Recreation Program Specialist - Youth Sports
About the role
The Astoria Parks & Recreation department is hiring a Recreation Program Specialist to support the fall Youth Introductory Sports Program, Little Crabbers, and the upcoming winter K-5th Youth Basketball Program. Depending on qualifications and availability, the selected candidate may also assist with the Department’s After-school childcare program.
Recreation Program Specialists lead and support Parks & Recreation programs and activities in roles including officiating youth and adult sports, leading fitness classes, and providing direct support and care in youth after-school and day camp programs.
Schedule
This is a part-time, temporary position with anticipated hours scheduled between 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Mondays through Fridays, and Saturdays between 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with a maximum of 29 hours per week. Occasional work outside the anticipated schedule may be required for special events and other programs.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical oversight and leadership of youth sports programs.
- Inventory sport supplies and maintain essential items; communicate programmatic needs to the Recreation Coordinator.
- Officiate youth and adult sports.
- Assist with patron registration and check-in/check-out processes using the Department’s recreation management software.
- Communicate effectively with coaches, participants, and spectators at sporting events; provide information and assistance regarding general inquiries, programs, and schedules.
- Maintain current certifications according to assigned role.
- Inspect equipment, courts, fields, and parks for safety, proper operation, and maintenance needs; report repair or maintenance issues to appropriate personnel.
- Unlock facilities and provide oversight during games and practices.
- Support preparation and delivery of ongoing and special events and community activities.
- Perform routine administrative duties using office equipment and software such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, email, and database software; utilize automated recreation programs for patron registration, data collection, and analysis.
- Assist in responding to emergency situations by following established emergency action plans, providing First Aid/CPR as necessary, contacting appropriate agencies, and documenting incidents.
- Work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
- Maintain punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.
- Maintain a neat and professional appearance and follow established dress code.
- Respectfully take direction from supervisors and lead staff.
- Follow all safety rules and procedures for various work areas and adhere to policies, procedures, and guidelines in the City of Astoria Personnel Manual.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with coworkers and the public, including remaining calm and courteous under pressure.
- Ability to follow oral and written directions and program guidelines.
- Ability to lead as a positive role model and safely lead programs.
- Knowledge of safety and emergency procedures and ability to perform calmly and effectively under pressure in emergency situations.
- Ability to take initiative and make independent decisions within scope of authority; flexibility to adapt to changes in program or routine.
- Ability to enthusiastically plan and lead activities.
- Proficiency with or ability to quickly learn program-related software.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others.
- High School diploma or GED.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Ability to physically perform all skills required of a Recreation Programs Specialist.
- Ability to pass a City-required background check including criminal, sex offender, and social security trace records checks.
Licenses and Certifications
- Current CPR/First Aid card or ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment.
- Youth Sports: Certificate of completion from National Alliance for Youth Sports, or similar agency, within thirty (30) days of hire, as required by assigned program.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience working in youth sports environments.
- Experience working with young children in childcare or youth sports settings.
- Previous experience in recreation programming.
- Training and experience working with children.
- Ability to communicate in English and Spanish.
- Training or certificates from an accredited agency related to youth sports, sports officiating, athletic instruction, or coaching.
Work Environment
Work may occur in indoor and outdoor settings such as classrooms, sports fields, gyms, swimming pools, and on paved or unpaved paths. Noise levels can vary from moderate to loud. Physical demands include standing, sitting, walking, lifting, reaching, bending, climbing, balancing, kneeling, and crouching.