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. In recent years the District boundary has expanded to provide barrier‑free, safe service to more unincorporated areas of the Coachella Valley and municipalities not previously served. DRD operates over 30 recreational facilities, including community and fitness centers, sports fields, swimming pools, a golf course and driving range, and various parks and open spaces. We create and deliver quality programs, services and classes, and facilitate leisure opportunities through partnerships that encourage residents to engage in healthy lifestyles. 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE) Statement
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 background checks, drug screening, and other pre‑employment testing.
Position Description
Definition: Under general supervision (Instructor I/II) or direction (Instructor III/IV), this role provides routine to advanced instruction in a specific sport, recreation or leisure program. It includes conducting lessons, supervising participants, maintaining records, and performing related duties as required.
Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives general supervision or direction from assigned supervisors. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
Class Characteristics
Instructor I: First working, journey-level classification; independently delivers lessons to various age groups; uses judgment and initiative; fully aware of operating procedures and policies.
Instructor II: Second working, journey-level classification; similar responsibilities as I with more experience.
Instructor III: Advanced journey-level classification; more difficult/specialized work requiring advanced skills and training.
Instructor IV: Advanced journey-level/specialist classification; most difficult/specialized work requiring extensive training and industry certification.
Typical Job Functions
- Lead, teach, and conduct sports, recreation, and/or leisure activities for groups of youth, teens, adults, and seniors across the District.
- Provide technical guidance by demonstrating skills, ensuring proper form and safety.
- Supervise participants during instruction; maintain class control; monitor activities to prevent accidents and ensure safety.
- Resolve program issues within established guidelines; suggest program improvements.
- Implement and monitor District procedures related to participant safety.
- Work collaboratively with participants and parents to foster a positive learning environment.
- Respond to questions, concerns, or complaints from participants and the public.
- Maintain participant and program records and files.
- Inspect class sites, facilities, and equipment for safety and functionality; report maintenance needs.
- Encourage participation and good sportsmanship.
- Observe all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Administer first aid and CPR as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Perks at Work
- Paid Vacation Time*
- Paid Sick Time
- Discounted DRD gym membership ($1 per year)
- Discounted DRD programs/facility rentals (up to 75% off)
- Tickets at Work: discounts on 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
Knowledge of
- Instructional methods and techniques applicable to assigned subject matter area.
- Methods and techniques of implementing program activities.
- 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, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
- Basic principles and procedures of record keeping.
- District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols, including basic first aid and CPR methods.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
- The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
- Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to
- Lead and teach assigned program classes or activities.
- Oversee the operations and activities of assigned program.
- Interpret, and apply facility use policies and procedures.
- Conduct age and ability‑appropriate activities.
- Monitor program participants on a continuous basis to ensure safety and well‑being, discipline, and order.
- Understand, interpret, and apply all applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- Provide courteous assistance to program participants, parents, patrons, and the general public.
- Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure manner.
- Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience
Instructor I/II/III/IV: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
Instructor I: One year of experience providing direct instruction, training, or coaching in a sports, recreation, or leisure program related to the assigned area of responsibility.
Instructor II: Two years of experience providing direct instruction, training, or coaching in a sports, recreation, or leisure program related to the assigned area of responsibility.
Instructor III: Three years of experience providing direct instruction, training, or coaching in a sports, recreation, or leisure program related to the assigned area of responsibility.
Instructor IV: Four years of experience providing direct instruction, training, or coaching in a sports, recreation, or leisure program related to the assigned area of responsibility.
Licenses and Certifications
- Possession of valid certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED for adults, children, and infants, to be maintained throughout employment (applicable to all levels).
- Successful completion of the District’s proprietary instructor training modules and coursework within six months of hire (Instructor I).
- Possession of a valid basic or entry‑level license or certification required to perform work in the assigned area of instructional specialty from a national governing body (Instructor II).
- Possession of a valid intermediate‑level license or certification related to assigned area of instructional specialty from a national governing body (Instructor III).
- Possession of a valid advanced‑level license or certification related to assigned area of instructional specialty from a national governing body (Instructor IV).
Physical Demands
Positions require mobility in office and field environments, ability to operate a motor vehicle, use of computers and other equipment, lift, carry, push, and pull items averaging 50 pounds, and ability to bend, kneel, reach, twist, and stand for extended periods.
Work Environment
Work occurs in a moderate‑noise office environment with controlled temperature. Field work involves exposure to variable weather, road hazards, and occasional hazardous materials. Employees may interact with upset staff and the public and enforce department policies and procedures.
This position is currently accepting applications.