Recreation Specialist

About the Role

Performs intermediate paraprofessional work assisting customers with their fitness program. Work is performed under regular supervision.

Responsibilities

• Hires, trains, develops, supervises, schedules and evaluates staff
• Ensures compliance to all policies, guidelines, procedures, Federal/State regulations and standards
• Coordinates marketing efforts
• Prepares and disseminates reports and correspondence
• Procures goods, services and supplies
• Assists with budget development
• Monitors revenue collections
• Evaluates effectiveness of programs and recommends improvements
• Coordinates volunteer efforts
• Provides nuisance invasive exotic vegetation control, animal control and habitat protection
• Provides expertise in archaeological and cultural resource protection
• Manages grant application, implementation and reporting requirements
• Researches and implements best practices/procedures and prepares technical reports
• Develops land management plans and procedures
• Participates in development of park improvement designs; negotiates environmental permit conditions
• Responds to phone calls, emails, and assists walk-ins with department information
• Provides information/details for park and facility use
• Reserves facilities, processes facility use permits, and activity registrations
• Processes reservations, enrollments and payments
• Follows standards in the collection, processing and depositing of payments
• Assists in planning, developing, and/or implementing programs, activities or special events
• Assists in providing direction and oversight to volunteers and daily operations of the parks
• Performs routine inspections and refers issues for follow-up
• Assists with seasonal and summer camp programs, including set up and general clean up
• Builds relationships with customers
• Serves on committees and teams
• Organizes, implements, instructs, and supervises recreation programs and activities at recreational facilities
• Provides general supervision of the recreation center; enforces rules and regulations; prepares class schedules
• Plans and implements daily recreational activities for program participants of various ages
• Handles member problems and questions
• Prepares promotional material for advertising recreation activities or programs; contacts community to create public awareness
• Registers participants and collects fees for class registration and facility rentals
• Cleans up all equipment and fitness center
• Maintains and promotes a clean, uplifting environment for members to enjoy; ensures safety of facilities
• Reports any maintenance problems
• Promotes and ensures safe, clean and accessible parks
• Maintains quality standards within parks
• Monitors, inspects and ensures safety of playground equipment and facilities
• Recommends and oversees park and playground improvements
• Manages contracts
• Reviews and responds to customer complaints
• Coordinates work activities with other departments
• Maintains time and material records
• Plans, schedules and coordinates maintenance work and small improvement projects
• Inspects parks for safety hazards and deficiencies
• Recommends improvements and initiates corrective measures
• Investigates problems, recommends fixes, and schedules and logs work
• Performs related tasks as required

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise subordinates as needed.

Skills

• General knowledge of the principles, rules, materials, and equipment required for a fitness program
• Knowledge of first aid practices and techniques
• Ability to understand written and verbal instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships
• Knowledge of all publications in related subject areas
• Knowledge of related reference materials
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to instruct participants and adhere to program standards and objectives
• Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public
• Ability to follow written and oral directions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public
• Knowledge of recreation facility and park amenity operations
• Knowledge of rules, regulations and ordinances
• Excellent customer service skills such as courtesy, sensitivity, tact, rapport, discretion
• Recommends improvements and looks for efficiencies
• Ability to contribute effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals
• Ability to assign, review, and evaluate work of others
• Knowledge of Florida's flora, fauna and habitats
• Excellent time management skills

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation, Leisure Services, biological/natural sciences, education or related field; two years of related experience; a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in the above fields can substitute for one year of professional experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities and other competencies necessary for the position.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of Florida
• Possession of Fitness Instructor certificate
• Preferred: CPR and First Aid certificates (ability to obtain within the first 6 months of employment)
• May require certification as a Master Naturalist, NPA Professional, Pool Operator, Water Safety or Natural Area Training

Physical and Mental Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, as established in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Essential Physical Skills:
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• Mental Demands:
  • Required to use written and oral communication skills
  • Read and interpret data, information, and documents
  • Work under deadlines with constant interruptions

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This job involves inside and outside work and is exposed to all weather conditions.