Seasonal Lead Recreation Specialist

City of Olympia•Olympia, WA

3d•$23 - $28

About The Position

The Lead Recreation Specialist plays a key role in overseeing and supporting the success of our summer youth programs. Leads manage weekly summer camps and ensure the safe, organized operation of activities at their assigned sites. They are responsible for supervising camp staff, including Recreation Specialists and Recreation Aides, and maintaining a safe, fun, and productive environment for campers. This includes overseeing daily schedules, managing camper behavior, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality programming. This is a seasonal position with hours ranging from 20-40 hours per week. Camps are held at Olympia School District Elementary Schools and City of Olympia parks, and evening and weekend hours may be required.

Requirements

Have experience working with children in recreational settings, with demonstrated leadership skills in managing staff or groups.
Be capable of working with limited supervision while leading and motivating a team of staff members.
Possess strong interpersonal and group communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with children, staff, and parents.
Be passionate about fostering environments that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Have a knack for designing and implementing engaging activities, such as crafts, games, sports, and field trips.
Demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and reliability, maintaining consistent attendance and punctuality.
Hold a valid driver’s license (ability to drive is required for some activities but not all positions).
Be available to work throughout the summer, with flexibility for evening and weekend shifts.
Knowledge of recreational activities and the ability to design and lead engaging programs.
Skills in supervising staff and ensuring the smooth operation of programs.
Ability to communicate effectively with children, staff, parents, and other stakeholders.
Conflict management and resolution skills.
Ability to train and mentor others, especially in group settings.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Candidates must be 18 years old prior to starting work.
Experience leading, supervising, organizing, or direction the work of others.
Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others.
Ability to train others in the proper use of recreation equipment, craft materials/tools/equipment, and games.
Ability to communicate with the public in a calm, tactful, and non-judgmental manner.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.
Ability to monitor and conduct recreational activities.
Ability to clearly explain recreation programs, rules, procedures, and regulations.
Ability to clearly explain and demonstrate use of recreational equipment.
Ability to keep accurate records in a variety of formats.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision or as a member of a public service oriented team.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with a wide diversity of individuals and groups.
Ability to respond to questions and complaints in a courteous and tactful manner.
Ability to perform job duties with minimal direct on-site supervision.
Ability to understand, learn, and apply the rules of games such as basketball, volleyball, softball, and other similar gym or outdoor sports.
Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of formats to diverse individuals and groups.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience managing or supervising staff in a recreational, educational, or camp setting.
Experience providing in-person service to a diverse public.
Education and/or experience providing public service in recreation, community based programs, physical education, craft activities, or a closely related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage a team of camp staff, ensuring they provide safe, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for campers.
Schedule and coordinate daily camp activities, including arts and crafts, sports, games, and field trips.
Provide guidance, training, and support to Recreation Specialists and Aides, ensuring they understand their roles and the camp’s policies and procedures.
Serve as the primary point of contact for staff, parents, custodians, and other stakeholders. Communicate regularly with the Recreation Manager, Recreation Supervisor, and Program Specialists regarding any concerns, safety issues, or staffing needs.
Ensure that safety standards are met at all times and enforce appropriate behavior management strategies.
Provide excellent service to parents, campers, and other stakeholders, addressing questions or concerns in a professional, respectful manner.
Assist with organizing supplies, maintaining attendance records, and reporting on camp activities and camper behavior.
Lead and supervise camp staff and activities at various locations.
Ensure safe and effective operation of recreational programs for children ages 3-18.
Assist with setting up, breaking down, and maintaining camp activities, equipment, and spaces.
Monitor camper behavior and ensure safety regulations and camp policies are adhered to.
Provide customer service, answer questions, and assist parents, staff, and campers as needed.
Record and report on camp activities, attendance, and other required documentation.
Ensure that all staff understand and enforce camp policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
Responsible for the effectiveness, efficiency, and conduct of assigned recreation program(s).
Coordinate recreation activities, schedules, and staff/material resource needs with Recreation Supervisors.
Provide training to staff on how program activities are successfully integrated into existing services, and assess the effectiveness/desirability of new programs as required.
Lead the conduct, monitoring, presentation, and administration of indoor and outdoor recreational activities and programs at various locations throughout the City of Olympia.
Provide customer service, information, and directional assistance to recreation facility users, program participants, prospective users, and the general public.
Distribute informational materials and check equipment in and out.
Deliver, distribute, and collect recreational equipment from program sites and locations.
Observe activity in progress or area of responsibility and monitor participant or public conduct to ensure compliance with behavior standards, regulations, guidelines, and safety procedures relating to activity and equipment use.
Assist with set up and provision of special events, displays, and services as required.