Recreation Aide II

City Of Gainesville, FL; United States; On-site; USD 23,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gainesville is hiring a Recreation Aide II to assist with planning and coordinating a variety of recreational programs at Bo Diddley Plaza. You will support event operations, facility setup and customer service while helping deliver signature cultural events.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and two years of related experience, plus required safety certifications and a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of appointment.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent with two years of related recreation experience.
• Certification prerequisites include Red Cross First Aid, AED and CPR.
• Lifeguard Instructor (WSI) certification required upon appointment.
• CYSA certification required within one year of appointment.
• Must complete DCF trainings and CDL with passenger endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development, coordination and implementation of recreational activities.
• Support event operations, programming and program marketing.
• Open/close facilities, track registrations and maintain records.
• Provide customer service and respond to inquiries from the public.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure safety and quality of programs.

Skills

Customer service

Event support

Public engagement

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Two years experience in recreation

Job description

Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department: GG_Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs: Bo Diddley Plaza Salary Range Minimum: $16.43 Salary Range Maximum: $26.40 Closing Date: 10/21/2026

Job Details

The City of Gainesville's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department is seeking an energetic, customer service-oriented individual to join the Cultural Affairs Division as a Recreation Aide II. In this role, you will support operations at Bo Diddley Plaza, the city's premier downtown music and event venue, by assisting with event and rental operations, facility setup and maintenance, customer service, and basic marketing and promotional activities. You will also play an important role in the planning and execution of Cultural Affairs' signature events, festivals, concerts, and community programs, including Free Fridays, The Great Pumpkin Bash, Downtown Festival & Art Show, and the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced, public-facing environment, has a passion for community engagement and the arts, and thrives as part of a collaborative team dedicated to creating exceptional experiences for neighbors and visitors.

Job Description

SUMMARY Assists the Recreation Leader with the development, implementation, and coordination of a variety of recreational programs and activities within an assigned City recreational facility. Provides oversight and guidance to Recreation Aide I. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its oversight of assigned recreational programs and activities.

EXAMPLES OF WORK* *This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Follows and enforces all city and departmental policies and procedures. Assists supervisor with the planning, coordination and implementation of recreational activities, such as, special events, sports leagues, instructional programs, special population programs, dances, general recreation programs and other related activities. Assists with performing site programme criteria evaluations by taking notes, providing feedback to assigned staff and following-up with supervisor. Assists in the development of new programs and classes. Answers public inquiries about programs. Receives and records complaints; and informs supervisor. Assists supervisor in responding to requests for services from the public and other agencies. Assists in the collection of surveys related to the evaluation of programs and makes recommendations for modifications and improvements. Opens and closes park and recreation facilities and buildings, according to schedule. Maintains registration, participation, inventory and expenditure records for recreation programs. Provides monthly report of these records. Oversees facility and program safety and risk management. Reports needed maintenance and repairs to supervisor. Assists in marketing recreational programs including meeting with community groups and implementing new concepts, such as, computerized program registration. Enforces published schedules and coordinates assigned staff. Maintains facility, equipment and supply inventory; keeps all equipment and supplies in good working condition; and/or cares for livestock and other live animals, including but not limited to, invertebrates, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Assists with selection, promotion, discharge and recommends other appropriate personnel actions. Assists with pre‑employment testing and training of staff. Assists with swimming lessons by providing support and supervision both in and out of the water. Transports participants and/or staff, depending upon assignment and work location. Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS May act in the absence of the Recreation Leader and/or Recreation Supervisor. Conducts routine maintenance and custodial tasks at parks facilities and buildings. Prepares recreational facilities for classes, meetings, events and activities, may include setting up chairs and tables, moving furniture and equipment. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in recreational programming, instruction, or related work.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES Licenses Valid Florida Driver’s Licence is required within thirty (30) days of appointment. Certifications General (all areas): American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is required within six (6) months of appointment. Aquatics: American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) is required upon appointment. American Red Cross Lifeguard (LG) Instructor is required upon appointment. Athletics: National Alliance for Youth Sports certification as a Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA) is required within one year of appointment. Youth Services & Education Programs: If assigned to a Department of Children’s and Families Licensed Program (DCF): Must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment. Successfully complete or have a current valid American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Pediatric CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED ) and First Aid. Must successfully complete the Department of Children and Families (DCF) 40-hour Introductory Child Care Training within 15 months of hire, take additional specialized DCF training courses, or have an education exemption. Must successfully complete annual In-service trainings. Must obtain a CDL with a passenger endorsement. Assists with DCF compliance (e.g., implementation, monitoring, training) Must be able to pass DCF required employment screenings (all Youth Services and Education Programs staff).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES General (all areas): Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and materials of recreation programs and activities. Knowledge of the materials, tools, and equipment associated with leading recreation programs and activities. Knowledge of occupational hazards (including environmental hazards) and accident prevention methods. Knowledge of personal computers and related software. Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the general public. Ability to handle cash, keep accurate records and prepare reports. Ability to enforce schedule and coordinate assigned staff. Ability to work independently and make sound decisions based on policy, procedure and circumstances. Aquatics: Knowledge of principles and methods of water safety and aquatic recreation programming. Knowledge of swimming pool maintenance practices and methods, including water chemistry applications. Ability to train and supervise aquatic staff, including teaching required certifications. Athletics: Knowledge of athletic rules and regulations. Nature: Knowledge of animal husbandry and plant cultivation. Knowledge of Florida natural and cultural history.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS General (all areas): Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions, including the ability to lift, carry, push or pull 50 pounds without assistance. Work requires the ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals, including but not limited to: water treatment, gasoline, motor oil, household cleaning and maintenance chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides. Ability to climb stairs and ladders to the height of twelve (12) feet. Must conform to grooming and dress codes (uniforms furnished). Aquatics: Ability to use respiratory protection equipment, including self-contained breathing units. Ability to pass the American Red Cross Lifeguard swim test and be able to swim down to a depth of sixteen (16) feet. Possess normal color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, distance vision and close vision. Athletics: Ability to stand and work on your feet for extended periods of time. Nature: Ability to work with and around live animals.

Work Environment

Work requires performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions. Must be able to work a varying schedule outside normal business hours [e.g. early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays]. Note: May Require Assessment(s). May fill multiple positions. May establish an eligibility list.

Benefits

The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on‑site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.

About the City

The City of Gainesville proudly employs more than 1,500 dedicated community builders who work every day to make a positive impact on our community. Our team includes professionals from a wide range of fields, from creative innovators and financial experts to public safety personnel and critical infrastructure engineers. We offer diverse and rewarding career opportunities across many departments and service areas, including General Government, Gainesville Police Department, Public Works, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Information Technology, Gainesville Fire Department, Regional Transit System, and more. No matter your background or expertise, you'll find meaningful opportunities to grow your career while serving the Gainesville community.