Recreation Program Specialist (Yeargan Park, Youth, Athletics)

Town of Garner•Garner, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Town of Garner is seeking several dynamic, creative, and service-oriented Parks and Recreation Program Specialists to support and elevate athletic and youth programming within the department. These positions will contribute to the new multi-field complex Yeargan Park, the Garner Recreation Center, Avery Recreation Center, and other recreational facilities in the Town’s growing park system. The role is key in delivering high-quality recreational experiences and advancing the Town’s mission to serve residents and visitors through innovative programming for people of all ages.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in parks and recreation, sports management or related field and a minimum of 2 years of recreation programming experience is required or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A driver's license valid in North Carolina and a good driving record are required or the ability to acquire one within 3 months of employment.
CPR, AED and First Aid certification; or the ability to obtain the certification within 6 months of employment.
NCDOI – Crowd Manager Training; or the ability to obtain the certification within 3 months of employment.

Nice To Haves

Certified Recreation & Parks Professional (CPRP) is preferred.
National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) Certification (or similar) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plans and delivers a variety of programs including adult and youth athletic leagues, regional tournaments, skills-based clinics and instructional programs, and special events hosted at Town athletic facilities.
Serves as the primary liaison between event organizers, Town departments, and the facilities team; identifies operational needs and manages complex event logistics from initial conception through execution and final recap.
Acts as the commissioner for indoor and outdoor recreational leagues; manages facility scheduling, league logistics, and on-site facility supervision during league practice and play.
Manages seasonal program offerings from registration trends to final execution, ensuring alignment with departmental protocols.
Coordinates site readiness (fields, courts, classrooms, etc.), equipment setup (goals, nets, etc.), and lighting systems. Monitors field / play surface conditions and communicates status updates to organizers and participants to manage expectations and safety.
Researches emerging sports trends and innovative competitions and implements new or enhanced athletic activities to modernize existing programs and meet evolving community needs.
Monitors registration trends and participant statistics to evaluate program success, optimize resource allocation, and ensure Town recreational and athletic programs facilities remain best-in-class in the region.
Maintains detailed records and documentation for events, leagues and activities, tracking key metrics including enrollment, participation, cost recovery, and financial benefits of tournaments.
Supports the Program Manager in the recruitment, training, supervision, evaluation, and scheduling of part-time staff, officials, and volunteers for leagues, programs, and tournament operations.
Manages the full lifecycle of seasonal offerings, from conceptualization and curriculum design to final evaluation and quality control.
Expertly utilizes recreation management and field scheduling software (e.g., RecDesk, CivicRec, TeamSideline, QuickScores) to oversee registrations, facility allocations, and league standings.
Maintains a high level of proficiency in digital productivity suites (Microsoft Office/Google Workspace) for reporting, data visualization, and professional communication.
Manages assigned program budgets with high accountability; researches vendor costs, monitors registration revenue and cost recovery, and oversees the procurement of necessary supplies and specialized equipment.
Serves as the primary on-site supervisor; ensures strict adherence to safety protocols and follows emergency procedures.
Collaborates with the marketing team to design targeted promotional strategies and high-impact materials to maximize community participation and reach.
May operate passenger vehicles for field trips, outings, or departmental programs.
Provides cross-functional support for Town-wide special events and collaborative community projects; performs other related tasks as required to meet the evolving needs of the department.