Recreation Specialist I– Part-time - Outdoor/Nature-based Programs & Events

COVB City of Virginia Beach•Virginia Beach, VA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is hiring a part-time Recreation Specialist I to develop and lead outdoor recreation, nature-based programs, classes, and events for people of all ages and abilities. Programs may include kayaking, archery, nature camps, and environmental education. The position combines office and field work, with a primary site at 2154 Landstown Road in Virginia Beach and assignments at other parks and facilities as needed. The specialist develops inclusive, safe, engaging, and age-appropriate activities; communicates environmental concepts to diverse participants; and supports program operations through safety checks, records, reporting, equipment management, customer service, and event logistics. The role also provides communication, leadership, and supervision for part-time staff, volunteers, contract staff, and interns. This position is scheduled for 34 hours per week, with schedules varying by season, events, facility coverage, and weather. Work may include mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and extended shifts of more than eight hours, up to 16 hours. Event hours may begin as early as 6 a.m. and continue until midnight or into the following day. The role requires outdoor work in varied weather, travel among park locations, and operation of trucks, vans, and trailers to transport people and equipment. Employees may also be required to work during inclement weather or respond to short-term department or citywide needs. Minimum qualifications are a bachelor's degree in recreation management, therapeutic recreation, exercise science, or a related field, or a combination of education above high school and/or relevant experience equivalent to four years. A current, valid driver's license is required for this posting. The ideal candidate also has relevant outdoor programming experience, knowledge of environmental education and local ecosystems, customer-service experience, and related certifications.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in recreation management, therapeutic recreation, exercise science, or a related field; OR a combination of education above high school and/or experience equivalent to four years in fields using the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Current and valid driver's license.
Availability to work varied hours, including mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and extended shifts, as operational needs require.
Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and travel between park sites and facilities.
Ability to operate trucks, transit vans, passenger vans, and trailers.
Ability to perform the duties' physical requirements; specific requirements may be communicated by the supervisor based on assignment.
Willingness to attend required Parks & Recreation departmental orientation.
Ability to work during inclement weather as an Alpha I position.

Nice To Haves

Degree in recreation, outdoor education, environmental studies, or a related field.
Experience delivering outdoor or nature-based programming for youth and adults.
Knowledge of outdoor education techniques, environmental stewardship, and recreation trends.
Knowledge of local flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
Customer-service experience by phone, email, or in person.
Related certifications, such as kayaking, archery, or wilderness first aid.

Responsibilities

Develop, organize, and lead nature-based outdoor recreation programs, classes, and events for individuals and groups of varied ages and abilities.
Design and implement outdoor activities, including kayaking, archery, nature camps, and environmental education programs.
Develop age-appropriate nature-based or themed activities for programs, camps, and events.
Ensure activities are inclusive, safe, and engaging, and communicate environmental and nature concepts to participants from diverse backgrounds.
Conduct site inspections, maintain safety protocols, and provide first aid and emergency response when necessary.
Maintain attendance, incident, and evaluation records; prepare reports and recommendations on program outcomes, challenges, and opportunities.
Manage and maintain program and event equipment and inventory.
Perform manual labor and assist with program and event setup, breakdown, and logistics.
Work independently and with the team to develop programs in response to trends and community needs.
Provide communication, leadership, and supervision for part-time staff, volunteers, contract staff, and interns, including hiring, training, scheduling, professional development, mentoring, evaluation, and discipline.
Provide customer service while promoting outdoor programs and classes; respond to high volumes of calls and emails from citizens and participants.
Use Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, and departmental registration software for daily work.
Work outdoors in varied weather and travel between facilities and park locations.
Operate trucks, transit vans, passenger vans, and trailers to transport participants and equipment.