Please do not attach a Resume or Cover Letter.  They will not be evaluated.

About the Position
Under the direction of the Recreation Manager and the Recreation Program Specialists, this position provides direct supervision of summer camp participants, ages 3-18, as well as can act as host/trip leader for family and adult outdoor trips. Primary responsibilities include: activity planning and preparation, developing supply lists for scheduled activities, conducting activities in arts and crafts, sports, field games, cooking, and special events, assisting site supervisor with activity implementation, providing appropriate supervision and discipline of campers, and discussing camper behavior with parents/guardians.

Hours range from 30-40 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
This position will work with a team that has established five core values and a successful employee must be able to embrace and demonstrate their support of these five values as part of their regular performance as it relates to customers, co-workers and the community: Fun Experiences, Passionate People, Positive Attitudes, Reliable Services, Resourceful Employees.
The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience working with children.
• Be able to work throughout the summer.
• Have experience/expertise in outdoor activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, swimming and hiking.
• Have the ability to work as a member of a team.
• Have effective interpersonal and group communication techniques.
• Have the ability to gain compliance with policies and procedures.
• Have a passion for developing environments that celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Have a valid driver’s license, and preferably be able to drive and back-up trailers.

To Apply

• Please do not attach a Resume or Cover Letter.  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 Assistant 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.
• 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 assisting in the conduct, monitoring, presentation, and administration of indoor and outdoor recreational activities and programs at various locations throughout the City of Olympia.
• This is a temporary, hourly non-benefited position.  The work schedule varies depending on need, but for the most part will be working 8-9 hours during the day Monday through Friday.  Weekend and evening work may be a necessary aspect of this position’s responsibilities.
• Assist with the provision of recreation activities to youth 3 to 14 years old, in outdoor settings, in local schools, in local parks and in other recreational facilities.
• Provide customer service, information, land directional assistance to recreation facility users, program participants, prospective users, and the general public.
• Deliver, distribute, and collect recreational equipment from program sites and locations.
• Stock, inventory, and check equipment for serviceability on a regular basis.
• 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.
• Perform custodial duties, facility clean up and set up as required.
• 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

• General knowledge of recreational activities, sports, and programs.
• Skill in working with diverse groups and individuals.
• Skill in interpersonal conflict/dispute resolution methods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of formats to diverse individuals and groups.
• 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 la 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 follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to perform job duties with minimal direct on-site supervision.
• Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.

Experience/Education

• 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 at least 18 years of age before starting work with the City of Olympia as a Recreation Assistant.
• 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

• Recreation Assistants are in constant contact with a diverse public participating in a wide variety of Parks, Arts and Recreation programs, activities and events.
• Recreation Assistants communicate frequently with school district staff to 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, or enforcing regulations and behavior standards.
• All public contacts are to be handled in a calm, non-judgmental manner.
• Recreation Assistants 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

• None given.

Accountability

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

Working Conditions

• Recreation Assistants may work indoors in large, busy, multi-use public facilities, and a variety of outdoor locations.
• Recreation Assistants may work mornings, evenings, weekends, or on rotating or irregular schedules.
• Recreation Assistants may be exposed to adverse weather conditions and temperature variations.
• Recreation Assistants may be assigned to work in areas where smoking is not permitted.
• The classification is responsible for in person customer service and will have constant contact with a diverse, multi-ethnic population of all ages.
• Work will involve constant interaction with individuals and groups of various sizes.
• Some public contacts may be regulatory, corrective, or confrontational in nature.

The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.