Recreation Specialist (Aurora Center for Active Adults)

JOB LOCATION

30 Del Mar Cir Aurora, Colorado 80011-8256

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.

Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The deadline to submit applications is August 23, 2026. Please note that the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine that we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.

The hiring rate for this role is $50,889 - $63,710

Salary to be commensurate with experience.

Position and Department Overview:

The City of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Department's mission is to encourage active lifestyles and create healthy environments for people, nature and community.

The award-winning operation consists of seven divisions (Golf, Open Space and Natural Resources, Parks Operations, Planning, Design and Construction, Recreation, Business Services and Communications) that collectively manage more than 8,000 acres of open space, 100+ parks, 180+ athletic fields, over 100 miles of trails, three nature centers, two reservoirs, five recreation centers, five golf courses, indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities and one of Colorado's largest municipal urban forestry programs.

Aurora PROS is committed to delivering exceptional public service while being responsible stewards of its diverse system of parks, programs, natural resources and amenities that enhance the daily quality of life for Aurora residents.

This dynamic and challenging position will inspire and motivate active adults and enhance their quality of life. This will include planning, and managing classes, events, and activities throughout the city facilities.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises and schedules instructors, volunteers, and other part-time staff.
• Responsible for the recruitment, training, evaluations and disciplining of assigned staff/ instructors
• Programs, plans, organizes markets and promotes a variety of recreation classes, activities and events to meet the needs of older adults.
• Establishes and maintains contacts with community groups, local organizations and agencies to increase participation in programs.
• Maintains and monitors program records including financial, attendance, registration numbers and incidents in accordance with the program guidelines.
• Collaborate with other staff developing a coordinated effort for customer service, program development, safety policies and procedures.
• Ensures patron input and current trends are solicited in reference to program activities, classes and events using formal and informal surveys, meetings and personal contact.
• Submit appropriate and timely reports as required.
• Efficiently implement programs within approved budgetary guidelines as developed.
• Web site contact contributor. Updates city website area content regularly.
• Performs other duties as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation or a related field .

Experience:

• 2 year progressively responsible experience in Recreation Management or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience working with and programming for older adults.
• Demonstrated success in programming classes, event or activities
• Experience evaluating programs

Skills:

• Must have strong customer service skills.
• Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of computers, internet, Microsoft operation systems
• Must have strong organization, communication and interpersonal skills.

Abilities:

• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, residents, vendors and elected officials.
• The ability to respond to customer inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
• The ability to motivate staff, create a positive work environment and hold staff accountable for achieving. measurable goals and developing skills.
• Direct and effectively supervise a diverse workforce.
• Ability to learn Recreation Management Software system.
• Strong Communication skills - both orally and in writing.
• Clearly solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner.
• Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Must have the ability to obtain a Colorado driver's license with a good driving record.
• Certification in CPR/First Aid within (6 months of hire)

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel:

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• May require occasional lifting, pulling or carrying up to 50
• Maybe require occasional pushing, pulling, bending and stooping
• May require some lifting, walking and standing
• Will require clear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents
• Will require clear speech communications inherent to maintaining communication with employees and residents
• Will require hand eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard parts, copies, and other movable audio visual and office equipment

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in a clean comfortable environment

Equipment Used:

• Standard business and office equipment and tools including computers, laptops, and projectors

Position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment vehicle cell phone, etc., in the course of employment

The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.

For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.

The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:

As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.

Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.

Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.