Recreation - Recreation Center Program Developer - Parks & Recreation

Abilene Zoological Gardens; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Abilene Zoological Gardens seeks a proactive Recreation Coordinator to plan, coordinate, promote, and evaluate community programs for participants of all ages under the Recreation Center Manager.

You will manage schedules, registrations, and events; supervise staff and volunteers; ensure safety, accessibility, and engaging activities; and maintain records and budgets.

Qualifications

• Experience in recreation, fitness, or community programming.
• Ability to plan, schedule, and promote programs.
• Strong customer service and community engagement skills.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate recreational programs, classes, leagues, and events.
• Prepare schedules, registration info, and promotional materials.
• Monitor participation, attendance, and program costs.
• Coordinate staff and volunteers; ensure safe operations.
• Maintain program records, reports, and budgets.
• Promote services through media and promotions.

Skills

Program planning

Customer service

Communication

Event coordination

Collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

CPR/AED certification

Job description

General Description

Under the general supervision of the Recreation Center Manager, plans, coordinates, promotes, and evaluates recreational programs and activities for participants of all ages. Helps ensure programs are safe, inclusive, engaging, and responsive to community needs.

General Description

Under the general supervision of the Recreation Center Manager, plans, coordinates, promotes, and evaluates recreational programs and activities for participants of all ages. Helps ensure programs are safe, inclusive, engaging, and responsive to community needs.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position does not exercise direct supervision.

Important And Essential Duties

Develop and coordinate recreational programs, classes, leagues, special events, and community activities. Prepare program schedules, registration information, promotional materials, and activity calendars. Monitor participation, attendance, customer satisfaction, and program costs.

Coordinate the work of staff, volunteers, and program instructors as assigned.

Assist with facility scheduling and ensure activities are conducted safely and efficiently.

Develop strategies to increase engagement and participation.

Provide excellent customer service to participants, families, community members, and facility users.

Enforce recreation center policies, safety procedures, and applicable regulations.

Coordinate the equipment, supplies, facilities, and vendors needed to support programs and activities.

Respond to participant concerns and resolve routine program and customer service issues.

Maintain Program Records, Reports, Budgets, And Other Required Documentation.

Coordinate special events, tournaments, camps, and community-wide recreation initiatives.

Obtain necessary permits, equipment, and resources in accordance with applicable safety requirements. Manage event logistics, including venue setup, equipment, decorations, catering, and supplies. Coordinate staff and volunteers, delegate tasks, oversee event operations, and address issues that arise.

Recommend changes to program staffing, objectives, policies, and procedures to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

Monitor expenses, track invoices, and adjust plans as needed to remain within budget.

Promote Recreation Division services, programs, activities, and events through various media. Research current trends and developments in the recreation industry and identify opportunities to enhance programs and services.

Collaborate with the Media Specialist on digital and print promotion of upcoming events, including event descriptions, visuals, and other promotional materials designed to attract participants.

Other Job Related Duties

Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge Of

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Recreational program planning, development, and evaluation.

Community recreation principles and practices.

Sports, fitness, and leisure activities.

Program registration and scheduling procedures.

Facility operations, maintenance, and safety practices.

Risk management and emergency procedures.

Customer service principles and community engagement.

Recreational, social, and cultural needs of the community.

Budgeting, purchasing, and basic management practices.

Methods for working effectively with individuals of all ages and with diverse community groups.

Skill To

Plan, organize, and coordinate recreation programs and activities.

Communicate effectively with participants, staff, volunteers, community partners, and the public.

Provide excellent customer service and resolve participant concerns.

Coordinate staff and volunteers to support programs, activities, and events.

Develop program schedules, promotional materials, and reports.

Manage multiple programs, priorities, and deadlines.

Maintain accurate records and monitor program participation.

Establish positive working relationships with community organizations and partners.

Respond appropriately to emergencies and enforce safety procedures.

Work effectively with people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Ability To

Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing needs.

Enforce policies and procedures while maintaining a friendly and professional atmosphere.

Maintain a safe, clean, and organized program and facility environment.

Communicate clearly and professionally with patrons, staff, and community partners.

Resolve conflicts and respond to emergencies calmly and effectively.

Lift and move equipment, set up program spaces, and perform moderate physical tasks.

Contribute to inclusive, accessible, and engaging recreation programs.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values: Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that supports the Division’s mission and treats others with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience And Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience

One (1) to three (3) years of experience in recreation, fitness, sports management, community programming, parks and recreation, or a related field.

Education/Training

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in recreation administration, physical education, leisure studies, or a related field is preferred.

License Or Certificate

A valid Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is preferred.

CPR/AED certification is required within six (6) months of hire.

Special Requirements

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

_X__ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes For How Often

N = No

E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)

M

Standing

M

Sitting

M

Walking

I

Lifting

I

Carrying

I

Carrying

I

Pushing/Pulling

I

Overhead Work

M

Fine Dexterity

I

Kneeling

I

Crouching

I

Crawling

I

Bending

I

Twisting

I

Climbing

M

Balancing

E

Vision

E

Hearing

E

Talking