Recreation Programmer

City of Glendale (AZ); Glendale (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Glendale (AZ) seeks an energetic Recreation Programmer to plan, organize and conduct community recreation programs at a neighborhood center. The role emphasizes afterschool and youth activities, on-site registration, and customer service to participants and families.

You will lead staff, coordinate with coordinators, and collaborate with communications to promote events and programs. Strong knowledge of safety procedures and program records is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Planning, developing, and implementing age-appropriate recreation programs for school-aged children and teens.
• Adapting activities to varying ages and abilities.
• Youth engagement strategies and safe, inclusive environments.
• Daily operations: check-in, equipment, and customer service.
• Facility safety practices and emergency procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, schedules, and directs recreation programs and activities at a Community Center, focused on afterschool and youth recreation.
• Leads and oversees activities; handles on-site registration and communicates schedules and policies.
• Trains and supervises part-time staff; contributes to performance evaluations.
• Promotes programs through outreach, events, and promotional materials.
• Assists with budgeting, supplies, and equipment; maintains records and reports.
• Ensures facilities and equipment are safe, clean, and properly arranged for programs.
• Explains and enforces policies, safety standards, and rules for a welcoming environment.
• Maintains program and facility records and responds to emergencies and incidents.

Skills

Program planning

Youth program delivery

Team leadership

Customer service

Education

Associate degree in recreation, leisure services, or a related field

Job description

PLEASE NOTE: THE PHYSICAL WORK LOCATION IS: O'NEIL RECREATION CENTER, 6448 W. MISSOURI AVE., GLENDALE, AZ 85301

Our Recreation Programmers plan, organize, and conduct recreation programs and community events within the Parks and Recreation Department.

As a department, we take our work seriously but always remember that we promote play. We strive to foster a collaborative and team atmosphere among staff while providing high-quality programs, activities and events to the community and neighborhoods. We take pride in offering excellent community service while remaining adaptable and responsive to our families' needs and expectations.

We are looking for leaders who have a passion for recreation. This position provides support to a variety of programs in our Neighborhood Community Centers.

• Plans, organizes, schedules, and directs recreation programs and activities at a Community Center, with an emphasis on afterschool and youth recreation programs.
• Leads, teaches, and oversees a variety of recreation activities for all ages; provides on-site participant registration and customer service; and communicates program information, schedules, policies, procedures, and services to participants, patrons, and the public.
• Trains, schedules, supervises, and provides guidance to part-time and temporary staff; provides input regarding employee performance evaluations, coaching, corrective actions, and disciplinary matters.
• Promotes recreation programs through community outreach, events, volunteer recruitment, job fairs, and collaboration with the communications team to develop flyers, posters, social media content, and other promotional materials.
• Works with the Recreation Coordinator to identify program needs, purchase supplies and equipment, monitor program budgets, and oversee the distribution, use, care, storage, and maintenance of program materials and equipment.
• Assists with facility management and daily operations, ensuring facilities, activity areas, and equipment are safe, clean, properly maintained, and appropriately arranged for scheduled programs and facility users.
• Explains and enforces facility policies, procedures, safety standards, and rules to ensure a safe, welcoming, and positive environment for participants, patrons, staff, and the community.
• Maintains accurate program, participation, staff, activity, and facility records and prepares reports and other documentation as required.
• Responds appropriately to emergencies, safety concerns, facility issues, and other site problems and promptly communicates critical incidents and significant concerns to management.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Associate degree in recreation, leisure services, or a related field.

Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. One year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education.

Knowledge of:

• Planning, developing, and implementing intentional, age-appropriate recreation programs that promote learning, social connection, creativity, physical activity, and positive youth development for school-aged children and teens.
• Adapting games, activities, and recreational experiences to accommodate varying ages, developmental levels, interests, abilities, and participation needs.
• Youth engagement strategies, behavior guidance, group management, and creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments for children, teens, families, and community members.
• Daily community center operations, including opening and closing procedures, facility readiness, activity-area setup, participant check-in, customer service, equipment management, and maintaining safe and orderly spaces.
• Technology-based recreation programming, including tech labs, makerspaces, digital tools, creative technology, hands-on projects, and STEM/STEAM activities.
• Hands-on and project-based programming that encourages creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, and skill development.
• Recreation program scheduling, staffing, supplies, equipment, registration processes, attendance tracking, and accurate program and facility recordkeeping.
• Facility safety practices, emergency procedures, risk awareness, and the proper use, care, storage, and maintenance of recreation equipment, technology, and program materials.
• Community engagement and outreach practices that promote programs, build relationships with families and community partners, recruit volunteers, and increase participation.
• Clear and professional communication of program information, policies, procedures, schedules, and expectations to youth, families, staff, volunteers, and the public.

Additional preferred skills:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Experience with gaming computers, 3D printing, Cricut, Canva, and other emerging technologies.

Special requirements:

• Valid Arizona Driver License
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification and first aid course certification (within six months of hiring)

Success Factor Classification Level - Foundational

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Conducts various recreation programs and activities involving walking, running, bending, stooping, jumping, reaching, and hand or arm and eye movement. Transports and sets up recreational equipment.