Recreation Specialist

Job Description:

Recreation Specialist

Description

Full-time position available with the Parks and Recreation Department, Recreation Division
Pay Range: $17.35-$26.47 per hour
Work Location: Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 W. Pennway
Work Days and Hours: Work days and hours may vary
Application Deadline: September 08, 2026

Responsibilities

What You'll Do

• Lead and instruct American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification classes for new and existing lifeguards within the department.
• Lead and instruct American Red Cross AED/CPR/First Aid classes for department staff and the public.
• Lead and instruct swim lessons for swim lesson participants.
• Teach and train lifeguards to conduct swim lessons for the public.
• Lead and instruct private swim lessons.
• Rescue swimmers who are tired or having difficulties; apply artificial respiration or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), if necessary; administer first aid for cuts and other injuries suffered by swimmers.
• Conduct and monitor aquatics activities in accordance with rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Lead and instruct aquatic fitness programming.
• Lead, plan, and organize monthly natatorium events to promote the indoor pool and officiate water contests and exhibitions as needed.
• Open, secure, and clean program areas before and after use; prepare program areas for scheduled activities and events.
• Observe and enforce all facility rules and regulations.
• Educate and inform patrons of facility rules and regulations.
• Maintain constant surveillance of patrons in the facility and respond quickly to emergencies.
• Communicate with the lifeguard team and facility staff.
• Conduct routine chlorine tests of swimming pool water.
• Attend monthly in-service training sessions.
• Complete all required daily paperwork and training during assigned shifts.
• Inspect program areas and equipment and recommend maintenance and repairs as needed.
• Issue, receive, and control the use of recreational equipment and supplies; monitor equipment inventories and recommend procurement of items as needed.
• Assist with special events as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIRES

• Six (6) months of experience in community recreation, sports instruction, arts education, or related programming (e.g., coaching, teaching art or music).
• May be required to possess a valid state-issued driver's license in accordance with City of KCMO policies.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen as prescribed by the City.

Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life's Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to [email protected] .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).