Recreation Specialist

City of Aurora; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 51,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Department seeks a Recreation Manager to plan, manage classes, events and activities for older adults citywide. You will lead staff, coordinate partners, and ensure high-quality programs across facilities.

Required: Bachelor's in Recreation and at least 2 years of related experience, strong customer service and leadership skills. Salary range $50,889–$63,710 with commensurate based on experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation or related field.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in Recreation Management.
• Experience programming for older adults preferred.
• Strong customer service and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and schedule instructors, volunteers, and part-time staff.
• Recruit, train, evaluate, and discipline staff/instructors.
• Plan and promote recreation classes, events, and activities for older adults.
• Build partnerships with community groups to boost participation.
• Maintain program records and budgets; report as required.
• Collaborate on customer service, program development, and safety policies.
• Gather patron feedback and implement improvements.
• Update city website content and related materials.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Organization

Communication

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Recreation

Job description

The deadline to submit applications is September 30, 2026. Please note that the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine that we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.

The hiring rate for this role is $50,889 - $63,710

Salary to becommensuratewith experience.

Position and Department Overview:

The mission of the City of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Department is to encourage active lifestyles and create healthy environments for people, nature and community.

The award-winning operation consists of seven divisions (Golf, Open Space and Natural Resources, Parks Operations, Planning, Design and Construction, Recreation, Business Services and Communications) that collectively manage more than 8,000 acres of open space, 100+ parks, 180+ athletic fields, over 100 miles of trails, three nature centers, two reservoirs, five recreation centers, five golf courses, indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities and one of Colorado's largest municipal urban forestry programs.

Aurora PROS is committed to delivering exceptional public service while being responsible stewards of its diverse system of parks, programs, natural resources and amenities that enhance the daily quality of life for Aurora residents.

This dynamic and challenging position will inspire and motivate active adults and enhance their quality of life. This will include planning, and managing classes, events, and activities throughout the city facilities.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises and schedules instructors, volunteers, and other part-time staff.
• Responsible for the recruitment, training, evaluations and disciplining of assigned staff/ instructors
• Programs, plans, organizes markets and promotes a variety of recreation classes, activities and events to meet the needs of older adults.
• Establishes and maintains contacts with community groups, local organizations and agencies to increase participation in programs.
• Maintains and monitors program records including financial, attendance, registration numbers and incidents in accordance with the program guidelines.
• Collaborate with other staff developing a coordinated effort for customer service, program development, safety policies and procedures.
• Ensures patron input and current trends are solicited in reference to program activities, classes and events using formal and informal surveys, meetings and personal contact.
• Submit appropriate and timely reports as required.
• Efficiently implement programs within approved budgetary guidelines as developed.
• Web site contact contributor. Updates city website area content regularly.
• Performs other duties as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation or a related field .

Experience:

• 2 year progressively responsible experience in Recreation Management or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience working with and programming for older adults.
• Demonstrated success in programming classes, event or activities
• Experience evaluating programs

Skills:

• Must have strong customer service skills.
• Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of computers, internet, Microsoft operation systems
• Must have strong organization, communication and interpersonal skills.

Abilities:

• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, residents, vendors and elected officials.
• The ability to respond to customer inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
• The ability to motivate staff, create a positive work environment and hold staff accountable for achieving. measurable goals and developing skills.
• Direct and effectively supervise a diverse workforce.
• Ability to learn Recreation Management Software system.
• Strong Communication skills - both orally and in writing.
• Clearly solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner.
• Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Must have the ability to obtain a Colorado driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Certification in CPR/First Aid within (6 months of hire)