Summer Recreation Specialist/Intern

Under the leadership of the Recreation Coordinator, this position assists with the overall implementation of summer recreation programs with a primary focus on preschool and youth sports as well as assisting with summer camp and other youth offerings. The individual will work closely with the Recreation Coordinator to ensure program preparedness, quality, and customer satisfaction. This position will provide program support through office tasks and on-site at programs as well as customer service at the rec office front desk as needed. Eligible for College program credits if criteria apply. 

 COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE
 

• $17.00 per hour
• Up to 40 hours/week (average 32 hours/week)
• Monday-Friday, between the hours of 7:30 am-5:30 pm (varies by program needs) Late May-August, exact dates determined with candidate 
• Some evenings and weekends required
• Hours/Duties Breakdown: Recreation Program Administration – 20-25 hours a week, Recreation Program Assistant – 10-15 hours a week 

Essential Job Functions

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Administration & Office Support (20–25 hours/week)

• Prepare and distribute pre-program communications, including welcome letters and program reminders
• Communicate schedule changes, weather cancellations, and class updates to participants and families
• Print and distribute class rosters and other materials to program sites
• Take and organize program photos for promotional and archival purposes
• Maintain accurate records in the department’s recreation database software, including attendance and participant information
• Assist the Recreation Coordinator with coordinating and clearly communicating curriculum and lesson plans to instructors and program assistants
• Utilize department social media platforms to promote current and future programs
• Assist with development of content for the Rec Connection Recreation Program Guide
• Organize, inventory, and deliver program equipment and first aid kits to various program locations throughout the city
• Assist with general office operations, including answering phones and providing front desk customer service
• Respond professionally and courteously to questions and concerns from staff, parents, and participants
• Attend all required meetings and staff trainings
  
   

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIESProgram Support & On-Site Assistance (10–15 hours/week)
 

• Monitor assigned program sites to ensure program quality, safety, organization, and consistency across locations
• Check in regularly with instructors, program assistants, and participants; communicate concerns, successes, and recommendations to the Recreation Coordinator
• Assist instructors with implementation of curriculum and lesson plans
• Lead, demonstrate, and instruct participants in recreation games, sports skills, crafts, and themed activities
• Serve as a substitute instructor or assistant when needed
• Assist with summer camp and preschool programs up to 15 hours per week, and support additional youth programs as assigned
• Help maintain safe program environments, including monitoring participant behavior and ensuring proper supervision ratios
• Assist at community events (Concerts in the Park, Beer Gardens, and other special events) as needed

Requirements of Work

Experience/Education
 

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Must have experience working with kids in a program setting
• Minimum of 2+ years of instructing/coaching/volunteering and/or organizing programs is preferred
• Pursuing a degree in education, recreation management, sports administration or similar field preferred

Knowledge
 

• Strong knowledge of appropriate behavior management, program coordination and instruction methods
• Knowledge of standard safety practices, department policies and procedures
• Comfortable with common software and social media platforms: Microsoft Suite including Microsoft Outlook, Canva, Facebook, Instagram, etc. 
• Customer service skills, experience fielding general inquiries via phone, email and in person and routing as needed to appropriate resources. 

Skill/Ability
 

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Ability and willingness to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff members, supervisor(s) and the public, and to deal with them in a courteous and tactful manner
• Strong oral communication skills
• Preparation of age-appropriate lesson plans
• Ability to effectively coordinate and direct the assigned program area to both staff and participants
• Ability and willingness to maintain a safe and positive learning/working environment
• Ability to effectively train, supervise, evaluate and direct/correct staff
• Ability and willingness to supervise and maintain control of staff and participants
• Ability and willingness to keep accurate records and complete any necessary paperwork

Other Job Functions

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, talk, hear, read and write. This position frequently requires an employee to walk or bend. He/she may periodically need to reach, stoop, crouch, or kneel. The employee may be asked to clean, pick up, put away, and lift/carry and/or move equipment weighing approximately 10 to 50 pounds.
Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Tools and Equipment Used
 

• Equipment is specific to the program area 
• First Aid Supplies

Work Environment
 

• Must work well with others
• Must communicate well with others
• Inside and outside work with exposure to the weather
• Noisy environment