scheduling of practices, games, and other events; planning and scheduling facilities usage; recruiting volunteers and instructors for leagues and clinics, and scheduling and supervising their work; working with booking agents to schedule officials for games; and contact with participants, community groups, and supervising part-time staff.

• Plans, organizes, and promotes athletic events and leagues for youth and adults in a variety of sports such as softball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse.
• Creates and revises game and practice schedules for each league; forms teams through registration and draft process; assists in the registration process.
• Makes periodic observation and evaluation of athletic and recreational programs assigned for quality of service or instruction, proper use of equipment and facilities, sportsmanship, participation, and feedback from the events.
• Maintains data on attendance, fees for residents/non-residents, costs and other related program information; enters registration and attendance information into ActiveNet software.
• Plans and requests budget needs; purchases supplies and materials for designated program area.
• Helps offset program costs by soliciting local businesses to sponsor youth teams.
• Responds to concerns, complaints and questions from citizens and program participants.
• Prepares regular and special reports as required.

Additional Job Duties

• 
  Assists other program staff in with special events or departmental programs during the year.
• Serves on departmental or Town committees and subcommittees.
• Serves as back-up for customer service staff.
• Performs related duties as required.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED (MINIMUM MUST-HAVES):

A valid driver’s license & graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor’s degree in recreation administration, physical education, or related degree and experience in recreational programming related to area of assignment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

WITH THE ABILITY TO...(KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES):

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of recreational and educational programs for assigned program area (athletics).
• Knowledge of standard resources, materials, and facilities utilized in special activities of a public recreational program.
• Working knowledge of organizational policies and procedures related to budgeting, purchasing, and personnel.
• Ability to effectively plan, execute and evaluate a variety of programs and activities.
• Ability to understand and work with different age groups and to assess needs and interests of potential program participants.
• Ability to plan and coordinate the work of limited service workers and volunteers.
• Ability to express ideas effectively and communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, citizens, employees and other public and private groups and agencies.
• Ability to plan and coordinate the work of part-time and volunteer staff.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution.
• Working knowledge of the application of information technology to the work performed.

WHAT WOULD SET YOU APART (PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS):

In addition to the must-haves listed above, it would be great if you happen to have:

• Possession of or ability to obtain certification in C.P.R., first aid, and defibrillator usage.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of standing, walking, grasping, kneeling, talking, and hearing.
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, perform extensive reading, utilize measuring devices, and inspect the activities and work of others.

KEEP IN MIND:
Providing a safe work environment for our employees is a top priority, therefore all new hires must successfully complete a pre-employment drug test, post-offer functional testing (if required by position), background verifications including references, criminal record and driver's license checks prior to employment. Possession of NC driver's license.

WHAT WE OFFER:
Not only is the Town "The Peak of Good Living", but it's also a great place to work! We strive to "reach the peak" of being an employer of choice by providing competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including:

• 
  Paid medical, dental, vision, & life insurance for employees
• Contributions to the NC Local Government Pension and NC401k Retirement Plans
• Traditional sick & vacation leave
• Paid parental, caregiver, community involvement, and bereavement leave
• 13 paid holidays plus an additional floating holiday
• Longevity pay
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive wellness program, and more!

The Town of Apex provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation or marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.