Recreation Leader I (Programs)

Recreation Leader I (Programs)

Salary

$17.89 - $28.59 Hourly

Location

126 N. St. Andrews Street, Dothan, AL

Job Type

FULL TIME

Job Number

136PR-26-01

Department

Leisure Services

Opening Date

07/01/2026

Closing Date

7/15/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This is a full-time position responsible for supervisory work in the management and coordination of programs for Leisure Services. The incumbent is responsible for researching, developing, organizing, and supervising programs and city-wide special events.

Major Duties

• Plans, organizes, implements, and supervises new and assigned special events and programs (for youth, adults, senior adults, and/or therapeutics).

• Assists in coordinating, developing, organizing, and implementing summer camp programs and events and ensures events and programs follow all laws, policies, regulations, and departmental goals.

• Assists in coordinating, developing, organizing, and implementing afterschool programs and events and ensures events and programs follow all laws, policies, regulation, and departmental goals.

• Develops, recommends, coordinates, and implements new departmental special events, education and cultural related programs that meet community needs.

• Evaluates and assess the effectiveness of each programming area and implements improvements (within scope) as needed or provides recommendations to supervisor.

• Tracks program/event services provided to include monitoring results and providing operational reports as needed.

• Researches and investigates grant/funding opportunities for new program implementation and identifies available funding to improve current programs.

• Recruits sponsors to finance various programs and/or events.

• Supervises and monitors programs and activities to enforce and ensure rules and department/ safety standards are adhered.

• Prepares news articles, press releases, calendar events, brochures, advertisement flyers, social media posts and related public information/relation materials.

• Coordinates event and program recruitment and registration.

• Makes recommendations for changes and/or expansions to programs and events.

• Supervises, trains, hires, and advises volunteer personnel, part time, and seasonal employees.

• Cleans, maintains, and prepares the playground, community center facilities and/or event location for recreation events as scheduled.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of childcare principles and practices.
• Knowledge of facility maintenance principles.
• Knowledge of department policies and procedures.
• Skill in the safe operation of delivery vehicle.
• Skill in inventorying equipment and supplies.
• Skill in the custodial maintenance of public facilities.
• Skill in planning.
• Skill in decision making and problem solving.
• Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to work at least eight (8) hours per day, forty (40) hours per week, or such hours as the City determines necessary to meet operational requirements.
• Ability to work overtime as the City determines necessary to meet operational requirements.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays as the City determines necessary to meet operational requirements.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Assistant Leisure Services Director (Programs & Athletics) and/or the Recreation Program Manager assign work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor observes and reviews work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include relevant program/event guidelines, specific program, city, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related program and event planning through implementation. The variety of tasks to be performed contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to develop, organize, supervise, and participate in assigned departmental events and programs. Successful performance in this position contributes to the efficient and effective delivery of services to the public.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with supervisors, coworkers, sponsors, other city personnel, volunteers, part time and seasonal staff, vendors, and the public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and motivate persons.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects up to fifty (50) pounds, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.
• The work is typically performed in an office, in recreational facilities, and outdoors, occasionally in cold, hot, or inclement weather. Work may require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This person has direct supervision over seasonal and volunteer personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from standard senior high school or GED, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); and
• One (1) year recent experience in recreational programming, program development (youth, adult, senior adult, and/or therapeutics); and
• One (1) year recent experience in managing and/or developing events for the public; and
• Six (6) months recent experience in the use of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel); and
• Six (6) months recent recreational programming experience (examples of non-athletic programming are Esports tournament, Adult Easter Egg Hunt, Mother/Son Olympics, Santa and Pet Photo event, etc.).
• Possession of a current and valid certification in the following preferred:
• Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) Professional Recreator Certificate
• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification
• CPR/First Aid Instructor
• Certified Festival & Event Associate (CFEA) Certification
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
• Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM)
• Certified Sports Official (Such as Dixie Youth, Special Olympics, etc.)
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
• Certified Youth Sports Administrator
• Group Fitness Instructor (From an Accredited Institution/Program)
• NASP Basic Archery Instructor or USA Archery - Level I Instructor Certification
• Ornamental and Turf Pest Control Supervisor or Custodial (OTPS/OTPC) Certification
• Personal Trainer Certification (From an Accredited Institution/Program)
• ServSafe Manager Certificate
• Trail Maintenance, Management, and/or Master Certification
• Turfgrass Management Certification
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification
• Possession of a current and valid American Red Cross OR American Heart Association CPR/AED certificate preferred.
• Graduation from an accredited* college or university with a degree in Recreation, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Administration, Education, Hospitality Management, or closely related field preferred.
• Four (4) months recent (within the last two years) seasonal or part-time employment with the City of Dothan performing responsibilities in recreational, educational events, and/or athletic programs preferred.
• Accredited through an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER:

Employees are required to complete/sign the Certification & Condition of Employment/Promotion/Demotion/Transfer form(s). [See condition(s) for details.]

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record. (PBA 09/10/01)
• Must obtain and maintain American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR/AED certification within one (1) year of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. (See condition for details.)
• Employees in this position are required to obtain/maintain a Class C with passenger endorsement Commercial Driver License (CDL) within 120 days of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. (See condition for details.)
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• An applicant for this position is subject to a criminal history background check pursuant to the following statutes: §§38-13-1. Ala. Code (1975) et seq., as amended by the Child Care Safety Act (Act of Alabama #2018-278), Act of Alabama 2019-322, or §41-27-10, Ala. Code (1975).
• Employees are required submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12)
• Must meet the City of Dothan's employment physical standards, which include drug/alcohol testing.

Application / Examination

Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 100% of their final grade.

Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department in writing on or before the closing date of this advertisement by emailing jobs@dothan.org.

An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer

The City of Dothan provides a diverse package of benefit programs:

• Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year

• Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year

• Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected

• Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama

• Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees

• Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders

• Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account

• Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses

Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.....

Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.

01

Supplemental Questions: This information will be used to determine your placement on the employment register and if you meet the basic qualifications as listed on the job posting. Therefore, please give detailed descriptions of your job duties. You must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application and the Supplemental Questions. Answer all questions as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Some questions request an explanation to support a "yes" answer. Your explanation should contain experience, education, etc., to show that you do possess whatever skill, knowledge or experience being addressed in the question. Employment and volunteer experiences used to answer any of the questions below must be listed on your application. If you use military experience to meet the experience requirements, do not give dates of your entire tour of duty, rather, you should indicate on your employment application, the month and year you began performing these duties and the month and year you stopped.

• I have read and understand the above statement and will submit any required verification or supporting documents by the closing date of this advertisement.

02

Which best describes your highest completed level of education? Your education MUST be listed in the education section of your application in order to receive credit.

• None
• High School Diploma or GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

03

Check the appropriate field of study for your degree.

• Recreation
• Marketing
• Business Administration
• Public Administration
• Education
• Hospitality Management
• Other - Closely Related
• Other - Non Related
• No degree

04

If you checked "Other" in question #3 above, please list your degree/major/field of study, etc. If not applicable, list "N/A"

05

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience in recreational programming, program development (youth, adult, senior adult, and/or therapeutics)?

• No experience
• 0 - 5.9 months
• 6 months - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 7.9 years
• 8 - 10.9 years
• 11 - 14.9 years
• 15 - 19.9 years
• More than 20 years

06

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #5. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

07

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #5. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

08

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience in managing and/or developing events for the public?

• No experience
• 0 - 5.9 months
• 6 months - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 7.9 years
• 8 - 10.9 years
• 11 - 14.9 years
• 15 - 19.9 years
• More than 20 years

09

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #8. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

10

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #8. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

11

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience in the use of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)?

• No experience
• 0 - 5.9 months
• 6 months - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 7.9 years
• 8 - 10.9 years
• 11 - 14.9 years
• 15 - 19.9 years
• More than 20 years

12

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #11. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

13

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #11. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

14

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) recreational programming experience (examples of of non-athletic programming are Esports tournament, Adult Easter Egg Hunt, Mother/Son Olympics, Santa and Pet Photo event, etc.)?

• No experience
• 0 - 5.9 months
• 6 months - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 7.9 years
• 8 - 10.9 years
• 11 - 14.9 years
• 15 - 19.9 years
• More than 20 years

15

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #14. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

16

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #14. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

17

Check each of the following certifications you currently possess: In order to receive credit, you must submit a current copy of your certification by the closing date of this advertisement. You may submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, or by email to jobs@dothan.org.

• Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) Professional Recreator Certificate
• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification
• CPR/First Aid Instructor
• Certified Festival & Event Associate (CFEA) Certification
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
• Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM)
• Certified Sports Official (Such as Dixie Youth, Special Olympics, etc.)
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
• Certified Youth Sports Administrator
• Group Fitness Instructor (From an Accredited Institution/Program)
• NASP Basic Archery Instructor or USA Archery - Level I Instructor Certification
• Ornamental and Turf Pest Control Supervisor or Custodial (OTPS/OTPC) Certification
• Personal Trainer Certification (From an Accredited Institution/Program)
• ServSafe Manager Certificate
• Trail Maintenance, Management, and/or Master Certification
• Turfgrass Management Certification
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification
• None

18

Do you possess a current and valid American Red Cross OR American Heart Association CPR/AED certificate? In order to receive credit, you must submit a current copy of your certification by the closing date of this advertisement. You may submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, or by email to jobs@dothan.org.

• Yes
• No

19

Which best describes your recent [within the last two (2) years] work experience as a SEASONAL or PART TIME employee with the City of Dothan, performing responsibilities in recreational, educational, and/or athletic programs?

• No experience
• 0 - 3.9 months
• 4 - 5.9 months
• 6 - 11.9 months
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 2.9 years
• More than 3 years

20

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #19. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

21

Do you have a valid operator drivers license and an acceptable driving record?

Click here to view the City of Dothans Motor Vehicle Policy.

• Yes
• No

22

Do you currently possess a State of Alabama issued CDL?

• Yes
• No

23

If yes, please indicate which Class of CDL you possess.

• Alabama Class A (UNRESTRICTED)
• Alabama Class A
• Another State Class A
• Alabama Class B
• Another State Class B
• Alabama Class C
• Alabama Class C with Passenger Endorsement
• Another State Class C
• Another State Class C with Passenger Endorsement
• No CDL

24

Do you possess a State issued CDL other than Alabama?

• Yes
• No

25

If yes, please indicate which State, Class, and expiration date. If no, please list "N/A". Ex. GA 1234567; Class E; 10-05-2039

26

This position requires an American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR/AED certification within one (1) year of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. Are you willing/able to obtain and maintain this certification within one (1) year of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer?

• Yes
• No

27

This position requires a Class C with passenger endorsement Commercial Driver License (CDL) within 120 days of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. Are you willing/able to obtain and maintain this certification within 120 days of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer?

• Yes
• No

28

This is to certify that I have read and understand both the Certification of Understanding/CDL and the Condition of Employment/Promotion/Transfer forms for this position with the City of Dothan, Alabama.

Click here to view form. Failure to check "I Agree/Understand" discontinues the application process. (A signed form will be requested at time of hire, promotion, transfer or demotion.)

• I Agree/Understand
• I Disagree

29

An applicant for this position is subject to a criminal history background check pursuant to the following statutes: §§38-13-1. Ala. Code (1975) et seq., as amended by the Child Care Safety Act (Act of Alabama #2018-278), Act of Alabama 2019-322, or §41-27-10, Ala. Code (1975). Do you understand and agree to the above requirement?

• Yes, I understand I am subject to the background checks as stated.

30

I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I WILL NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply.

• Yes, I Understand

31

Note: Before submitting your application, be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy. Your score will be based on the information you have provided on your application and supplemental questionnaire. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information will result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete employment information to include the name of your employer, your official job title, dates of employment (from-to, month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties for each job listed on your application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or receiving a lower examination score.

32

Personnel Use Only

Required Question

Employer City of Dothan

Address 126 North Saint Andrews Street

Room 116

Dothan, Alabama, 36303

Phone 334.615.3180

Website http://www.dothan.org