Recreation Program Specialist (Youth & Outdoor Programs)

Iredell-County,-Nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Iredell County is seeking a qualified professional to plan, organize, implement, and supervise a variety of recreation programs and events, including summer camps, youth activities, and environmental education. The role requires coordinating resources, budgets, and safety across indoor and outdoor settings.

Responsibilities include staff recruitment and supervision, program promotion, scheduling, collaboration with partner sites, and maintaining records and reports.

Qualifications

• Degree in Recreation Administration, General Education, Outdoor/Environmental Education, or related field. 1–3 years in Governmental or Institutional Outdoor Recreation Programs.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, implement, supervise, and evaluate recreation programs and camps.
• Develop and manage budgets; set or recommend participant fees; monitor revenues and expenses.
• Coordinate with host sites (centers, schools, trip destinations) for camps and programs.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and volunteers; maintain records and training qualifications.
• Manage equipment inventories and budgeted expenditures; promote programs and events.
• Develop promotional materials; contribute content for websites and social media.

Skills

Program planning

Budget management

Staff supervision

Event coordination

Public communication

Risk management

Record keeping

Public speaking

Education

Degree in Recreation Administration

Job description

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE STARTING YOUR APPLICATION:

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE APPLICATION IN ITS ENTIRETY AND SUBMIT THE APPLICATION BEFORE IT CAN BE SAVED IN THE SYSTEM.

YOU MUST ANSWER ALL REQUIRED QUESTIONS AND COMPLETE ALL REQUIRED SECTIONS OF THIS APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH IREDELL COUNTY

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE:

An employee in this class plans, organizes, implements, and supervises a variety of recreation programs and events. Work includes administration and oversight of: summer camps, various youth programs, annual events, environmental education, and the Outdoor Education Center/Ropes Challenge Course programs & facility Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment in properly coordinating recreational programs. Employee must also exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with program participants and employees. Work is performed in accordance with departmental rules and policies and requires judgmental discretion in the application and interpretation of programs, standards, and procedures. Employee is subject to hazards in parks and recreation including working in both inside and outside environments and in extreme temperatures, and noise. Duties may also expose the employee to human body fluids and the work is covered by the OSHA requirements on bloodborne pathogens. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated in terms of program effectiveness, program metric goals, and through observation and consultations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plans, organizes, implements, supervises, and evaluates a variety of programs, including but not limited to: summer camps, challenge course programs, teambuilding and leadership programs, outdoor programs (archery, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, etc.), environmental education, seasonal youth events, as well as other social and educational activities. Emphasis on protecting natural resources and environmental quality within the assigned programs & facilities.
• Develops and prepares budget requests for the purpose of implementing/operating programs; calculates program costs and sets or recommends fee amounts for participants, monitors/manages associated revenues and expenses.
• Communicates with program host sites (Recreation Center, schools, and trip destinations) in the planning and implementation of camps and programs.
• Recruits, trains, assigns, supervises and evaluates employees and/or volunteers for programs and events; maintains appropriate documentation, including but not limited to employee records, training qualifications, & time sheets.
• Manages inventory of equipment necessary for conducting programs; controls approved budgetary expenditures.
• Promotion and marketing of outdoor recreation and youth programs, to include development and distribution of brochures, flyers, and/or other marketing materials, providing content for the website and/or social media publications, and/or assisting with promotion via approved avenues.
• Prepares a wide variety of schedules; coordinates with facilities, maintenance, and others to ensure events run smoothly; works with various community groups as needed.
• Attends conferences, workshops, seminars and training programs to enhance job performance and maintain current standards; establishes and maintains professional affiliations to keep abreast of new ideas and trends in program area.
• Assists in the development of department and/or division operations, risk management, and policies and procedures.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints, compliments and other comments from public concerning programs and activities.
• Schedules use of vehicles issued for programs; coordinates maintenance as needed.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists other department staff/divisions in various events, programs, and related activities.
• Motor Vehicle Operator for Iredell County. Transports program participants and/or equipment to/from sites for recreational activities.
• Performs other related work as required.
• Work schedule requires some nights and weekends.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of the policies and procedures of the Parks and Recreation Department and related state and local laws.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation, outdoor and environmental education and challenge programming, and/or summer camps and counselor training.
• Considerable knowledge of recreation facilities and services.
• Knowledge of the application of information technology to the work of the department.
• Knowledge of County personnel, budgeting and purchasing policies and procedures.
• Skilled in facilitation and collaborative conflict resolution.
• Ability to work effectively with other departments, staff personnel, community organizations, the general public and special population groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, citizens, employees, supervisors, clients, group leaders and participants.
• Ability to develop and implement small and large scaled recreation programs.
• Ability to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Ability to design publicity material.
• Ability to keep accurate records and prepare and present reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in written form.
• Ability to recruit, select, and supervise and organize the work of others.
• Ability to train and instruct participants in a variety of activities.
• Skill in organizing a variety of activities including attention to details, deadlines, and proper coordination with others.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE “REQUIREMENTS”:

• Degree in Recreation Administration, General Education, Outdoor/Environmental Education, or a related field, and one to three (1-3) years of experience in Governmental or Institutional Outdoor Recreation Programs, Recreation Programming, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

ADDITIONAL “REQUIREMENTS”:

• Prefer possession of a valid North Carolina Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Passenger (“P”) endorsement, or willingness to obtain within one year of employment.
• Possession of CPR and First Aid Certification to be obtained within 6 months of employment.
• Challenge Course Manager Certification preferred, or willing to obtain within one year of employment.
• Willingness to obtain various other certifications that enhance the safety and implementation of programs (such as USA Archery, American Canoe Association, Certified Interpretive Guide, and others).

“PREFERRED” QUALIFICATIONS:

• NONE