Please do not submit Resumes and Cover Letters.  They will not be evaluated.

About the Position
Under the direction of the Recreation Manager and the Recreation Program Specialists, this position will oversee recreation programs, and specifically weekly summer camps. This position is responsible for the camp at their respective site. Leads provide supervision of Recreation Program Assistants/Specialists and Recreation Aides, in addition to campers. They are also expected to communicate to the Recreation Manager or Program Specialists about concerns or safety issues pertaining to camp. Leads are responsible for scheduling daily camp activities and providing customer service to parents, custodians, staff and campers.

Hours range from 20-40 hours/week. Programs are based out of Olympia School District Elementary Schools and City of Olympia parks. You must complete the supplemental application portion of this packet in order to be considered for this position. Evenings, weekends and varying schedules may be required.

In addition to City Policy 20.4.1 (Standards of Conduct: Prohibited Behaviors), the following behaviors are prohibited for staff:

• Being alone with a camp participant.  No Exceptions.
• Taking photos for personal use.  Any photos taken during programs are the property of the City of Olympia.
• Posting to personal social media accounts during work time.

In addition, if a staff member/co-worker witnesses a prohibited behavior occur in the workplace, they are expected to report the behavior at the first opportunity (and no later than 24 hours following the incident) to their immediate supervisor, any full-time recreation supervisor, or any administrative staff within the Parks, Arts & Recreation Department.

Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working with children.
• Have the ability to work with limited supervision.
• Have a passion for developing environments that celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Have effective interpersonal and group communication techniques.
• Have the ability to effectively supervise the work of others and accomplish all necessary work in a team environment.
• Have the ability to gain compliance with policies and procedures.
• Have the ability to establish a sound working partnership with customers/partners served.
• Be able to work throughout the summer.
• Have expertise in coming up with games, crafts, sports, field trips, etc.
• Have a valid driver’s license.

To Apply

• Please do not submit Resumes and Cover letters.  They will not be evaluated.
• Submit an electronic application.
• Be sure to answer the supplemental questions. The supplemental questions are to help assess your interests, skills and abilities pertinent to the position for which you are applying. The information will be used to assist in selecting individuals to fill Recreation Lead positions.
• This recruitment will close 5 pm April 2, 2021
• Only electronic applications are accepted.

Contact Information
If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Tad Earley at (360) 709-2677 or by email at tearley@ci.olympia.wa.us.

Success Factors
The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of children’s behaviors.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of safety regulations in a school or recreation setting.
• Knowledge of current issues and challenges facing individuals/families from underserved communities including sensitivity to racial, gender and ability equity/diversity.
• Ability to have fun and enjoy groups of kids for up to 9 hours at a time.
• Ability to be creative.
• Ability to be alert and aware of surroundings.
• Ability to be active for long periods of time.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate with children, other staff, school personnel and parents.
• Ability to be organized.
• Ability to learn and be trained by other staff members.
• Ability to be adaptive and flexible.

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:
Operational Expectations:

• 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.
• Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Performance Expectations

• Outstanding customer service will be a constant service delivery.
• Ability to relate and work with a diverse population; ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures to ambiguous situations while maintaining customer confidence; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Knowledge/ Skills /Abilities

• Knowledge of methods used to direct, plan, organize, and monitor the work of others.
• General knowledge of recreational activities, sports, and programs for various and/or specific age ranges.
• Skill in working with diverse groups and individuals.
• Skill in interpersonal conflict/dispute resolution methods.
• 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 diverse group of individuals.
• 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 communicate effectively in a variety of formats to diverse individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.

Experience/Education

• Experience leading, supervising, organizing, or direction the work of others.
• 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.
• Special Requirements:
• Candidates must be 18 years old prior to starting work as a Lead Recreation Specialist.
• In accordance with the Child and Adult Abuse Act (RCW 43.43), applicants considered for appointment will be required to undergo a criminal inquiry relating to crimes against persons that will be conducted prior to hire.

Contacts

• Lead Recreation Specialists are in constant contact with a diverse pubic participating in a wide variety of Parks and Recreation programs, activities, and events.
• A Lead Recreation Specialist communicates frequently with school district staff to schedule events and coordinate use of facilities.
• These public contacts are conducted in a courteous, positive, service oriented and informative manner.
• Contacts may sometimes involve complaint resolution, working with dissatisfied customers, or firmly communicating rules and procedures to uncooperative and antagonistic citizens.
• All public contacts are to be handled in a calm, non-judgmental manner.
• Lead Recreation Specialists have frequent contacts with supervisors and other staff to plan and accomplish work, resolve service delivery problems, and obtain training and direction as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• The Lead Recreation Specialist is the lead worker for Recreation Specialist, Recreation Aides, interns, volunteers or other assigned staff.

Accountability

• The Lead Recreation Specialist is responsible to the designated Recreation Program Manager and Recreation Program Specialists for performing assigned activities efficiently and properly.

Working Conditions

• Lead Recreation Specialists may work indoors in large, busy, multi-use public facilities, at a variety of outdoor locations, or in office settings.
• Lead Recreation Specialists may work mornings, evenings, weekends, or on rotating or irregular schedules.
• Lead Recreation Specialists may be exposed to adverse weather conditions and temperature variations.