About the Organization
Covering over 1,800 square miles, Desert Recreation District (DRD) provides recreational services to more than 380,000 residents throughout the Greater Coachella Valley. We work with municipalities in a collective effort to assure equitable service delivery to every community regardless of economic means. The District boundary has expanded in recent years to provide barrier‑free, safe service to more unincorporated areas and municipalities previously unserved.
DRD is responsible for over 30 recreational facilities that include community and fitness centers, sports fields, swimming pools, a golf course and driving range, and various parks and open spaces. In addition, DRD creates and delivers quality programs, services and classes; and, facilitates leisure opportunities through partnerships that encourage residents to engage in healthy lifestyles and wellness activities. In the past year we offered over 2,800 classes and programs, and more than 200 special events.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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 establishing proof of legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre‑employment process, which may include drug screening, background checks, education verification, and a physical exam.
Position Details
Type: Full‑time/Part‑time (Non‑Exempt)
Hourly/Salary Range: $19.10 – $23.86
Description
Definition: Under general supervision (Instructor I/II) or direction (Instructor III/IV), provides routine to advanced/specialized instruction in connection with a specific sport, recreation, and/or leisure program, class, and/or activity; conducts lessons and classes tailored to participant interests and abilities; provides demonstrations and supervises program participants; continuously supervises and monitors participants to ensure their safety and well‑being; maintains participant/program records and files; and performs related work as required.
Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives general supervision or direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
Class Characteristics
Instructor I: Entry‑level, independently delivers a variety of lessons/classes within a specific sport, recreation, or leisure program. Exercises judgment and initiative in tasks, receives occasional instruction or assistance, and fully understands operating procedures and policies.
Instructor II: Similar to Instructor I, but with slightly higher experience and responsibility.
Instructor III: Advanced, performs more difficult/specialized work, requiring advanced skills and training in the subject matter. Exercises judgment and initiative.
Instructor IV: Advanced/specialist, performs the most difficult/specialized work, requiring extensive training and industry certification. Exercises judgment and initiative.
Responsibilities
- Leads, teaches, and conducts sports, recreation, or leisure activities, lessons, and classes for groups of youth, teens, adults, and/or seniors.
- Provides technical guidance by demonstrating skills, methods, and techniques, ensuring proper form and safety.
- Supervises participants during instruction; maintains class control; monitors activities to prevent accidents and ensure safety.
- Resolves program issues, suggests improvements.
- Implements and monitors District procedures with respect to participant safety.
- Works collaboratively with participants and parents to ensure strong relationships and a positive learning environment.
- Responds to questions, concerns, and complaints from participants and the public; resolves or refers to appropriate staff.
- Maintains participant and program records and files.
- Inspects class sites and facilities for safety; reports maintenance needs.
- Encourages participation and good sportsmanship.
- Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Administers first aid and CPR as necessary.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Paid Vacation Time*
- Paid Sick Time
- Discounted DRD Gym Membership ($1 per year)
- Discounted DRD Program/Facility Rentals (up to 75% off)
- Tickets-at-Work discounts to theme parks, movies, concerts, sporting events, hotels, etc.
- Candidate Referral Program
- Financial Fit (FinFit) educational resources
- Paid CPR/AED/First Aid certification training
Position Requirements
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Instructional methods and techniques applicable to assigned subject matter.
- Program activity implementation methods.
- Age and ability‑appropriate program content.
- Operations, services and activities of assigned program.
- Principles, practices, procedures, and equipment of assigned subject area.
- General office and business administrative practices.
- Care and proper use of recreational equipment and supplies.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances.
- Basic record‑keeping principles and procedures.
- District and mandated safety rules, including first aid and CPR.
- Customer service techniques for dealing with public, vendors, contractors, and staff.
- English language structure and content for effective performance.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions.
Ability to:
- Lead and teach assigned program classes or activities.
- Oversee program operations and activities.
- Interpret and apply facility use policies and procedures.
- Conduct age and ability‑appropriate activities.
- Monitor participants continuously to ensure safety, discipline, and order.
- Apply laws, codes, regulations, policies, and standards.
- Provide courteous assistance to participants, parents, patrons, and the public.
- Maintain facilities and equipment safely and securely.
- Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within policy and legal guidelines.
- Use computer systems, software, and modern business equipment effectively.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and foster positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
- Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
- Instructor I: One year of experience providing instruction/training to participants in a sports, recreation, or leisure program.
- Instructor II: Two years of experience in similar instruction.
- Instructor III: Three years of experience in similar instruction.
- Instructor IV: Four years of experience in similar instruction.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid California driver’s license, maintained throughout employment.
- Valid certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED for adult, child, and infant.
- Instructor I: Successful completion of District’s proprietary instructor training modules within six months of hire.
- Instructor II: Valid basic/entry‑level license or certification required to perform work in the instructional specialty.
- Instructor III: Valid intermediate‑level license or certification in the instructional specialty.
- Instructor IV: Valid advanced‑level license or certification in the instructional specialty.
Physical Demands: Positions require mobility, ability to walk between work areas, vision to read printed materials and computer screens, hearing and speech for communication, ability to stand and walk between work areas, finger dexterity to use computer keyboard, ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials averaging up to 50 pounds, and occasional heavier weights with proper equipment.
Work Environment: Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature; in the field they are exposed to loud noise, inclement weather, road hazards, chemicals, vibrations, and other hazards. Employees may interact with upset staff and the public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
This position is currently accepting applications.