Recreation Specialist (Aurora Center for Active Adults)

About the Role

The City of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Department is seeking a dynamic and collaborative individual to join our team. This position will inspire and motivate active adults and enhance their quality of life by planning, managing, and promoting classes, events, and activities throughout city facilities. The PROS Department manages over 8,000 acres of open space, 100+ parks, 180+ athletic fields, 100+ miles of trails, nature centers, recreation centers, aquatic facilities, and golf courses, delivering exceptional public service while being responsible stewards of these resources.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and schedule instructors, volunteers, and other part-time staff, including recruitment, training, evaluations, and discipline.
• Program, plan, organize, market, and promote a variety of recreation classes, activities, and events tailored to older adults.
• Establish and maintain contacts with community groups, local organizations, and agencies to increase program participation.
• Maintain and monitor program records, including financial, attendance, registration numbers, and incidents, in accordance with program guidelines.
• Collaborate with other staff to develop coordinated efforts for customer service, program development, safety policies, and procedures.
• Solicit patron input and current trends for program activities, classes, and events using formal and informal surveys, meetings, and personal contact.
• Submit timely reports as required and implement programs within approved budgetary guidelines.
• Update city website content regularly as a web contact contributor.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation or a related field.
• 2 years of progressively responsible experience in Recreation Management or a related field.
• Ability to obtain a Colorado driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Certification in CPR/First Aid within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with and programming for older adults.
• Demonstrated success in programming classes, events, or activities.
• Experience evaluating programs.

Skills

• Strong customer service skills.
• Highly motivated with excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with computers, the internet, and Microsoft operating systems.
• Strong organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, residents, vendors, and elected officials.
• Ability to respond to customer inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
• Ability to motivate staff, create a positive work environment, and hold staff accountable for measurable goals.
• Ability to supervise a diverse workforce effectively.
• Ability to learn Recreation Management Software systems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.

Working Conditions

• May be required to work as essential personnel during local emergencies or disasters.
• Physical demands may include occasional lifting, pulling, or carrying up to 50 lbs; pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, walking, and standing.
• Requires clear vision for reading and interpreting reports and other written documents.
• Requires clear speech for communication with employees and residents.
• Requires hand-eye coordination for operating computers, keyboards, and office equipment.
• Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment.
• May require the use of personal equipment such as a vehicle or cell phone.

Pay

The hiring rate for this role is $50,889 - $63,710 annually.

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package.
• Well-funded General Employees Retirement Plan.
• Light rail station minutes away from work.
• On-site fitness center and employee well-being programs.
• Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement.
• Access to innovation workspaces.
• Furlough days (unpaid) scheduled for January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24 in 2026.

Note: The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test for marijuana is grounds for disqualification or termination. All applicants selected for employment must undergo a thorough criminal background check, and those in safety-sensitive positions will be required to pass a drug screening.