Recreation Specialist

City of Vancouver; United States; Presencial; USD 46.000 - 59.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The City of Vancouver is seeking a Recreation Specialist to manage a variety of aquatics programming and provide operational support for the City-wide Aquatics program. This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position under AFSCME.

The schedule includes Tue–Fri 10:45am–7:45pm and Sat 7:30am–4:30pm at Marshall Community Center. Minimum requirements include two years of aquatics experience (lifeguarding, swim instruction) and a HS diploma or equivalent.

Formación

• Two (2) years working in aquatics environment to include lifeguarding, swim instruction and basic pool operations preferred.
• Education: HS Diploma/GED *Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Microsoft Outlook/TEAMS – Intermediate
• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – Beginner
• Possession of Lifeguard Certification (Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certification, preferred)
• Water Safety Instructor Certification (Red Cross WSI, preferred)
• Ability to obtain Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certification within 3 months
• Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification within 3 months
• Knowledge of water quality and aquatic facilities operations to comply with standards
• Federal/state/local laws related to operation of Aquatic Facility and programming

Responsabilidades

• Maintain water quality and safe operational standards.
• Serve as Head-Guard or Lead WSI and be on-deck liaison for patrons and staff.
• Lead weekend programming and operations in absence of other staff.
• Troubleshoot and resolve front-line issues while maintaining safety protocols.
• Assist in training and re-certification for lifeguards and staff.
• Enforce policies with participants and parents.
• Coordinate incident follow-ups with Aquatics and Programs teams.

Conocimientos

Aquatics experience

Lifeguard certification

Water Safety Instructor

Communication

Computer skills

Educación

HS Diploma/GED

Herramientas

Outlook/TEAMS

Microsoft Office

Descripción del empleo

Salary Range 4,121.00 - 5,268.00

Job Summary

Are you a fan of a well-used park, an urban trail, a beautiful greenspace, a vibrant community center, a summertime community event? Do you value what parks, recreation and cultural programs and services contribute to a community and its livability, and do you like the idea of surrounding yourself with others who feel similarly? If who we are speaks to you, and if you’re the type of person who is interested in joining a team whose work impacts invested in ensuring community receive meaningful, excellent services then the City of Vancouver may be for you. We’re currently recruiting for a Recreation Specialist. The primary responsibilities for the job are to perform a variety of hands‑on, specialized aquatics programming and operational support of City‑wide Aquatics program and operations. This is a full‑time, regular, non‑exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the AFSCME union. The schedule for this position is below. Tues‑Friday: 10:45am – 7:45 Saturday 7:30am – 4:30 Primary Location: Marshall Community Center Union Pay Strategy Salary for this position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with negotiated step increases based on seniority. Candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position will be at the beginning of the listed range, equal to Step1. Directly related experience, certifications and relevant credentials exceeding minimum requirements will be considered for step credit at hire, with such credit not to exceed Step4, the approximate midpoint of the listed range, unless otherwise stipulated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Work in conjunction with or at the direction of CPO/Aquatic team to maintain water quality and safe operational standards.
• Serve as Head-Guard or Lead WSI and function as on-deck liaison and first point of contact for patron and temporary staff and/or operational issues, concerns and questions.
• Serves as lead for weekend programming and operations and/or in the absence of other senior aquatics or program staff.
• Troubleshoot, intervene and/or resolve front-line emergent program, operational or customer service issues while maintaining established safety protocol and training standards.
• Assist in on-going training, coaching, in-services and (re)certification process for temporary/seasonal Lifeguard, Water Safety and Aquatics Maintenance staff members.
• Communicate and enforce policy, procedure and guideline with participants, parents and the community.
• Ensure communication and incident/issue follow-up with Aquatics team, Programs team and/or Center Directors utilizing approve forms, processes and communication protocol.
• Supports overall Community Center programming and operations, as needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education:

• Two (2) years working in aquatics environment to include lifeguarding, swim instruction and basic pool operations preferred.
• Education: HS Diploma/GED *Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Microsoft Outlook/TEAMS – Intermediate
• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – Beginner

Required Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Possession of: Lifeguard Certification (Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certification, preferred)
• Water Safety Instructor Certification (Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification, preferred)
• Ability to obtain: Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certification (Within 3 months of Hire)
• Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification (Within 3 months of Hire)
• Knowledge Compliance with established training and certification for lifeguarding (Ellis & Associates) and water safety and swim Lesson programs (Red Cross) to safely and effectively perform and deploy these programs and duties.
• Knowledge of established water quality and aquatic facilities operations to ensure compliance with federal, state and local standards and guidelines.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to: Operation of Aquatic Facility and Associated Aquatics programming.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities:

• Demonstrate composure and sound judgment during emergency situations and in interactions with staff and patrons.
• Develop & maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members & others.
• Ability to travel to and between City sites during the workday for coverage, as needed.
• Work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings and weekends.
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software.
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles.
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees.
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times.
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance.
• Include: Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check and a basic criminal background check.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email [e-mail].

Job Posting End Date November 11, 2026

The City of Vancouver looks for people who are passionate about service and want to be part of the City’s ambition to become a more exceptional community. We value employees who are adaptable, innovative, collaborative and hold themselves to the highest standard of integrity and excellence in the spirit of public service. Our greatest assets are the more than 950 people who make the City of Vancouver work every day. Whether architects or engineers, lawyers or accountants, police officers or firefighters, journeymen or apprentices, our employees work every day to make Vancouver a more safe, welcoming, vibrant and prosperous city. The services we provide touch every resident and business in the city. If you are looking for a challenging career where you can make a difference every day, the City may be the place for you. City departments span a wide range of specialties, from public works, parks, administration and human resources to communications, public safety, information technology, finance, economic development and law. The size and scope of our organization means that the opportunities we offer are as diverse as the people that work here. Beyond the City’s competitive salaries, our benefits and work environment support and encourage a healthy, balanced lifestyle and ongoing development and learning opportunities. Working at the City is not just a “government” job. A career at the City can be a rewarding way to contribute to your community and earn a living. Our organization is made up of dynamic employees who enjoy the many opportunities and benefits offered by challenging and rewarding work.