Recreation Specialist- Youth/Preschool Programming

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Charlotte, NC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is hiring a full-time Recreation Specialist at Eastway Regional Recreation Center, focused on youth programming. The role includes planning and leading activities such as arts and crafts, games, special events, summer camps, after-school programs, and homeschool programs. The specialist will also support programming in the Childwatch/Pre-K area and help form partnerships with families in the community. The position provides recreation-center and park-facility services, including customer service, program registration, facility rentals, participant safety, and supervision of children. The schedule is flexible to meet business and facility needs and includes daytime hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Some programs may require driving a county vehicle to transport participants or travel to another location. The role may also serve as manager on duty when the Recreation Facility Manager is unavailable. The minimum education and experience requirements may be met through a relevant bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver's license and County Driving Privileges are required, as is the ability to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification within one year of hire. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other computer applications is required.

Requirements

No experience is required for the minimum qualifications.
A bachelor's degree in Park and Recreation Administration, Health and Physical Education, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Equivalent qualification pathways include: a bachelor's degree and six months of prior work as a temporary or part-time Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation employee; an associate's or bachelor's degree and two years of related experience; or four years of similar related experience.
Proficiency in various computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver's license and County Driving Privileges.
Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification within one year of hire and maintain it.
Knowledge of recreational programming and instruction, instruction in the specialist's area, and principles, practices, and techniques of public recreation for all ages.
Skills in applying recreation knowledge through hands-on activities for diverse populations; developing and enforcing general rules and safety procedures; managing multiple tasks; working independently; and organizing and presenting demonstrations in the area of specialization.
Abilities including building trust, applying new learning, communicating clearly, focusing on customers, initiating action, maintaining safety awareness, and adapting to change.
Able to perform each essential function satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Three to four years of experience planning and executing youth recreation programs.
Experience in after-school care, preschool, and/or homeschool program settings.

Responsibilities

Develop, lead, and evaluate programs and activities in a recreation center or park facility.
Provide customer service and handle funds and inquiries through telephone, email, website, social media, and in-person interactions for information, program registration, center daily use, and rentals.
Ensure the safety of participants and spectators and administer first aid when necessary.
Enforce rules and regulations.
Collect fees and take registrations for recreational programs and facility rentals.
Assist with light maintenance of facilities and recreational areas.
Referee various sports activities and, as needed, serve as a timekeeper, scorekeeper, or linesperson at games.
Supervise children in after-school, summer, and other recreational programs.
Handle public inquiries and complaints.
When required by a program, drive a county vehicle to transport participants or commute to a different location.
Assist with department events and field trips.
May serve as manager on duty when the Recreation Facility Manager is unavailable.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge, and pet insurance.
Dependent care, healthcare, and commuter flexible spending accounts, and a health savings account.
Paid holidays, vacation, and sick days.
Near-site clinics for preventive care and illnesses.
Employee discount program for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets, and more.
Employee assistance program, including financial and legal counseling.
Access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities.
Paid family leave.
Tuition reimbursement.
5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit retirement plan.