Recreation Specialist

City of Aurora; South Dakota; 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 dynamic Recreation Program Manager to plan and manage classes, events and activities across city facilities.

You will supervise instructors and staff, recruit and train personnel, and collaborate with community groups to expand programming for older adults while ensuring excellent customer service and adherence to budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation or a related field.
• 2 years of progressively responsible experience in Recreation Management or a related field.
• Certification in CPR/First Aid within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to obtain Colorado driver’s license with a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and schedules instructors, volunteers, and other part-time staff.
• Recruit, train, evaluate, and discipline assigned staff/instructors.
• Plan and promote recreation classes, activities and events for older adults.
• Maintain program records and collaborate on customer service and safety policies.
• Submit reports and manage programs within approved budgets.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Organization

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Recreation or related field

Tools

Recreation Management Software

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.

$50,889 - $63,710

Salary to be commensurate with 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

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 years of 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)

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel:

When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• May require occasional lifting, pulling or carrying up to 50
• Maybe require occasional pushing, pulling, bending and stooping
• May require some lifting, walking and standing
• Will require clear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents
• Will require clear speech communications inherent to maintaining communication with employees and residents
• Will require hand eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard parts, copies, and other movable audio visual and office equipment

Work Environment:

Works primarily in a clean comfortable environment

Equipment Used:

Standard business and office equipment and tools including computers, laptops, and projectors Position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment vehicle cell phone, etc., in the course of employment