Recreation Leader (Temporary/Hourly)

City of Watsonville; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking enthusiastic and creative individuals to join their team as Recreation Leaders. This part-time role is perfect for those who enjoy working with youth and are passionate about fostering community engagement through recreational activities. The successful candidates will assist in planning and implementing a variety of programs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for participants. If you are a self-starter who thrives in a team-oriented setting and is eager to make a positive impact, this opportunity is ideal for you.

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a team-based environment and promote positive relationships.
• Knowledge of recreational theories and practices to create engaging experiences.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement recreational activities for youth programs.
• Supervise program activities and ensure safety regulations are followed.

Skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Communication

Customer service

Conflict resolution

Education

Experience in supervising children

Participation in sports or arts programs

Tools

Modern office equipment

Technology for organizing information

Job description

The Parks and Community Services Department is seeking self-starting, creative, forward-thinking, team-oriented individuals to fill the role of Recreation Leader. This position will be responsible for planning and implementing recreational activities for our Youth Development unit, including our day camps and after-school programs.

DEFINITION

Successful performers are positive, enthusiastic, and creative individuals who enjoy working with people. Under direct supervision, Recreation Leaders assist in organizing, planning, directing, and implementing a wide range of programs that foster human development, promote health and wellness, provide recreational experiences, and strengthen safety and security through activities, programs, and special events.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is an entry-level part-time classification used for assignment to a variety of specialized activities and/or program areas or services. Recreation Leaders in this classification work under direct supervision in accordance with specific instructions and well-defined program procedures and exercise limited independent judgment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Recreation Leaders receive direct supervision from the Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Specialist, and/or the Senior Recreation Leader. This position does not supervise or direct other personnel. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

1. Assisting in the planning and delivery of a defined activity and/or program area or service
2. Supervising program activities and participants
3. Following and giving oral and written directions
4. Maintaining facility and equipment in a clean and orderly manner
5. Maintaining accurate records and preparing reports
6. Responding calmly and efficiently in emergency situations
7. Observing and enforcing safety regulations to secure the safety of activities, participants, and spectators
8. Maintaining order, discipline, and good public relations

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Recreation Leaders are expected to possess or acquire the following abilities and knowledge:

Ability to:

1. Be open-minded to learn, understand, and implement action/work plans to meet the goals, objectives, priorities, and policies of the Parks and Community Service Department
2. Be a role model to promote protection and conservation of the environment
3. Distribute, monitor, coordinate, and maintain equipment and facilities to ensure effective and efficient programs and services
4. Demonstrate good judgment and initiative in problem-solving and program implementation
5. Approach situations tactfully and diplomatically using keen observation, insight, and patience
6. Respond constructively to conflict and work collaboratively with individuals and groups
7. Clearly communicate in order to give and receive work directions verbally and in writing
8. Apply knowledge of the community to meet the recreational, cultural, and service needs of the community
9. Understand and implement evaluation tools and suggest changes
10. Work in a team-based environment to achieve common goals and foster a positive and harmonious relationship with co-workers and the public
11. Work with diverse populations to increase their participation in programs and activities
12. Demonstrate motivation for work by demonstrating patience, understanding, care, and enjoyment in implementing recreational programs and services
13. Contribute to the advancement of the profession by continually engaging in staff training and activities that support and develop professional competencies required for the position
14. Support the Parks and Community Services Department’s philosophy of providing excellent customer service in all forms of communication
15. Be responsible, self-motivated, and reliable and independently initiate and complete work activities
16. Act professionally and positively, with confidence and enthusiasm, modeling integrity and honesty
17. Actively and purposefully engage participants in activities that promote growth and learning
18. Effectively express ideas and facts to individuals or groups through presentations

Knowledge of:

1. And skill to effectively utilize technology - computer and modern office equipment - to organize and distribute information
2. Proper English language usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation in order to read, comprehend, and communicate clearly, concisely, and tactfully both verbally and in writing
3. Modern theories, principles, practices, methods, and human development models of organizing, conducting, and directing play and recreation to create recreational experiences
4. The role of recreation in preventing substance abuse issues, gang dynamics, and other social problems
5. And understanding of inclusive practices as they apply to the operation of programs, services, and facilities
6. Local government structure and culture, elected officials, representatives, commissioners, board members, and administrators
7. Time management tools and techniques to organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments to meet deadlines

A typical way to acquire the above knowledge and abilities is to have actively participated in sports programs, music, arts, and/or music classes, or similar activities and/or have some experience in supervising children and in communicating with parents and the general public. Prior to appointment to the temporary position of Recreation Leader, fingerprinting and a TB skin test will be required.

The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.

NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE.