Instructor I/II/III/IV - Referee/Umpire (Basketball Seasonal Summer)

Desert Recreation District; Indio (CA); On-site; USD 26,312 - 47,596; Part time

Job summary

Witt/Kieffer is seeking Instructors I/II/III/IV - Referee/Umpire in Indio, California. Candidates will oversee sports activities, ensuring adherence to rules while providing instruction. Varying levels of experience are required, from entry-level to advanced, dependent on the instructor tier. Responsibilities involve officiating games, promoting sportsmanship, and maintaining participant safety. This seasonal role requires strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Competitive hourly pay ranges from $19.10 to $34.55.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of instructional and officiating methods; rules and regulations of assigned sports; program design principles; safety and risk management; equipment care.
• Ability to lead, instruct, and officiate sports and recreation programs; communicate clearly in writing and orally.
• Experience in sports officiating, with specifications depending on instructor level.

Responsibilities

• Officiates games and competitions; interprets and enforces rules.
• Demonstrates and instructs proper techniques, provides guidance.
• Promotes good sportsmanship and teamwork.

Job description

Instructor I/II/III/IV - Referee/Umpire (Basketball Seasonal Summer)

Our organization covers over 1,800 square miles and provides recreational services to more than 380,000 residents throughout the Greater Coachella Valley. We work with municipalities to assure equitable service delivery to every community, regardless of economic means.

We oversee more than 30 recreational facilities, including community and fitness centers, sports fields, swimming pools, a golf course and driving range, and various parks and open spaces. In the past year we offered over 2,800 classes and programs, and more than 200 special events.

Note: Desert Recreation District does not participate in the CalPERS retirement system.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All employment offers are contingent upon proof of legal authorization to work in the United States and successful completion of required pre‑employment components.

Full‑Time/Part‑Time Seasonal

Exempt/Non‑Exempt

Hourly/Salary Range $19.10 - $34.55

Description

Under general supervision (Instructor I/II) or direction (Instructor III/IV), performs a combination of instructional and officiating duties in district sports, recreation, and leisure programs. Officiates games, tournaments, and competitions; enforces rules and regulations; demonstrates techniques and skills; and ensures a safe, engaging, and positive environment for participants. Continuously monitors participant safety and well‑being, maintains program records, and provides customer service while supporting program operations.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general supervision (Instructor I/II) or direction (Instructor III/IV) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Class Characteristics

Instructor I – Referee/Umpire: Entry‑level classification responsible for basic instructional and officiating duties. Assists in leading activities and officiating games for youth, teens, adults, and seniors, while developing knowledge of techniques, rules, and procedures. Receives guidance and direction as needed.

Instructor II – Referee/Umpire: Journey‑level classification responsible for independently performing instructional and officiating duties across a variety of sports and program areas. Exercises judgment and initiative in conducting classes, activities, games, and tournaments, requiring minimal supervision.

Instructor III – Referee/Umpire: Intermediate journey‑level classification responsible for performing more complex and specialized instructional and officiating duties. Requires advanced knowledge, skills, and certifications, and exercises a high degree of independent judgment.

Instructor IV – Referee/Umpire: Advanced‑level classification responsible for performing the most difficult and specialized instructional and officiating duties. Requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, subject‑matter expertise, and operates with a high degree of autonomy.

Examples of Typical Job Functions

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind work assignments and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform essential functions.

• Officiates games and competitions; interprets and enforces rules; assesses penalties; ensures fair and safe play.
• Demonstrates and instructs proper techniques, skills, and methods; provides guidance to promote skill development and safety.
• Supervises participants during programs and events; maintains control of activities; monitors conditions to prevent accidents and ensure safety.
• Promotes good sportsmanship, teamwork, and a positive inclusive environment.
• Responds to questions, concerns, and complaints; resolves issues within guidelines or refers to appropriate staff.
• Inspects facilities, playing areas, and equipment for safety; reports maintenance concerns.
• Assists with program setup, breakdown, and general operations.
• Implements District policies, procedures, and safety protocols, including administering first aid and CPR as needed.
• Documents game and tournament records and outcomes.
• Provides effective customer service and maintains positive relationships with participants, parents, staff, and the public.
• Attends required trainings and meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Qualifications

Knowledge of instructional and officiating methods; rules and regulations of assigned sports; program design principles; safety and risk management; equipment care; District policies; first aid/CPR/AED; customer service techniques; applicable laws and regulations.

Ability to lead, instruct, and officiate sports and recreation programs; interpret and enforce rules; monitor participants for safety; demonstrate and teach techniques; make sound judgments; communicate clearly in writing and orally; provide courteous assistance; maintain accurate records; build working relationships; work independently and as part of a team; respond to emergencies and administer first aid/CPR.

Education and Experience

Any combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Typical path:

Instructor I/II/III/IV – Referee/Umpire: Education equivalent to completion of tenth grade. Minimum age 16.

Instructor I – Referee/Umpire: One year of demonstrated experience in related sports or recreation programs.

Instructor II – Referee/Umpire: Two years of experience in sports officiating.

Instructor III – Referee/Umpire: Three years of experience in sports officiating.

Instructor IV – Referee/Umpire: Four or more years of high‑school level officiating experience.

Licenses and Certifications

Instructor I/II/III/IV – Referee/Umpire: Valid certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED for adult, child and infant, to be maintained throughout employment.

Instructor I – Referee/Umpire: Successful completion of District proprietary sports department training within six months; or possession of a basic/entry‑level license or certification from a National Governing Body.

Instructor II – Referee/Umpire: Possession of Referee/Umpire certification required for assigned area, issued by a national governing body, maintained throughout employment.

Instructor III – Referee/Umpire: Possession of a valid intermediate or high‑school level certification, maintained throughout employment.

Instructor IV – Referee/Umpire: Possession of a valid advanced or high‑school level certification, maintained throughout employment.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Position requires sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stopping, squatting, crouching, hearing, speaking, grasping, and repetitive hand movements. Ability to lift or move materials averaging 50 pounds or more with proper equipment or assistance.

Work Environment

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees may work indoors and outdoors; are exposed to loud noise, temperature extremes, inclement weather, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, hazardous substances, dust, and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff or public.

This position is currently accepting applications.