Recreation Programs Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Recreation Programs Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

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.

Job Description:

Purpose:

The purpose of the Recreation Programs Specialist position is to provide a wide variety of recreational and educational programs for youth and teens, adults and/or 50+/seniors and working with diverse populations and communities, including public speaking and interacting with individuals of diverse social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds.

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.

• Develops, markets, schedules, implements, conducts, and coordinates Citywide activities, programs, and special events.
• Coaches and officiates sporting activities.
• Ensures all events and activities conform to appropriate safety rules.
• Modifies classes and workshops to accommodate individuals with a variety of disabilities.
• Prepares and reviews payments, cash receipts, billing, or other accounting transactions by verifying documentation and accurately completing transactions.
• Coordinates with other organizations. Solicits donations.
• Transports and/or accompanies program and event participants.
• Provides participants and the general public with information.
• Completes and maintains forms, records, and reports.
• Ensures proper facility and equipment set up and maintenance.
• Maintains inventory of supplies, tools, equipment, trophies, prizes, and mementos.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, 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 recreational programs and activities.
• Knowledge of City practices and policies and Local laws and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Ability to plan, market, and promote programs.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the City and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with an associate degree from an accredited college or university 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 the education up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in recreation programming for youth (5 - 12 yrs. of age), teens (12 - 18 yrs. of age), adults, and senior adults in a government/municipality recreation facility, educational institution, activity center and/or a similar setting.
• Experience in planning, developing, and implementing recreation youth sports and/or leagues.
• Experience in planning, developing, and implementing recreational curriculum and/or special events.
• Experience in planning, developing, and implementing youth day/summer camps.
• Experience in monitoring an operational budget for an assigned work area.
• Experience creating, editing, and producing promotional/marketing materials such as flyers and brochures.
• Experience with RecTrac Activity/Registration software or similar registration software.
• Experience working with volunteers and or volunteer groups.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.
• Intermediate level in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Notes to Candidate:

Other relevant duties include but are not limited to:

• Recruit, train and instruct temporary staff, and volunteers.
  
• Create, develop, implement and evaluate programs and special events.
  
• Provide assistance to PARD staff, employees, and the public.
  

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 may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
  

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:

$23.13 to $26.26 per hour.

Work Location:

South Austin Recreation Center

1100 Cumberland Road

Austin, TX 78704

Work Hours:

• Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  
• May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.
  

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: 2025-12-10