Recreation Specialist - Gym Operations

Southport; Southport (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Southport is seeking a motivated recreation and facility operations associate to coordinate gymnasium activities, manage program schedules, and assist with events and registrations.

The role supports open gym sessions, camps, clinics, classes, and special events while ensuring safety and welcoming service for participants and the public. Strong communication and organization skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in recreation programming, facility operations, customer service, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CPR and First Aid certifications or ability to obtain within department timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support gymnasium-based recreation programs and activities including open gym, camps, clinics, classes, and events.
• Coordinate daily gymnasium operations and schedules for safe, organized facility use.
• Assist with planning, implementing, and evaluating recreation programs to meet community needs.
• Monitor activities and participant conduct; assist staff and instructors without direct supervisory authority.
• Provide information and assistance to participants and the public regarding programs, schedules, and policies.
• Enforce facility rules and safety procedures; address concerns professionally.
• Open, close, and secure the gym; perform routine safety inspections and report hazards.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Recordkeeping

Conflict resolution

Independent work

Scheduling

Education

High school diploma or GED

CPR/First Aid certification

Tools

RecDesk

Microsoft Office

Job description

Performs responsible recreation and facility operations work in coordinating daily gymnasium activities, recreation programs, facility schedules, and public use of the City gymnasium. Work includes supporting open gym activities, camps, clinics, classes, special events, and other recreational programs; assisting participants and facility users; and maintaining a safe, organized, and welcoming environment.

The employee exercises independent judgment within established policies and procedures when coordinating activities, responding to facility needs, maintaining program records, and addressing participant concerns. This position does not have direct employee supervisory responsibilities. Work is performed under the supervision of the Parks & Recreation Director and is evaluated through observation, reports, consultations, and the effectiveness of assigned activities and facility operations.

• Coordinates and supports gymnasium-based recreation programs and activities, including open gym, camps, clinics, classes, special events, and other assigned activities.
• Coordinates daily gymnasium operations and schedules to support organized, safe, and efficient facility use.
• Assists with planning, implementing, and evaluating recreation programs and activities to meet community needs.
• Monitors gym activities and participant conduct; assists staff, volunteers, coaches, and instructors in carrying out scheduled activities without exercising direct employee supervisory authority.
• Provides information and assistance to participants, parents, community organizations, and the public regarding programs, schedules, registration, policies, and facility use.
• Enforces established facility rules, safety procedures, and program guidelines and addresses concerns professionally.
• Opens, closes, and secures the gymnasium as assigned; performs routine facility and safety inspections and reports hazards, incidents, injuries, maintenance needs, and operational concerns.
• Assists with scheduling facility use and rentals by approved community groups, teams, and organizations.
• Monitors supplies and equipment and assists with maintaining materials needed for recreation activities.
• Processes and maintains participant registrations, attendance, program schedules, and facility-use records using the City's recreation management platform (currently RecDesk).
• Assists with promotion of Parks & Recreation programs, events, and activities.
• Assists the Parks & Recreation Director and department staff with programs, special events, recordkeeping, data collection, and related activities.
• Assists with setup, operation, and breakdown of equipment and facilities for leagues, tournaments, programs, and special events.
• Operates City vehicles, as authorized, in support of departmental programs and activities.

• Performs related duties as required.

Education and Experience

Two (2) years of experience in recreation programming, facility operations, customer service, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and/or Requirements

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within a department-established timeframe, current CPR and First Aid certifications and completion of Mandated Reporter training.

Work Schedule

This position is regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week, with typical working hours between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The work schedule will include some weekends and may vary based on departmental needs, recreational programming, special events, and facility operations. Flexibility in scheduling is required.

• Knowledge of recreation programming, gymnasium operations, facility scheduling, and special event coordination.
• Knowledge of facility safety practices, recreation equipment, and established program and facility-use procedures.
• Knowledge of City personnel, purchasing, budgeting, and operational procedures applicable to assigned work.
• Ability to use recreation management software, including RecDesk, and standard office applications to maintain accurate registrations and records.
• Skill in customer service, conflict resolution, and communicating effectively with participants, families, coworkers, volunteers, and the public.
• Ability to organize activities, coordinate schedules, prioritize assignments, and work independently within established guidelines.
• Ability to assist with program setup and facility operations and recognize and report safety or maintenance concerns.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare routine reports and program information.
• Ability to operate authorized City vehicles safely and in accordance with applicable laws and policies.