Seasonal Recreation Specialist

City of Olympia•Olympia, WA

3d•$20 - $25

About The Position

Responsible for delivering and administering a variety of recreation programs and activities for individuals of all ages and abilities for the City of Olympia (City). Work involves planning, supervising and facilitating youth camps, adult sports leagues, after-school programs and special events, while ensuring safety and adherence to regulations. Provides customer service, manages equipment and maintains recreation spaces. Promotes public participation and offers on-site assistance and direction for recreation programs. We are seeking Seasonal Recreation Specialists (also referred to as "Assistants") to support our summer youth programs. These positions are essential to the success of our summer camps, which serve children and teens ages 3-18. In this role, you will help plan and lead activities in arts and crafts, sports, field games, cooking, and special events, all while providing a safe and enjoyable environment for campers. As a team member, you will contribute to the department's mission of connecting people to quality recreational experiences that enhance their lives, whether by leading activities or assisting with day-to-day camp operations.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old by the start of employment.
Prior experience working with children is preferred.
Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Must be able to lift and carry recreational equipment as needed.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check in accordance with the Child and Adult Abuse Act (RCW 43.43).
High school diploma or GED
Must be at least 18 years of age before starting work.
May be required to successfully pass a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Have experience working with children in recreational or educational settings.
Be available to work throughout the summer (June to August).
Be able to work effectively as part of a team.
Demonstrate strong communication skills, with the ability to work well with children, parents, and co-workers.
Have the ability to follow program guidelines and enforce safety and behavior policies.
Be passionate about fostering inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and equity.
Hold a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive and back up trailers in certain cases (not required for all positions).
Some community recreation, youth program or physical education experience preferred;
OR a combination of experience, certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas.

Responsibilities

Supervise and engage campers (ages 3-18) during a variety of recreational activities, both indoors and outdoors.
Plan, organize, and prepare materials for arts and crafts, sports, games, and other recreational activities.
Assist in implementing family and adult outdoor trips as needed, including providing general support and leadership.
Ensure appropriate supervision, discipline, and behavior management of campers.
Communicate with parents/guardians about camper behavior and progress as needed.
Work collaboratively with other team members to deliver fun, safe, and engaging activities.
Assist in setting up and cleaning program areas, equipment, and supplies.
Monitor camper conduct to ensure compliance with safety standards and behavior guidelines.
Provide outstanding customer service to participants, parents, and other staff members.
Facilitates the monitoring, presentation and administration of indoor and outdoor recreation activities and programs at various locations throughout the City.
Plans and supervises youth camps for children ages four (4) to sixteen (16); creates participant schedules and ensures safety.
Organizes and manages adult sports leagues including scorekeeping and behavior management for outdoor and gym-based sports.
Drives, teaches and leads activities for middle school students during after-school programs and activity nights; supervises behavior and ensures safety.
Hosts and supervises birthday parties and sports team celebrations.
Provides customer service, information and directional assistance to recreation facility users, program participants, prospective users and the public.
Distributes promotional and informational materials.
Collects and delivers recreation equipment to and from program sites ensuring equipment is stocked, inventoried and serviceable.
Monitors participant behavior and conduct to ensure adherence to regulations, guidelines and safety procedures during activities.
Performs facility clean-up and set-up; carries out custodial duties to maintain recreation spaces.
Observes activity participants to ensure compliance with behavior standards, regulations, guidelines and safety procedures relating to activity and equipment use.
Assists with setting up and provisioning special events, displays and services.
Follows City and public safety guidelines and protocols and performs job functions in a safe manner; reports all safety hazards per established policies and procedures.
Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.
Assist in organizing, leading, and monitoring recreational activities for children and teens in various locations throughout Olympia.
Provide excellent customer service, answering questions and offering assistance to participants, parents, and other staff.
Set up and break down recreational equipment and program materials as needed.
Ensure that safety regulations are followed and that activities are carried out in a safe, enjoyable manner.
Maintain accurate records related to program activities, participant attendance, and equipment inventory.
Perform custodial duties, including cleaning and organizing program spaces.