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

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

Job summary

Witt/Kieffer is seeking instructors for its Seasonal Soccer Referee/Umpire positions in Mecca, California. The role requires officiating games, guiding participants, and ensuring safety. Candidates must have experience or training relevant to sports and recreation programming. Positions range from entry-level to advanced classifications, requiring varying levels of experience from one year to four years in referee/umpire roles. Applicants must demonstrate excellent communication and customer service skills, as well as the ability to enforce rules consistently. Training and certifications in first aid and officiating will be necessary.

Qualifications

• Ability to lead, instruct, and officiate sports and recreation programs.
• Ability to interpret and enforce rules fairly and consistently.
• Effective communication with participants and the public.
• Demonstrated customer service skills.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and hazard management.

Responsibilities

• Officiates games, enforces rules, and ensures fair play.
• Demonstrates proper techniques and skills to participants.
• Supervises participants to ensure safety during programs.
• Responds to and resolves participant concerns or questions.
• Maintains program records and documents outcomes.

Skills

Instructional techniques

Officiating methods

Customer service

Safety supervision

Communication skills

Education

Completion of 10th grade

Job description

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

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 made by the District are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre‑employment process which may include, but are not limited to: drug screening, comprehensive background check, criminal history check, employment verification, education verification and physical.

Full‑Time/Part‑Time Seasonal

Exempt/Non‑Exempt Non‑Exempt

Hourly/Salary Range $19.10 - $34.55

Description

DEFINITION

Under general supervision (Instructor I/II) or direction (Instructor III/IV), performs a combination of instructional and officiating duties in connection with 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. Performs related work as required.

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: This is the entry‑level classification responsible for performing basic instructional and officiating duties within assigned sports, recreation, and leisure programs. Incumbents assist in leading activities and officiating games for youth, teens, adults, and/or seniors, while developing knowledge of instructional techniques, rules of play, and program procedures. Positions at this level receive guidance and direction as needed.
• Instructor II – Referee/Umpire: This is the journey‑level classification responsible for independently performing instructional and officiating duties across a variety of sports and program areas. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in conducting classes, activities, games, and tournaments, and require minimal supervision.
• Instructor III – Referee/Umpire: This is the intermediate journey‑level classification responsible for performing more complex and specialized instructional and officiating duties. Positions at this level require advanced knowledge, skills, and certifications, and exercise a high degree of independent judgment in program delivery and officiating competitive events.
• Instructor IV – Referee/Umpire: This is the advanced‑level classification responsible for performing the most difficult and specialized instructional and officiating duties. Positions at this level require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and subject matter expertise, and operate with a high degree of autonomy.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

• Officiates games and competitions; interprets and enforces rules and regulations; assesses penalties; and 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; and monitors conditions to prevent accidents and ensure participant safety and wellbeing.
• Promotes good sportsmanship, teamwork, and a positive, inclusive environment.
• Responds to questions, concerns, and complaints from participants and the public; resolves issues within established guidelines or refers to appropriate staff.
• Inspects facilities, playing areas, and equipment to ensure safety and proper use; reports maintenance or safety concerns.
• Assists with program setup, breakdown, and general operations.
• Implements and follows District policies, procedures, and safety protocols, including administering first aid and CPR as necessary.
• Documents game and/or tournament records and outcomes.
• Provides effective customer service and maintains positive working 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 and techniques applicable to assigned programs and sports.
• Rules, regulations, and standards of play for assigned sports and activities.
• Methods and techniques of implementing recreation and sports programs.
• Age and ability appropriate program content and activity design.
• Principles and practices of participant supervision, safety, and risk management.
• Care and proper use of recreational equipment and facilities.
• District policies, procedures, and safety protocols, including first aid, CPR, and AED.
• Techniques for providing effective customer service.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to

• Lead, instruct, and officiate sports and recreation programs effectively.
• Interpret and enforce rules, regulations, and policies with fairness and consistency.
• Monitor participants and activities to ensure safety, control, and wellbeing.
• Demonstrate and teach proper techniques, skills, and safe practices.
• Exercise sound judgment and make decisions in dynamic situations.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Provide courteous and professional assistance to participants and the public.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and administer first aid/CPR as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Instructor I/II/III/IV – Referee/Umpire

Education: Equivalent to completion of tenth (10th) grade. The minimum age for this position is at least 16 years of age at the time of employment.

Instructor I – Referee/Umpire

Experience: One (1) year of demonstrated experience in specific sports, recreation, and/or leisure program related to the assigned area of responsibility.

Instructor II – Referee/Umpire

Experience: Two (2) years of demonstrated experience in sports referee/umpiring in a sport related to the assigned area of responsibility.

Instructor III – Referee/Umpire

Experience: Three (3) years of demonstrated experience in sports referee/umpiring in a sport related to the assigned area of responsibility.

Instructor IV – Referee/Umpire

Experience: Four (4)+ years of demonstrated high school level referee/umpire experience in a sport related to the assigned area of responsibility.

Licenses and Certifications

Instructor I/II/III/IV - Referee/Umpire

• Possession of valid certifications in First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for adult, child and infant, to be maintained throughout employment.

Instructor I – Referee/Umpire

• Successful completion of the District’s proprietary sports department training modules and coursework within six (6) months of hire. Major coursework in recreation or equivalent subject matter, OR possession of a valid basic/entry-level license or certification from a National Governing Body for an activity/sport/exercise.

Instructor II – Referee/Umpire

• Possession of a Referee/Umpire certification required to perform work in the assigned area of Referee/Umpire. Certification must be issued by a national governing body for a sport relevant to the assigned area of responsibility and must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.

Instructor III – Referee/Umpire

• Possession of a valid, intermediate level Referee/Umpire license/certification, high school level or above, to assigned area of referee/umpire specialty for a specific sport from a national governing body, to be maintained throughout employment.

Instructor IV – Referee/Umpire

• Possession of a valid, advanced level Referee/Umpire license/certification, high school level or above, to assigned area of referee/umpire specialty for a specific sport from a national governing body, to be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

This position requires sitting, standing, walking on slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stopping, squatting, crouching, hearing, speaking, grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

While performing the duties of this job, employees may work indoors and outdoors and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

This position is currently accepting applications.