Recreation Program Specialist

Citrus County Board of County Commissioners•Citrus County, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Program Specialist is a key member of the Citrus County Parks and Recreation team, responsible for the development, coordination, and management of high-quality recreation programs, including youth and adult sports, outdoor programming, community events, camps, and facility rentals. This role involves supervising seasonal staff and volunteers, maintaining equipment and facilities, managing budgets, and promoting programming through digital and community channels. This position requires strong planning, communication, and analytical skills, along with a proactive and resourceful approach to improving program offerings and ensuring excellent customer service. The primary schedule for this full-time position varies. This position is located at Central Citrus Community Center, Lecanto, Florida.

Requirements

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Leisure Studies, Education, or a related field, (education may be substituted with an equivalent amount of experience in recreational programming/coordination).
At least one (1) year experience in recreational programming or a similar role preferred.
At least six (6) months experience in event programming or coordinating preferred.
Valid Florida Driver License or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.
Excellent customer service skills, strong interpersonal and communication skills and strong attention to detail required.
Requires ability to maintain courteous and effective relations with County staff, elected officials, community interest groups and the public.
Proficiency in recreation software systems (e.g., RecTrac, ActiveNet), preferred.
Must have strong working knowledge of computers and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite of Products (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).
Must have or be able to obtain within 90 days certification in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses: IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS); and IS-700.b: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
Requires a combination of sitting, standing, and walking.
The job involves frequent lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds.
The job requires frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, and balancing, and on occasion jumping, throwing, twisting, and reaching above shoulders.
The job requires the completion of tasks that involves frequent simple grasping, pushing, and pulling, and occasional fine manual manipulation, typing, operating foot controls/levers, and driving automotive equipment.
The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, depth perception and color vision, hearing, and speaking.
The job may risk exposure to adverse weather.
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency.
During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
Emergency response duties may also include driving and/or operating a county vehicle or equipment and employees must obey all safety policies, and roadway rules and laws.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check, pre-employment physical examination, and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Leisure Studies, Education, or a related field, (education may be substituted with an equivalent amount of experience in recreational programming/coordination).
At least one (1) year experience in recreational programming or a similar role.
At least six (6) months experience in event programming or coordinating.

Responsibilities

Design, plan, and lead recreational programs including nature and conservation, sports, arts and crafts, fitness, camps, and special events.
Assist in developing program schedules, activity guides, and promotional materials.
Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness; recommend improvements based on participant feedback and performance data.
Maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
Assist with program registration, facility bookings, and equipment inventory.
Maintain equipment and facilities.
Coordinate and supervise volunteers, part-time staff, and program assistants as needed.
Enforce rules and policies to ensure safety and program integrity.
Collaborate with community organizations, schools, and vendors to enhance programming.
Maintain accurate records and prepare reports on attendance, incidents, and supplies.
Assists with reservations, contracts and permits for facility use.
Assists in budget planning process.
Assists with marketing for all programs and events, and camps utilizing social media platforms and Content Management Systems (CMS).
Administers first-aid for accidents or injuries, reports to supervisors and timely documents all accidents and injuries.
Attend all necessary training and meetings.
Drives and/or operates a county vehicle and equipment complying with safety policies, rules and laws.
Performs related duties as required.