Recreation Specialist

Job Description

Recreation Specialist (686)

(As-Needed)

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
One thousand (1000) hours of experience in recreation leadership at the level of Recreation Leader III in general recreation programs such as day camp, sports, teens, older adults, and theater; and
Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application

Possible Substitutions:

Completion of sixty (60) semester units of coursework, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university, preferably with an emphasis in Recreation, Physical Education, or a related field may be substituted for the required experience

License & Certification

Possession of the following is desirable:

A valid California Class C driver's license
A valid American Red Cross First Aid certificate

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Recreation Specialist is the highest classification in the Recreation Leader series. An incumbent in this class possesses technical expertise in a specialty such as cultural arts, physical fitness, drama, older adults, athletics, therapeutics, music, pre-school, day camp, teen activities, and youth sports and is responsible for the planning, development, and supervision of a specialized activity phase of recreation programs . With general policy and departmental philosophy guidance from a supervisor, an incumbent exercises sound independent judgment in the performance of duties. The Recreation Specialist is distinguished from the Recreation Instructor in that the former has an emphasis on developing and supervising large groups of children in specialized recreation activities while the latter is responsible for developing class curriculum and teaching classroom activities.

Typical Duties

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.

Under direction:

Plans, initiates, organizes, and supervises an extensive program of recreation activities in an area of expertise
Investigates, recommends, demonstrates, and explains techniques, procedures, materials, equipment and supplies used in the special activity program
Prepares program instructions and materials ; develops projects for inclusion in the community wide recreation program
Receives and reviews reports, suggestions, and complaints from staff and program participants
Maintains records and accounts of attendance, inventory, financial charges and receipts, personnel, special events, accidents, and other matters requiring systematic recording
May supervise and train lower-level personnel in the activities comprising the specialty
Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of:

The technical fundamentals of a specialized recreation activity such as athletics, cultural arts, or music

Considerable ability to:

Plan, organize, and lead a special recreation activity
Analyze and adjust the special activity to suit participant recreation needs
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including children
Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

Physical ability to:

Assist participants in and out of wheelchairs
Restrain and/or lift program participants

Supervision Received

Works under the direction of a Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Coordinator, Office Specialist, or other supervisor as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

May supervise Recreation Leaders or other personnel as assigned; may train and/or assist in the training of personnel.

Other Requirements

As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with State of California law
Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

Approved, May 2003