Recreation Specialist - Teen Programs (Zanewood Recreation Center)

City of Brooklyn Park • Brooklyn Park, MN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department is seeking motivated, team-oriented, and enthusiastic individuals to join their teen programs at Zanewood Recreation Center. The role focuses on increasing teen participation and eliminating barriers for youth aged 12-17. Recreation Specialists will assist in implementing teen programs, events, and field trips under the supervision of the Teen Program Specialist. This involves engaging with youth, ensuring their safety, building community relationships, and developing innovative programs. The department is looking for individuals who enjoy outdoor activities, fast-paced environments, and interacting with youth. A new teen center, 'The Wood,' is set to open in 2026, connected to the Zanewood Recreation Center.

Requirements

• Undergraduate level studies or classes in areas of recreation, youth development, education or related field
• None (experience)
• 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

• 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
• Experience working in community youth sports, camps, clinics or sports leagues
• 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

• Take initiative in planning, leading, and evaluating teen recreation programs that include sports, arts, team-building activities, and leadership development
• Actively engage with teens to create a welcoming and supportive space where all youth feel valued and encouraged to participate
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all youth participants by following established procedures, policies and protocols; implementing conflict resolution strategies, and reporting any concerns
• Build strong community relationships with schools, nonprofits, and local leaders to expand opportunities and partnerships for Brooklyn Park teens
• Implement, plan, and evaluate recreational activities for youth and teens under 18 years old
• Identify needs and make referrals to the Prevention and Intervention Specialist for teens in need of support services
• Assist in the coordination of special events and pop-up teen activities throughout Brooklyn Park
• Assist in supervision of teen program locations and participants
• Recruit, register, and retain teen participants through creative outreach, school partnerships, and relationship-building with families
• Assist in reporting deliverables
• Assist Teen Program Specialist in evaluation of youth program locations, participants and staff
• Assist Teen Program Specialist with duties in youth programs
• Attend required staff development trainings and meetings to stay current on best practices in youth engagement and recreation
• Maintain clean and organized program spaces by assisting with setup and cleanup of activities and ensuring safety standards are met
• Assist with building and park clean-up during, after shift, and after events
• 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
• Appropriately manage and report incidents to the Prevention and Intervention Specialist and/or police officer if needed
• 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: Associate degree