Recreation Specialist (Community Recreation)

Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR); Colts Neck Township (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) is seeking a Community Recreation Program Manager to oversee a diverse year‑round recreation program across CNIC facilities. You will plan and promote activities, coordinate partnerships, manage program operations, and ensure compliance with DoD policies while mentoring staff and delivering excellent community services.

As a program lead, you will evaluate activities, manage budgets, and collaborate with Training Support Center, Fleet &

Qualifications

• Experience in customer service and activity-based programming.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Experience creating and sustaining partnerships through program agreements.

Responsibilities

• Plan, promote, and implement community recreation programs across CNIC facilities.
• Coordinate class activities and events, including large public gatherings.
• Serve as liaison with on-base departments and external partners to support MWR programs.
• Develop and administer diverse recreation programs, including budgeting and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with DoD policies and safety standards, and monitor program effectiveness.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Event planning

Partnership development

Tools

POS system

Database management

Job description

Summary

This position is located in the Community Recreation Division, of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department, located within Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). Manages and administers a comprehensive and diverse year round recreation program and various recreation facilities.

Summary

This position is located in the Community Recreation Division, of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department, located within Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). Manages and administers a comprehensive and diverse year round recreation program and various recreation facilities.

Duties

• Plans, promotes, and implements well-rounded Community Recreation programs using MWR Department facilities, in accordance with CNIC approved program standards.
• Coordinates leisure skills development activities and classes; organizes community special events like comedy shows, holiday events, celebrity appearances, concerts, and festivals.
• Serves as a liaison for MWR activities with the Training Support Center (TSC), Fleet & Family Readiness Departments (N9), and other on-base tenant commands.
• Provides support for unit allocation events, including equipment, programming ideas, and coordination assistance.
• Performs the development, management, planning, and administration of a diverse Community Recreation program, including business plan execution and assisting with writing standard operating procedures.
• Ensures programs comply with local, Regional, Navy, and Department of Defense (DoD) policies and standards, using judgment to adapt guidelines for specific situations. Exercises independent judgment in developing plans and solutions.
• Solicits, negotiates, and develops working partnerships with on- and off-base organizations (park districts, clubs, etc.) to support MWR programs. This includes creating proposals, executing agreements, and follow-ups.
• Researches and provides information and referral on recreational opportunities on and off the base.
• Assumes responsibility for planning, coordinating, publicizing, marketing, and executing programs and special events, utilizing all available resources.
• Promotes MWR facilities and events through outreach, staff/student indoctrination, and speaking to large groups. Provides input for quarterly calendars and the weekly base paper.
• Provides administrative support through after-action reports, data collection, and database administration, using software to track patron usage for metrics.
• Monitors and evaluates ongoing programs, recommending changes or enhancements to improve effectiveness. Performs regular analysis of programs, considering budget, staffing, trends, and command mission.
• Uses metrics and financial data to recommend program modifications. Provides onsite project oversight and notifies leadership of any issues.
• Ensures all facilities and activities meet established fire, safety, security, and sanitation guidelines, taking timely action to correct deficiencies. Assists in planning facility renovations.
• Leads check-in/out of materials and collects fees using a point of sale (POS) system. Inspects returned equipment for damage and recommends replacement.
• Balances and reconciles daily sales transactions (DAR) and performs inventory of equipment, retail items, and supplies.
• Leads and instructs staff in administering workshops, clinics, and events in outdoor skills (camping, cycling, sailing, hiking, water sports), and provides related day and weekend field trips.
• Leads day-to-day operation of assigned programs; assists with staffing, training, scheduling, and ensuring adequate stock levels.
• Supervises staff and recommends personnel actions (recruitment, evaluation, counseling) on a temporary, as-needed basis consisting of less than 20% of overall duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must pass all applicable records and background check.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
• Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations. (review required documents section for more information.)
• Work may require sitting, walking, long periods of standing, bending and lifting of moderately heavy items up to 40 pounds, occasionally required to lift heavier items.
• Wears protective clothing and equipment as situations warrant.
• No fixed schedule. Hours of work will vary as required by the needs of the program to include split days off, early shift, late shift, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.

• Combination of experience related to customer service and or activity based programming.
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions and have the ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of the goals, principles, techniques and methods of procedure used in organizing, planning and conducting all types of activities.
• Knowledge of the entire scope of activities and their suitability in the Community Recreation Program for individuals and groups, of varying demographics, ages and interests.
• Ability to create, negotiate, implement and sustain partnerships via various MWR agreements.
• Ability to maintain a clear and accurate database.
• Ability to represent the department and speak in front of both small and large groups.
• Knowledge of recreational and entertainment events.

Education

This position does not have a positive education requirement.

Additional information

Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.

Some positions have special requirements. Selection may be tentative pending the completion of these requirements. Applicants may be required to submit proof of education, participate in medical screening, drug testing, etc. All selections are contingent upon satisfactory employment reference checks. Employment is subject to successful National Agency Background Check. Occupants of this position must maintain the privacy of official work information and data and demonstrate the highest level of ethical conduct.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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