Recreation Specialist

POSTING TYPE: Entry-Level & Promotional

Current City Employees may apply, but must have completed initial Civil Service probationary period and must have received a satisfactory performance rating on their last evaluation to receive promotional preference.

ENTRY LEVEL SALARY: $44,717

PAY GRADE RANGE: $44,717 - $71,548 (Pay grade 309)

CIVIL SERVICE EXAM: Written Exam

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Organizes and directs recreation programs - Determines the need and/or demand for recreation programs and activities; plans, organizes and leads a variety of recreation programs and activities; plans, organizes, and leads an after-school program and summer camp if assigned to a community center; provides instructions to program participants and directs them in the principles, rules, practices, etc. of the specific activity or program in which they are participating; demonstrates methods and techniques to participants as required; researches available materials to learn about or maintain an awareness of developing trends, new techniques or methods, changes, etc., and communicates necessary or useful information to participants.

Monitors program participants - Evaluates the individual needs and abilities of program participants in order to tailor programs to each individual or group; monitors the performance and progress of each individual in order to identify any modifications which might be necessary; observes participants to ensure that activities are properly performed and that equipment and supplies are correctly used; chaperons field trips, hikes, organized games and activities, etc.; renders emergency first aid to injured or stricken participants as needed.

Manages recreation facility - Supervises recreation facility events and activities in order to ensure orderly conduct, resolve disputes, etc.; enforces facility rules and ejects unruly or unauthorized individuals as necessary; patrols facilities to detect damage or needed repair, and reports same to appropriate authorities; assists in cleaning and maintaining facilities and equipment; orders and maintains necessary supplies, materials, and equipment; opens, closes, and secures facility.

Coordinates recreation facility use - Organizes and schedules events and activities (e.g. tournaments, field trips, etc.), makes reservations for participants, and otherwise coordinates the use of recreation facilities; greets patrons and informs them of activity and event schedules, registration requirements, facility rules, etc.; keeps attendance records or otherwise maintains information regarding facility use and participants; arranges equipment, supplies, tables and chairs, etc. in designated rooms or other areas to prepare for scheduled activities.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Supervises employees - Supervises the activities of subordinates (interns, part-time staff, volunteers etc.) in the daily performance of their assigned duties, including conducting site visits/checks; monitors the activities of subordinates in order to ensure adherence to departmental rules and regulations, safety procedures, etc.; maintains order and control of subordinates; monitors, checks, and verifies employees' time.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of recreation program development - Knowledge of the principles and practices employed in defining program needs, and planning, developing, implementing and managing individualized or group programs; knowledge of instructional methods and techniques used in the preparation and delivery of individualized or group programs; knowledge of resources available for the development of specialized programs; knowledge of the techniques and methods used to assess, evaluate and monitor the physical and mental capabilities of program participants, and to tailor programs or activities accordingly.

Knowledge of recreation program rules, concepts, etc. - Knowledge of the rules, concepts, techniques, etc. which apply to a variety of recreation programs and activities, and the physical and mental capabilities required to participate in such activities; knowledge of common recreation activities such as arts and crafts, games, tournaments, physical fitness, etc.

Knowledge of recreation facilities and equipment - Knowledge of the facilities, equipment and supplies required for the effective administration of recreation programs; knowledge of the safe and proper use of required equipment, materials, supplies, etc.

Knowledge of basic safety procedures - Knowledge of the principles and practices for ensuring the safety of recreation program participants; ability to recognize symptoms or situations requiring medical attention; basic knowledge of emergency first aid procedures (e.g., CPR).

Knowledge of supervisory practices and techniques - Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision; knowledge of methods and practices of training subordinates in a variety of areas for the improvement of performance.

Interpersonal skills - Skill in communicating with a wide variety of people to provide general information, recommend activities or programs, offer encouragement, etc.; ability to apply positive reinforcement and motivational techniques and methods in counseling and advising program participants; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with the public and other employees; ability to enforce recreation facility rules and regulations, and to appropriately discipline offenders; ability to resolve conflicts between individuals and/or groups.

Knowledge of record-keeping procedures - Knowledge of the procedures and requirements for the accurate completion of a variety of forms and/or reports; knowledge of the appropriate distribution, maintenance and location of records and reports.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position consists of primarily medium work, requiring the incumbent to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, or 20 pounds (or less) of force frequently in order to lift/carry, push/pull or otherwise move objects. A description of the specific physical requirements associated with this position is maintained on file in the Human Resources office for review upon request.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

This position uses relevant principles and procedures to solve practical problems and to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situation where only limited standardization exists. A description of the specific mental requirements associated with this position is maintained on file in the Human Resources office for review upon request.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from high school or equivalent, and either:

• Graduation from a two-year college program or completion of two years of coursework toward a four-year degree in recreation or a related field from a CHEA accredited college or University.

OR

• Three (3) years' work experience in recreation or related fields.

Must participate in CPR training and acquire CPR Certification, at the City's expense, during the probationary period. Must maintain a valid CPR Certification by renewing within the timeframe (annually, bi-annually, etc.) set forth by the certifying organization (i.e. - American Red Cross).

Must be willing to work flexible hours and occasional Saturdays.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

None indicated.

HYBRID WORK ELIGIBILITY

This position is ineligible for hybrid work.

Note: Background checks will be conducted.

Drug testing may be required.

Knoxville, located on the Tennessee River in East Tennessee, is the county seat of Knox County and home to the University of Tennessee. Founded in the late 18th century and once the state's capital, the city grew as a major trade hub. Today, it features a lively downtown, historic landmarks like the Sunsphere, and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains. Knoxville blends Appalachian culture, outdoor adventure, and a welcoming community spirit.