This is the entry level training classification in the Recreation Leader job series. Positions in this class perform responsible recreation activity supervision involving planning and conducting activities in program areas such as outdoor games, sports, arts and crafts, tournaments, music, drama, special events, nature programs and performances or other activities related to the assignment. This classification is distinguished from the Recreation Leader II classification in that incumbents performs less complex and more routine responsibilities while learning recreation planning, implementation and delivery of various types, and the rules and regulations of the Community Services Department. Work is initially closely supervised and is observed while performing and upon completion. Ability to work independently will occur when the employee gains experience and demonstrates ability to perform a range of duties with minimal supervision.
This is the journey level classification in the Recreation Leader job series. Positions in this class perform responsible recreation activity supervision involving planning and conducting activities in program areas such as outdoor games, sports, arts and crafts, tournaments, music, drama, special events, nature programs and performances or other activities related to the assignment. Work at this level involves organizing and directing recreation programs within established schedules, standards and policies, as well as using independent judgment in dealing with program or customer service problems. Work is performed under general supervision with a higher degree of independence and upon fully demonstrating the ability to perform the full range of duties with minimal supervision. May train new or lesser skilled Recreation Leader staff as assigned.
This series may be flexibly staffed at either the entry or journey level. Incumbents appointed to the Recreation Leader I (entry level) may reasonably expect to progress to the Recreation Leader II (journey level) upon attaining and demonstrating the full knowledge, skills and abilities of the job classification and meeting the qualifications and department requirements established for progression, which shall remain at the department head’s discretion.
Knowledge of:
- Principle, rules, and practices of organizing, planning, and conducting recreation programs.
- A variety of children’s games, sports and other recreational activities.
- First aid and CPR methods; and safety precautions to be used in recreational activities.
- Practices and techniques to achieve favorable public relations and appearance that project a positive image.
- Practices and techniques to achieve group cooperation in recreation programs.
- Operations and organizational structure of municipal government.
- Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and supporting software applications.
- English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Principles and practices of filing and record keeping.
- Methods and techniques of public relations and customer service.
- Safe and efficient work practices as they relate to code enforcement.
- Applicable Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes and regulations, related to working with youth.
- City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Ability to:
- Organizing, plan, and conduct a variety of recreational, educational, sports, special events, and related programs and activities.
- Maintain and follow department policies and procedures.
- Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Speak publicly to program participants.
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Learn and perform assigned tasks.
- Prepare and maintain recreation program records as directed.
- Deliver quality customer service.
- Work independently and as a team member.
- Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
- Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
- Experience:
- Recreation Leader I: Prior paid or volunteer work experience in performing customer service and/or in working with groups is highly desirable.
- Recreation Leader II: At least one (1) year of experience organizing, planning, and conducting a variety of recreational, educational, sports, special events, and related programs and activities.
- Training:
- Recreation Leader I/II: At least 18 years of age or graduation from high school.
- Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a State of California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle insurance program.
- Special Requirements: Employees in this class may be required to work varying shifts, a flexible work, schedule, and extended hours including evenings and weekends.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment characteristics and physical/mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Environmental Conditions: Employees in this class generally work in a field environment with exposure to outdoor environmental elements on a regular basis with exposure to varying temperatures, moderate exterior noise levels including traffic, and may have limited exposure to dust and fumes. Employees will also work in an indoor environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employee may interact with staff and/or the public and private representatives in various settings including the field, office, or remote facilities.
Physical Demands: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting including use of standard office equipment, including a computer; and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various sites in order to conduct inspections. Color vision is required to read printed materials and a computer screen as well as to discern violations found in the field. Hearing and speech is required to communicate in person and over the telephone. Touch is required in order to handle documents, and use a computer. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required both in the office and in the field. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time. Positions in this classification regularly bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information and in order to conduct field inspections. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds. This position is also expected to perform some physical work in the set-up of chairs and tables for events, and in performing light janitorial work at City facilities. Work in the field that may require greater noise exposure from traffic, and walking on unevenground, fumes, dirt and gas, and in varying temperatures.
Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information, and documents; analyzes and solves problems; observes and interprets people, and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs detailed work; deals with changing priorities, interruptions, and multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.