Recreation Leader (Temporary/Part-Time)

City of Downey • Downey, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Leader works in Parks and Facilities, Programs, or Gymnasium/Sports. Depending on the assignment, the role involves supervising, cleaning, and maintaining buildings, grounds, activity rooms, athletic fields, and recreation facilities; preparing facilities and spaces for groups and reservations; and supporting programs, sports activities, and special events. The Recreation Leader may lead youth games, sports, crafts, camps, clinics, and leagues; supervise participants and park or gym sites; and assist with athletic events as a scorekeeper or timekeeper. The position also includes facility opening and closing, registration and phone assistance, cash handling, recordkeeping, report preparation, and event setup and breakdown.

Appointments are temporary and part-time, averaging approximately 20 hours per week, with flexible schedules that may involve irregular hours, shifts, evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call status. Sundays and holidays are required for openings in Facilities and Programs; Parks and Facilities vacancies require weekend availability. Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours per fiscal year. These appointments do not qualify for City benefits except those required by law. Enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory, with a 7.5% contribution of base earnings: 2.5% from the City and 5% from the employee. Employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

The role requires at least junior standing in high school and applicants must be at least 15½ years old. Applicants under 18 must provide a work permit at hire. Recreation leadership experience is desirable, and prior camp experience is highly desirable for Programs/Camps assignments. A California Class C driver's license or an alternative means of transportation may be required to carry out essential job functions.

Work is typically performed at parks and recreation facilities, with possible exposure to extreme temperatures, sun, dirt, and dust, and occasionally in a normal office environment. Physical tasks include sitting; handling objects; using stairs; walking, standing, crouching, running, and moving on hands and knees; bending; reaching; speaking and hearing; and frequently pushing, pulling, or lifting up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Applicants are evaluated based on submitted materials and may be invited to an appraisal examination consisting of performance testing and/or an oral interview. Before an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation, including fingerprinting, is conducted. A pre-placement medical examination, including a drug screen, is conducted after a conditional offer.

Requirements

• At least junior standing or higher in high school.
• Must be at least 15½ years of age; applicants under 18 must provide a work permit at the time of hire.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, plan and organize work, and work as part of a team.
• Ability to work well with the public and cooperate with administrators, coworkers, and participants.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions.
• Knowledge of effective communication techniques and procedures, youth sports rules, special events, and leadership.
• A California Class C driver's license or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions may be required.
• Ability to perform the described physical tasks, including frequent lifting or pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting or pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds.
• For Parks and Facilities vacancies, weekend availability is required.
• For openings in Facilities and Programs, availability on Sundays and holidays is required.

Nice To Haves

• Some recreation leadership experience is desirable.
• Prior camp experience is highly desirable for Programs/Camps assignments.

Responsibilities

• Keep facility grounds clean and supervise, clean, and maintain buildings, grounds, and recreation sites.
• Prepare facilities, rooms, activity areas, athletic fields, and shelters for groups, programs, and reservations.
• Provide instruction, leadership, and supervision for youth in park programs, sports camps, clinics, and leagues.
• Prepare and instruct youth in games, sports, crafts, and special activities; encourage participants and promote fair play and a positive, orderly environment.
• Prepare and maintain baseball, soccer, and softball fields and assist with athletic events, including serving as a scorekeeper or timekeeper when needed.
• Assist with registration, answering phones, programming, and opening or closing facilities.
• Handle cash, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports.
• Set up and break down special events, including attractions, parking lots, booths, and other event support.
• Provide general supervision of park and gym sites.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED