Recreation Specialist- Youth/Preschool Programming

Mecklenburg County•Charlotte, NC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is hiring a full-time Recreation Specialist at Eastway Regional Recreation Center, with a focus on youth programming such as arts, crafts, games, special events, summer camps, after-school programs, and homeschool programs. The role also includes programming in the Childwatch/Pre-K area and building partnerships with families in the community. The schedule is flexible and may include daytime hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business and facility needs. The position may also be considered for similar roles at other Park and Recreation locations. The Recreation Specialist develops, leads, and evaluates recreational programs and activities; provides customer service and handles registrations, facility-use inquiries, and payments; ensures participant safety and administers first aid when needed; and helps maintain facilities and recreational areas. The role includes supervising children, assisting with department events and field trips, and may involve driving a county vehicle, officiating sports, or serving as manager on duty when the Recreation Facility Manager is unavailable. Candidates need a bachelor's degree in Park and Recreation Administration, Health and Physical Education, or a related field, or an accepted equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid North Carolina or South Carolina driver's license and County Driving Privileges are required. CPR/First Aid certification must be obtained within one year of hire and maintained. The starting pay is $25.53 per hour.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Park and Recreation Administration, Health and Physical Education, or a related field, or an accepted equivalent combination of education and experience.
Accepted education and experience alternatives include a bachelor's degree with six months of prior work experience as a temporary or part-time Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation employee; an associate's or bachelor's degree with 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 an area of specialization, and public recreation principles, practices, and techniques for all ages.
Ability to apply recreation knowledge through hands-on activities while meeting the needs of diverse populations; develop and enforce general rules and safety procedures; manage multiple tasks; work independently; and organize and present demonstrations in an area of specialization.

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 inquiries by phone, email, website, social media, and in person regarding information, registration, daily facility use, and rentals.
Ensure the safety of participants and spectators and administer first aid when necessary.
Enforce rules and regulations.
Collect fees and process registrations for recreational programs and facility rentals.
Assist with light maintenance of facilities and recreational areas.
Referee at various sports activities and, when needed, serve as timekeeper, scorekeeper, or linesperson.
Supervise children in after-school, summer, and other recreational programs.
Handle inquiries and complaints from the public.
When required, drive a county vehicle to transport participants or travel to another 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.