Recreation Services Activity Specialist

Work Schedule Information: Candidates must be available to work approximately 40 hours per week June through August, and approximately 8-15 hours per week September through May. Candidates must be available to work a varied schedule to meet program needs, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and all City Special Events as needed.

 

The City of Orange is currently programming for Summer 2023. All programs will adhere to California Department of Public Health guidelines to maintain a safe environment for all staff and patrons. Please note that programming is subject to change or cancel, and employment/hours are not guaranteed.

 

Under general supervision, assists in planning, implementing, and overseeing recreation activities in connection with recreation services programs; performs a variety of technical support, clerical, and lead worker functions related to recreation facility and program operations; coordinates and directs the work of temporary staff and volunteers; monitors the day-to-day operation of specific programs and facilities; performs administrative duties related to assignment; and performs related work as required.

Receives general direction from a Recreation Services Coordinator or Supervisor. May provide work direction, training, and guidance to lower-level, temporary, or seasonal staff and volunteers.

This class in the Recreation Services series has lead, program coordination, administrative, and/or day-to-day operational responsibilities. Incumbents are responsible for supervising, coordinating, and participating in recreation programs to ensure that City facilities, recreation programs, activities, and services are safe and effective and provide the highest level of customer satisfaction for public use. Responsibilities include planning, scheduling, and directing the recreation program operations, activities, and services in a timely manner, and performing a wide variety of tasks in the operations and activities of a recreation program and/or facility. This class is distinguished from the Recreation Services Coordinator in that the latter is responsible for all program planning, staff supervision, and administration for a particular recreational program area.

Plans, develops, and provides recreation program work; researches excursion sites; communicates status of activities and services to appropriate personnel.

Assists in ordering supplies and materials for projects and activities; reserves needed buildings and equipment.

Assists in the recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers; provides training, orientation, and guidance to assigned staff; provides input to performance evaluations.

Monitors facility use; opens, closes, and secures buildings for programs and events, and assists in the supervision and preparation of the facility and amenities for patron use.

Trains staff and volunteers in work methods and relevant safety precautions.

Acts as a City representative, in person and over the phone, to patrons and the general public concerning questions, problems, concerns, and activities in the provision of recreation program operations, activities, and services.

Documents all incidents involving injury, behavioral problems, and/or any unusual events; communicates as appropriate to supervisor, parents, and others.

Updates and implements policies and procedures, including standard operating procedures for assigned programs and facilities.

Participates in ensuring compliance with relevant permitting and licensing laws and guidelines; maintains and updates all records required by Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies; interprets and applies policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations; assists in education about the enforcement of rules and regulations; ensures adherence to rules and ordinances.

Ensures the safety of the public and staff at all times by inspecting, patrolling, monitoring, and instructing on the safe use of program facilities, equipment, and supplies; maintains a safe, clean, and tidy environment; reports unsafe conditions or illegal activities.

Assists and participates in recreation services special events, including setting up and taking down equipment and materials and facilitating activities, and with other special event components when in the planning stage.

Develops and prepares brochures, flyers, newsletters, and other materials; maintains informational kiosk.

Administers basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as necessary.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic principles of employee and volunteer supervision and training.

Principles, practices, and service delivery needs related to the program area(s) to which assigned.

Procedures for planning, implementing, and maintaining a variety of recreation and leisure activities and programs.

Recreational, cultural, age-specific, and social needs of the community.

Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and guidelines related to the

program area and facilities to which assigned.

Recreation site management and oversight.

Safety principles and practices, including basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods.

Applicable safety precautions and procedures related to the program area(s) and facilities to which assigned.

Principles and practices of basic public relations techniques.

Principles and procedures of record keeping, cash handling, and report preparation.

Business arithmetic and statistical techniques.

Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and computer applications.

English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.

Techniques for effectively dealing with individuals of various ages, various socio-economic and ethnic groups, and effectively representing the City in contacts with the public.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Plan, oversee, implement, and coordinate assigned recreation program operations and activities, as well as staff, contractors, and volunteers.

Plan and prepare recreation activities, reports, and other related program materials.

Understand the organization and operation of recreation programs and facilities necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.

Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.

Work independently while supervising facilities and user groups.

Understand, interpret, and apply facility use policies and procedures.

Provide courteous assistance to facility patrons.

Lift and move tables and chairs and arranging facilities for community events and/or meetings.

Handle rescues, medical emergencies and injuries in a calm and effective manner, including providing basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure manner.

Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.

Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.

Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and two (2) years of related experience (recreation/youth programs). One (1) year of related customer service experience is highly desirable.

Valid California Driver License by time of appointment is required.

Must obtain American Red Cross First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate for infant, child, and adult by June 12, 2023. Note: City will cover cost of these required certificates upon contingent job offer (for courses taken through the City of Orange).

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office and/or recreational facility setting and use standard office and/or recreation equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Must possess the physical stamina to lift and move tables and chairs, arrange facilities for community events and/or meetings. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb, and walk on uneven surfaces to participate in recreational activities; and push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Employees may work in the field and are frequently exposed to loud noise levels, cold and/or hot temperatures, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards. Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids rendering First Aid and CPR are required to wear appropriate attire for the recreation activity to which they are assigned. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.