Recreation Associate - Nelson Center

Springfield Park District•Springfield, IL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Associate is an entry-level, part-time position at the Nelson Center of the Springfield Park District. The role assists Program Coordinators, Facility Managers, Teachers, and other staff with class activities, guest services, customer service, point-of-sale operations, registration, and rentals. Associates serve Nelson Center patrons and may sometimes be asked to work at another Park District program area or facility. Work takes place in and around the Nelson Center and involves regular public contact. Scheduling varies according to facility needs and may include weekdays, evenings, and weekends. Activity preparation and activity time can average three or more hours per shift. The position works under the direct supervision or guidance of the Nelson Center Business Manager, Lead Recreation Associate, Facility Program Supervisor, or another designee. Associates must not assume full responsibility for a group of children or program participants without supervision or parental/guardian presence. Successful completion of Park District orientation, RecTrac Learning Lab, and customer service training is required. Nelson Center duties include supporting daily admissions for the ice rinks and swimming pool, responding to customer questions about programs, services, and rentals, and assisting other Nelson Center staff as assigned. Candidates should provide their available days and times when applying.

Requirements

Must be currently enrolled in high school or possess a high school diploma.
Preferred candidates are 16 years of age or older. Candidates age 15 may be considered with parental permission, a work permit, and transportation to and from shifts.
Must be able to read and write and have a good command of English.
Must have good oral and written communication skills.
Must be able to perform basic mathematics.
Must have basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Must possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License, unless approved for a 15-year-old with ID.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds, squat, bend, and move as necessary for the job.
Must have a neat and professional appearance.
Must be willing to learn information about the Park District and Nelson Center.
Must be a team player and willing to work in groups.
Must demonstrate emotional maturity and respect when working with children and adults.
Must be sensitive to patrons’ and participants’ socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, as well as individual needs and capabilities.
Must follow the direction of the Business Administrator or designated Facility Program Supervisors and comply with the employee manual’s policies and procedures.
Must live within 50 miles of the Springfield Park District Administrative Office in Illinois, or be willing to move within that area within the first six months of accepting the position, unless otherwise pre-approved by the Hiring Manager or Supervisor.
Must successfully complete Park District orientation, RecTrac Learning Lab, and customer service training.
Must be willing to provide availability and work flexible schedules that may include weekdays, evenings, and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Experience in babysitting, nanny positions, child-care facilities, camp counseling, receptionist work, retail, the food industry, customer service, or similar activities involving people from preschool age through seniors.

Responsibilities

Operate point-of-sale systems, handle cash, operate registers, and perform cash close-out responsibilities.
Learn and use RecTrac and WebTrac to help patrons with admissions, membership passes, activity registration, and rentals.
Assist with registration desks and public skate ticket processing.
Assist with rentals and birthday parties.
Set up and clean up classes, birthday parties, and other activities.
Provide customer service and respond to inquiries about Nelson Center programs, services, and rentals.
Perform receptionist duties, including answering and transferring calls professionally, filing, organizing, and completing other assigned office duties.
Assist with recreation program preparation and cleaning projects as needed.
Organize back-room activities for participants and their parent or guardian chaperones as needed.
Help with group activities for participants from preschool age through seniors when directly supervised.
Follow applicable COVID-19 facility rules, ask screening questions, and take temperatures as required by the posting.
Work special events and assist other Nelson Center staff as assigned.
Follow the direction of the Business Administrator or designated Facility Program Supervisors.