Recreation Assistant

Description

(Anticipated Hiring Range: $22.72 - $23.87/hour) 
Positions assigned to this class assist with the planning and administration of recreation programs and facilities. Assists in overseeing the daily operations and supervising front-line staff and volunteers in one or more program areas. May be assigned to aquatics, multi-generational center, or senior services.

Essential Duties

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification.  While the level and broad nature of essential duties may no change, specific work tasks may vary over time depending on the City's needs.

• Develop, plan, implement and evaluate recreation programs and special events. 

• Communicate with City employees, recreation staff, program participants, parents and a diverse public to explain program policies and procedures.
• Participate in preparing programs and event publicity including news releases, flyers, pamphlets and social media to promote various events and programs provided by Parks and Recreation. 
• Assist in the selection, training, scheduling and supervision of lower level Recreation staff, temporary or program contract employees and volunteers.
• Inventory program materials and equipment; assist in the maintenance of the facility to include cleaning and detailing equipment; issues equipment for recreation programs and operations; order supplies for program and facilities.
• Inspect and ensure safe operating of facilities and equipment; assist in the implementation of preventative maintenance schedules and needed repairs/services.
• Write report, and complete daily attendance/head-counts and accident and incident reports.
• Prepare research, reports and lesson plans.
• May assist in scheduling, supervising, and coordinating the activities and training of the aquatic center staff, multi-generational center staff, and/or senior services staff.
• May drive city vehicles and transport participants for various programs.
• May assist in serving snacks and/or meals, cooking classes, operation of concession stands and/or food preparation at events and programs.
• Support the City’s policies, goals and objectives and work with management and other staff to ethically achieve such goals and objectives; ensure compliance with safety procedures. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience
Must possess a high school diploma or GED, and two (2) years paid full-time experience working in a parks and/or recreation-related field in areas such as, Senior Programs, events, outdoor parks & recreation, Youth and Adult Sports, Special Events, Aquatics, Fitness, After School Programs, Special Interest Programming and Facility Operations, Parks Maintenance, or Park Ranger Programs and one (1) year lead or supervisory experience.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge

• General fitness and recreation equipment operation and techniques for safe usage.
• City and Department procedures, policies and guidelines; City Code; Arizona Revised Statutes.
• Working with senior adults.
• Rules, regulations and skills for participation in program including sports, aquatics, arts and crafts.
• Basic first aid methods and safety precautions used in recreation programming
• Principles and practices of supervision, leadership, and training.

Skills 

• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers and other individuals in contact during the course of work; communicating clearly and concisely; following instructions.  
• Providing quality customer service. 
• Creating and maintaining a safe environment; reacting quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Dealing tactfully and courteously with customers and employees.
• Computer and Internet usage.

Pre-employment Qualifications
Candidates who are selected for appointment may be required to be fingerprinted, if 18 or older; successfully complete a background investigation, employment verification and may be subject to a drug/alcohol test, medical, polygraph and/or psychological evaluation. Candidates who are appointed will be required to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Arizona, or meet the transportation needs of the position.

License/Certifications  
Must complete basic first aid and CPR/AED or CCR/AED training within three (3) months of appointment.
Must obtain Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card within three (3) months of appointment (depending on location). 
Must obtain a Food Handler Card within three  (3) months of appointment (depending on location). 
Must obtain Water Safety Instructor and  Lifeguard Training certifications within one (1) year of appointment (depending on location). 

Physical Demands Working Environment
Work is performed in outdoor and indoor settings, with frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions.  May require frequent sitting and continuous operation of a personal computer. May be required to perform a full range of motion with lifting and/or carrying items weighing up to 25 pounds. Required to attend and assist with off-site and outdoor events and activities, will require the operation of a vehicle.  Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, run and climb. May be required to demonstrate skills related to rescue and first aid techniques, sports, fitness equipment and climbing wall use, etc. Vision abilities required by this job include close perception, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Regularly required to reach with hands and arms, and to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools and equipment. May work a flexible schedule which includes nights, weekends, holidays and extended hours.