Supervisory Recreation Specialist (Community Recreation)

This position is located in the Community Recreation Division of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, VA.

Responsibilities

• Performs supervisory duties including assigning work, defining priorities, selecting and recommending applicants for hire, evaluating performance, recommending pay adjustments/awards, providing or recommending training, approving/disapproving leave requests, and initiating corrective or disciplinary actions.
• Supervises federal civil service employees (NF-01/GS-1/2/3, NF-02/GS-4, NF-03/GS-5/6/7/8, NA-05, or NA-8), assigned military employees, non-Federal workers, unpaid volunteers, student trainees, and others.
• Authorizes personnel action requests (SF-52) and ensures timely submission of timekeeping documents.
• Ensures interviews and selection of new hires comply with established hiring practices.
• Provides outdoor field experiences such as day and weekend trips related to skill training.
• Leads day-to-day operations of multiple programs, including staffing, training, and scheduling.
• Plans, promotes, and implements well-rounded Community Recreation programs using MWR facilities in accordance with CNIC standards.
• Coordinates leisure skills development activities and classes.
• Organizes community special events (e.g., comedy shows, holiday events, celebrity appearances, concerts, 4th of July Festival, Winterfest).
• Serves as a liaison for MWR-related activities with Training Support Center (TSC), Fleet & Family Readiness Departments (N9), and other tenant commands.
• Supports unit allocation events with equipment, programming ideas, and coordination assistance.
• Develops, manages, maintains, and administers a diverse Community Recreation program, including business plan execution.
• Solicits and negotiates partnerships with on-base and off-base organizations (e.g., park districts, forest preserves, clubs, special interest groups) to support MWR programs.
• Develops professional proposals, executes agreements, and conducts follow-ups.
• Plans, coordinates, publicizes, markets, and executes programs and special events using available resources.
• Performs administrative duties, including after-action reports, data collection, and database administration (e.g., tracking patron usage and responses for metrics).
• Solicits input from activity managers regarding internal short/long-range goals, business plan objectives, and program standards.
• Monitors programs to ensure standards are met or exceeded and provides guidance to adapt or modify programs for enhanced effectiveness.
• Assists with writing standard operating procedures.
• Analyzes projected projects and programs considering operating budget, staffing requirements, trends, command mission, and changing population.
• Provides onsite project oversight and notifies leadership of any issues.
• Uses metrics and financial data to recommend program modifications.
• Ensures all facilities and activities meet fire, safety, security, and sanitation guidelines and takes action to correct deficiencies.
• Leads check-in/check-out of materials, collects fees using a point-of-sale (POS) system, and inspects equipment for damage.
• Completes Daily Activity Reports (DAR) for balancing and reconciling sales transactions.
• Performs inventory of equipment, retail items, supplies, and other cash-valued items.
• Promotes customer service awareness, manages merchandise requisitioning, and ensures adequate stock levels.
• Transports patrons off-base to local attractions for trips, tours, and outings.
• Performs other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Must pass all applicable records and background checks.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check; discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
• Work hours vary based on program needs, including split days off, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• May be required to work early, late, weekends, and holidays and is subject to regular recall.
• Must wear protective clothing and equipment as required by the situation.
• Occasional travel of less than 10% may be required.
• Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge gained through relevant education (e.g., Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Marketing, Business, or a closely related field) and/or equivalent recreation-related work experience.
• Experience in customer service and/or activity-based functions.
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of recreational programs, goals, principles, techniques, and methods used in organizing and conducting activities.
• Understanding of the scope of activities suitable for Community Recreation Programs across varying demographics, ages, and interests.
• Ability to create, negotiate, implement, and sustain partnerships via MWR agreements.
• Ability to maintain a clear and accurate database.
• Ability to represent the department and speak in front of small and large groups.
• Knowledge of recreational and entertainment events.
• Program planning and leadership skills to devise and implement leisure and social recreation programs that engage and benefit participants.

Education

This position does not have a positive education requirement.