Recreation Specialist - Arts & Engagement (Zanewood Recreation Center)

City of Brooklyn Park • Brooklyn Park, MN

17d • Onsite

About The Position

This position will work under the general supervision of the Arts & Engagement Specialist in the Recreation & Parks Department in the City of Brooklyn Park. A Recreation Specialist will assist and support the work of arts and cultural community engagement opportunities and support the Workforce Development/Prevention & Intervention work utilizing arts and wellness programs and events. This position will assist in reaching the city's goal of connecting with disengaged youth and families and being a critical partner in the public safety efforts of the city to increase safety in communities. In 2026, the City has opened a new teen center-- The Wood --connected to the Zanewood Recreation Center.

Requirements

• Specialized arts training beyond High School.
• One (1) year of experience in assisting in the creation of programs, classes and activities around arts, wellness and engagement that includes K-5th grade and teen art programs.
• Ability to relate and interact with teens in a caring, responsible and professional manner
• Demonstrated strong relationship-building skills with teens, families, and community members from a diverse environment
• Ability to respond promptly, maturely and professionally to emergencies, conflicts, and behavioral challenges
• Skilled in communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to maintain order and security
• Ability to effectively work with youth and others
• Ability to be a strong and positive leader with the youth, families, partners and peers
• Ability to make rational decisions based on established policy and procedure
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and outdoor activities as needed
• Willingness to engage in performance management process, using feedback and evaluations to grow professionally and improve program outcomes
• Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Proven ability and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive workplace related to racial equity, diversity and inclusion
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectations
• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement

Nice To Haves

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in the visual arts, fine arts, design, art education or highly related degree
• Experience supervising seasonal staff and volunteers
• Passion for working with teens and experience in leading youth programming (recreation, mentoring, education, sports, arts, science or related fields)
• Experience working with youth and teens with disabilities
• Experience working with youth facing high barriers from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• Experience working in youth development activities with teens and/or youth
• Previous successful experience working with the public and providing customer service
• Previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao or Vietnamese language(s)
• A valid driver's license

Responsibilities

• Support and assist in idea creation of programs, classes, and activities around arts, wellness and engagement that includes K- 5th grade and Teen art programs at Zanewood.
• Assist with evaluation of arts, cultural events and family and community events for the City.
• Support identified strategies to address youth and community barriers and connection to pathways towards a career through arts and engagement.
• Promote, distribute and market the Citywide assessment "Re-beautification Survey” in parks, business, partners and participants to receive community feedback for program direction.
• Assist in the coordination of arts’ programs, family days, classes and programs with community partners.
• Event setup, take down and implementation with other staff classes and art program support.
• Represent the City in tabling opportunities and direct outreach with external organizations and institutions, including other City departments, other governmental entities, educational institutions, the business community, cultural communities and the community to promote programs, events, classes and opportunities.
• Research and identify new partners in the arts community, visual, theater, music, language, performance, etc, that support Arts and Engagement work.
• Assist the Arts & Engagement Specialist in evaluation in registration, post program surveys, etc. to support the implementation and reporting of the “Re-beautification Survey” and support Arts and Engagement Specialist to deliver new programs and report on existing programs to community by social media, presentations, street marketing, podcasts, etc.
• Schedule and support “onsite correspondents" and advisory committee to deliver strategic art and engagement portfolio.
• Support Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) and YEP participants in curriculum, program design and portfolio completion for Shark Tank final project and business work.
• Attend required staff development trainings and meetings to stay current on best practices in youth engagement.
• Maintain clean and organized program spaces by assisting with setup and cleanup of activities and events and ensuring safety standards are met.
• Maintain order and assure participants are following set policies.
• Understand and implement Center of Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health guidance.
• Report any accident and assist with completing the required reports.
• Participate in First Aid and Emergency training when provided.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Earned Safe & Sick Leave mandated by the state - Employees earn one hour of Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours of Sick Leave per year.

What This Job Offers

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