Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with an associate degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation or a related field, plus one (1) year of experience related to the development and implementation of the assigned programs.
• Experience may substitute for the education up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
• May require certification in CPR , First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other areas as specified for the assigned class.
• Texas Class "C" Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment.

Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Recreation Programs Specialist position is to provide a variety of recreational programs for adults and seniors and work with diverse populations and communities. This includes public speaking and interacting with individuals of diverse social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds. This position will also provide services directly to people with disabilities or in need of special modification in order to participate in PARD programs and activities.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as "See Resume" will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class B Commercial Driver's License or the ability to acquire one within within one hundred and twenty (120) days of hire. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin's Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and you must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant's needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: PARD reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience planning, developing, and implementing recreation and athletic programming, curriculum, and special events for Adults, Senior Adults, and people with disabilities in a government/municipality recreation facility, educational institution, activity center, or similar setting.
• Experience coaching adaptive sport activities and senior sports (i.e. Senior and Special Olympics, wheelchair sports, modified swimming, etc.).
• Experience planning, transporting, and/or accompanying senior adults on local and/or out of town excursions.
• Experience creating, editing, and producing promotional/marketing materials such as flyers, brochures, and marketing on social media (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook).

Preferred Skills:

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Teams, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with RecTrac Activity/Registration software.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Develops, markets, schedules, implements, conducts, and coordinates Citywide activities, programs, and special events.

Coaches and officiates sporting activities.

Ensures all events and activities conform to appropriate safety rules.

Modifies classes and workshops to accommodate individuals with a variety of disabilities.

Prepares and reviews payments, cash receipts, billing, or other accounting transactions by verifying documentation and accurately completing transactions.

Coordinates with other organizations. Solicits donations.

Transports and/or accompanies program and event participants.

Provides participants and the general public with information.

Completes and maintains forms, records, and reports.

Ensures proper facility and equipment set up and maintenance.

Maintains inventory of supplies, tools, equipment, trophies, prizes, and mementos.

Responsibilities - Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of recreational programs and activities.
• Knowledge of City practices and policies and Local laws and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Ability to plan, market, and promote programs.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the City and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.