RECREATION INSTRUCTOR (TEMPORARY)

City of Buffalo; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Buffalo seeks a Recreation Instructor to organize and lead activities across parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. Responsibilities include planning schedules, setting up equipment, leading programs, and maintaining records and grant reports. Certifications in First Aid and CPR are required, and a NYS driver’s license is mandatory.

Strong outreach to neighborhoods is essential. Position reports to the Director of Parks & Recreation or designee.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree requirement in Physical Education, Recreation or related field.
• Associate degree in Recreation Leadership with two years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Organize, develop and conduct diversified recreation activities.

Skills

Recreation programming

Activity coordination

First aid

CPR certification

Record keeping

Public outreach

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physical Education or Recreation

Associate's degree in Recreation Leadership

High school diploma or GED

Equivalent combination (A-D)

Job description

An incumbent to a position in this class is responsible for organizing, developing and conducting recreational programs in playgrounds, parks and recreational facilities. Activities may include arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation and hobbies. Incumbents are responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities in which recreational activities are conducted. The Recreation Instructor assesses the needs, capabilities and interests of specific individuals gearing toward the objective to effectively improve the physical, mental and social well-being of these individuals. Incumbents have limited latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in the modification of the general program. Work is frequently reviewed by field inspection and by consultation with supervisors. Immediate supervision is received from the Director of Parks & Recreation, Director of Recreation or a designee. Supervision is exercised over employees assigned to the work site

• Organizes, develops and conducts a variety of recreational activities such as sports, arts and crafts, games, swimming, dramatics and social activities;
• schedules activities and notifies participants of time of activity;
• arranges for and sets up recreation equipment required for the activity;
• personally participates in recreational activities to lead, motivate and assist the participants in said activity;
• maintains and requisitions supplies and equipment;
• At the direction of the Director of Parks & Recreation, Director of Recreation or a designee, prepares and maintains areas in parks, playgrounds, community centers, swimming pools and other recreational facilities where recreational activities are conducted;
• Organizes league play in such areas as basketball, soccer, floor hockey, volleyball, swimming meets, etc.;
• acts as an official, timer, scorer, referee and lifeguard;
• notifies participants of time and place of the activity;
• completes and maintains all program participant records and attendance records;
• completes and maintains all required grant reporting regarding participation numbers and activities;
• works with supervision to identify and assist in neighborhood and participant outreach to maximize center potential and utilization;
• Administers first aid and CPR as necessary;
• Performs related duties as required.

(A)Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Physical Education, Recreation or a closely related field;

(B)Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation Leadership or a closely related field and two years of full-time work experience in organizing, developing and/or supervising activities in a recreation program;

(C)Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma and four years of full-time work experience in organizing, developing and/or supervising activities in a recreation program;

(D)An equivalent combination as defined within the limits of (A) thru (C).

NOTE: Verifiable part-time/volunteer experience will be pro-rated to meet full time experience requirements. Proof of education must be presented at time of appointment.

Special Requirements

1. Possession of a current NYS Driver’s License which must be presented at time of appointment and maintained during employment;
2. Must obtain and present certification in First Aid and CPR Training within six months of appointment.

Note: Required licensing fees, training fees and any other fees connected to maintenance of the above certifications are the responsibility of the employee.

*Applicants must consent to screening requirements of the New York State License Event Notification Service (LENS). This provision is in accordance with Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 382.703(a) and cannot be performed without the consent of the applicant.

THE CITY OF BUFFALO IS AN EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYER

• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of organizing and conducting recreation activities at playgrounds and recreation centers;
• Working knowledge of principles and practices used in the planning and implementation of leisure-time recreation programs in the areas of athletics, social activities and vocational interests;
• Working knowledge of and familiarity with equipment, rules and regulations governing recreational activities commonly used in a variety of recreational settings;
• Working knowledge of first aid and CPR techniques and procedures;

(continued)

Recreation Instructor #9210 (cont'd.)

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS (cont'd.)

• Basic knowledge of safety principles and practices;
• Ability to obtain certification in first aid, lifeguard training and CPR;
• Ability to prepare accurate records and submit reports as requested;
• Ability to direct individual and group activities and maintain their interest;
• Ability to exercise good judgment when dealing with people;
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.