Recreation Program Coordinator (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Recreation Program Coordinator (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Description

About This Position

Job Description:

Recreation Program Coordinator

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position assigns, directs, and performs tasks in the development and implementation of recreational programs and activities within a facility or as part of a major program area.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Organizes employees, contractors, and/or volunteers.
  
• Promotes interest in recreational activities; represents the City and the department with public groups.
  
• Plans, develops, coordinates, and schedules programs, activities, events, and staffing.
  
• Modifies classes and workshops to accommodate individuals with a variety of disabilities.
  
• Manages and directs the daily operations of recreational facilities, activities, and/or special events.
  
• Coordinates Citywide events.
  
• Coordinates the design and creation of necessary materials to market and promote programs.
  
• Recommends the purchase of new equipment and coordinates purchase orders.
  
• Assists with and monitors the budget.
  
• Coordinates cross-functional work groups.
  
• Research trends and implements best practices with respect to recreational programs and activities.
  
• Transports and/or accompanies program and event participants.
  
• Prepares and reviews payments, cash receipts, billing, or other accounting transactions by verifying documentation and accurately completing transactions.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of principles and methods for development design and coordination of recreational programs, activities, and events.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priority.
  
• Ability to design, create market, and promote programs.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Recreation or a related field, plus one (1) year of experience related to the development and implementation of the assigned programs.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• May require certification in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other areas as specified for the assigned class.
  
• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
  
• Texas Class ""C"" Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment.
  

Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

• Experience conducting therapeutic recreation assessments and creating modification plans to recreation programs/activities for persons with various abilities.
  
• Experience coordinating programs specifically with Youth (3-12 yrs. of age), Teens (13-18 yrs. of age), Adults and Senior Adults with disabilities in a professional recreational setting.
  
• Experience in establishing guidelines for program registration, field trips, parent meetings, and creation of new recreational programs.
  
• Experience acting as a liaison for the employer between different organizational units, communities, and stakeholders.
  

Preferred License/Certifications:

• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
  

Preferred Knowledge/Skills:

• Principles, best practices, and general knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  
• Therapeutic and inclusive recreation principles and best practices and development of policy.
  
• Intermediate level or above in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point and Outlook.
  
• Proficiency in RecTrac or other recreation/database management software program.
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provide, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of this Recreation Program Coordinator position is to develop, coordinate, market, implement, and evaluate inclusive recreation programs and community events for youth, teens, adults, and seniors with disabilities. This position is responsible for assessing participant needs and implementing appropriate program modifications to create a therapeutic and inclusive environment for all participants. The Recreation Program Coordinator also oversees Therapeutic Recreation programs, ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and manages the day-to-day operations of the recreation facility.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted, and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
  
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
  
• Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
  
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
  
• Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
  
• Physical Requirements: Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues; and tolerate loud noise associated with enthusiasm and excitement. Ability to adapt to a variety of conditions such as daily walking, climbing, standing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, running, bending, crawling, stretching and reaching; and frequently walk and sit when leading various recreational activities. Work outdoors in any and all types of weather and/or inclement conditions; and in confined spaces. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists.
  

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: APR reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
  
• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
  

Salary:

$52,550.00 to $61,870.00 per year.

Work Location(s):

Dottie Jordan Recreation Center

2803 Loyola Lane

Austin, TX 78723

and

Alamo Recreation Center

2100 Alamo Street

Austin, TX 78722

Work Hours:

• Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., schedule may vary.
  
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
  
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
  
• May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.
  

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By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-08-18