Recreation Specialist - Templeton Center for Seniors

Recreation Specialist - Templeton Center for Seniors

Salary

$18.60 Hourly

Location

Lynchburg, VA

Job Type

Part-time

Job Number

03579

Department

Parks & Recreation

Division

PR City-wide Centers

Opening Date

04/10/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a creative, caring, and dedicated part-time Recreation Specialist to serve at the Templeton Center. This community center serves adults and seniors with a wide range of interests and is open Monday - Thursday from 9 am - 1 pm, as well as evening hours for programs.

Reporting to the Senior Recreation Specialist, this position is responsible for developing and implementing engaging programs primarily for adults and seniors. Program areas include but are not limited to health and wellness, fitness, gardening, trips, therapeutic recreation, dance, and the arts.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong interpersonal and customer service skills, creativity, and a commitment to serving the community. This role requires someone who can work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a team.

This position averages 24 hours per week, with hours varying seasonally and including daytime, evening, and occasional weekend shifts. Benefits are limited to an annual PTO allowance. Salary is negotiable based on qualifications and experience.

Learn more about the Templeton Center: Templeton Center

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Essential Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.)

Programming

• Develop, implement, lead, and evaluate recreational and educational programs for adults and seniors
• Assist in creating and maintaining program schedules
• Manage program fees and revenue, including calculating cost-recovery pricing and collecting registration payments
• Recruit, onboard, and evaluate program instructors
• Lead classes and activities for groups of varying sizes and interests
• Prepare and maintain program spaces to ensure safe, clean, and organized environments
• Track attendance and complete required reports
• Plan, coordinate, and drive trip-based programs (up to 1-3 hours travel time)

Community Involvement, Support, and Outreach

• Assist with outreach efforts, including creating and distributing flyers, calendars, and newsletters
• Represent the center at community events and build connections with community members
• Identify and connect with local resources to expand services and opportunities
• Build and maintain relationships with program participants
• Collaborate with department staff to support community needs beyond the center

Customer Service

• Process registrations, fees, and financial transactions accurately
• Address customer questions and support daily program operations
• Resolve conflicts and provide support to participants as needed
• Enforce policies and procedures to ensure a safe, welcoming environment

Facilities

• Inspect facilities and report maintenance needs
• Inventory supplies and equipment
• Maintain organized storage
• Perform light custodial tasks, including cleaning and litter removal
• Complete minor maintenance tasks as needed

Supervisory

• Serve as site supervisor in the absence of the Senior Recreation Specialist
• Provide guidance and direction to volunteers
• Enforce policies and procedures with instructors and participants

Minimum Education and Experience Required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of two years of course work from an accredited college or university preferred. Considerable experience in a recreation setting, developing, implementing and supervising programs or equivalent education and experience.

Knowledge

• Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Office or similar, email systems, and online basic design software such as Canva or similar.
• Knowledge of community-based recreation principles, practices, and programming
• Familiarity with recreational and cultural resources in Central Virginia
• Understanding of programming and service delivery for adult and senior populations, including the needs of an aging population

Skills and Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagram form
• Ability to solve problems involving multiple variables in standardized situations
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate recreation programs
• Ability to prepare clear and accurate written reports
• Ability to supervise staff and volunteers effectively
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, participants, and the public
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to work with diverse age groups and populations
• Creativity in program development and implementation
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to learn and use recreation database and management software systems
• Ability to safely operate city vehicles, including 12-passenger vans or minibuses
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Reliable and consistent attendance
• Trustworthiness in handling finances, keys, and other sensitive materials

Additional Requirements

• CPR and First Aid certification required within six months of employment
• Valid Virginia drivers license and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.
• Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects
• The employee is regularly needed to communicate verbally and listen effectively
• The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• This position requires close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• The employee must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and extreme heat.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the Citys goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.

• Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS);

the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefit

• Life insurance at no cost to the employee

• Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.

• Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance

• Paid Time Off

• Employees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position

Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans

Additional information about City benefits can be found on our website and in the Employment Policies & Procedures

01

Why do you want to work for Lynchburg Parks & Recreation?

02

Please describe your programming experience pertaining to any or all of the following: visual and performing arts, culinary, therapeutic recreation, special events, fitness, health, wellness, outdoor recreation, and trips.

03

This position supports a Center dedicated specifically towards adult and senior programs. Describe your experience working with adults and seniors.

04

What kind of community recreation programs have you previously planned?

05

What current professional certifications do you possess?

06

Describe additional training/classes youve completed.

07

This position requires both time management and flexibility. Briefly explain how you deal with both of these issues.

08

This program requires to sometimes work evenings and weekends. Are you available to work these shifts?

• Yes
• No

09

This position prefers a valid drivers license and acceptable driving record history. I certify that I have read the DMV Record Release Notice, and give the City of Lynchburg permission to obtain my Virginia Driving Record.

• Yes
• No
• I do not currently possess a Virginia Drivers License

10

If you answered in the above question that you currently possess a Virginia Drivers License, please provide your License Number.

11

(Current Out-of-State applicants and applicants who have had an Out-of-State Drivers License at any time in the last 3 years): I agree to provide, WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF MY APPLICATION, a copy of my driving record from that state where I am currently licensed or have been licensed within the past 3 years. I will contact Human Resources within 2 weeks if I am unable to obtain my out of state driving record in that time. I understand that my application may not be considered for this position until I submit my out of state driving record. You can email this information to human.resources@lynchburgva.gov, or fax to 434-845-4304 or mail this information to Human Resources, 900 Church Street, Lynchburg VA 24504. Include the name of the position for which you are applying. If you have a driving record less than 30 days old you can upload as an attachment to your application.

• Agree to provide record within 2 weeks of application date
• Do not agree (I understand I will no longer be considered for this position if I disagree.)
• Not applicable (I have not had an Out-of-State Drivers License during the past 3 years.

Required Question

Employer City of Lynchburg

Address 900 Church Street

Lynchburg, Virginia, 24504

Phone (434) 455-4200

Website https://www.lynchburgva.gov/human-resources