Recreation Leader I (Programs)

City of Dothan•Dothan, AL

About The Position

This full-time position performs supervisory work managing and coordinating Leisure Services programs. The Recreation Leader I researches, develops, organizes, and supervises programs and city-wide special events for youth, adults, senior adults, and/or therapeutic recreation. The role assists with summer camp and afterschool programming, ensures programs and events comply with applicable laws, policies, regulations, safety standards, and departmental goals, and develops new special events and educational and cultural programs to meet community needs. The position evaluates program effectiveness, tracks services and results, prepares operational reports, identifies grant and other funding opportunities, recruits sponsors, and recommends program changes or expansions. It also coordinates program and event recruitment and registration, prepares public information and promotional materials, and supervises, trains, hires, and advises volunteer, part-time, and seasonal personnel. The employee may clean, maintain, and prepare playgrounds, community centers, and event locations. Work is assigned in general terms by the Assistant Leisure Services Director (Programs & Athletics) and/or the Recreation Program Manager, who review it for procedural compliance, accuracy, and appropriateness of results. The work takes place in an office, recreational facilities, and outdoors, sometimes in cold, hot, or inclement weather. The position involves intermittent sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, and walking; frequent lifting of objects up to 50 pounds; climbing ladders; using tools or equipment requiring dexterity; and distinguishing shades of color. Protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves may be required. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED and recent experience in recreational programming, public event management or development, Microsoft Word and Excel, and recreational programming. A valid driver license and acceptable driving record are required. The employee must obtain and maintain CPR/AED certification within one year and a Class C CDL with passenger endorsement within 120 days. Background investigations and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing are required.

Requirements

Graduation from standard senior high school or GED recognized by the USDE or CHEA.
One year of recent experience in recreational programming or program development for youth, adults, senior adults, and/or therapeutic recreation.
One year of recent experience managing and/or developing events for the public.
Six months of recent experience using Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
Six months of recent recreational programming experience.
Valid driver license and an acceptable driving record.
Obtain and maintain American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR/AED certification within one year of employment, promotion, demotion, or transfer.
Obtain and maintain a Class C commercial driver license with passenger endorsement within 120 days of employment, promotion, demotion, or transfer.
Submit to required background investigations, including criminal history checks, and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
Meet the City of Dothan’s employment physical standards.
Ability to work at least eight hours per day and forty hours per week, or such hours as the City determines necessary to meet operational requirements.
Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as the City determines necessary to meet operational requirements.
Knowledge of childcare principles and practices, facility maintenance principles, and department policies and procedures.
Skills in safe operation of a delivery vehicle; inventorying equipment and supplies; custodial maintenance of public facilities; planning; decision-making and problem-solving; public and interpersonal relations; and oral and written communication.

Nice To Haves

Current and valid Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) Professional Recreator Certificate.
Current and valid Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification.
Current and valid CPR/First Aid Instructor certification.
Current and valid Certified Festival & Event Associate (CFEA) Certification.
Current and valid Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification.
Current and valid Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification.
Current and valid Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification.
Current and valid Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) certification.
Current and valid certified sports official credential, such as Dixie Youth or Special Olympics.
Current and valid Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.
Current and valid Certified Youth Sports Administrator credential.
Current and valid group fitness instructor certification from an accredited institution or program.
Current and valid NASP Basic Archery Instructor or USA Archery Level I Instructor certification.
Current and valid Ornamental and Turf Pest Control Supervisor or Custodial (OTPS/OTPC) certification.
Current and valid personal trainer certification from an accredited institution or program.
Current and valid ServSafe Manager Certificate.
Current and valid trail maintenance, management, and/or master certification.
Current and valid turfgrass management certification.
Current and valid Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification.
Current and valid American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR/AED certificate.
Degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Administration, Education, Hospitality Management, or a closely related field.
Four months of recent (within the last two years) seasonal or part-time employment with the City of Dothan performing responsibilities in recreational or educational events and/or athletic programs.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, implement, and supervise assigned programs and special events for youth, adults, senior adults, and/or therapeutic recreation.
Assist in coordinating, developing, organizing, and implementing summer camp programs and events while ensuring compliance with laws, policies, regulations, and departmental goals.
Assist in coordinating, developing, organizing, and implementing afterschool programs and events while ensuring compliance with laws, policies, regulations, and departmental goals.
Develop, recommend, coordinate, and implement special events and educational and cultural programs that meet community needs.
Evaluate the effectiveness of programming areas and implement improvements within scope or make recommendations to a supervisor.
Track program and event services, monitor results, and provide operational reports as needed.
Research grant and funding opportunities for new programs and identify funding to improve existing programs.
Recruit sponsors to finance programs and events.
Supervise and monitor programs and activities to ensure rules and department safety standards are followed.
Prepare news articles, press releases, calendar listings, brochures, advertising flyers, social media posts, and related public information and public relations materials.
Coordinate program and event recruitment and registration.
Recommend changes to or expansions of programs and events.
Supervise, train, hire, and advise volunteer, part-time, and seasonal employees.
Clean, maintain, and prepare playgrounds, community center facilities, and event locations for scheduled recreation events.
Perform related duties.
Work overtime, weekends, and holidays as the City determines necessary to meet operational requirements.