IPRA Job Post: Recreation Specialist at the Waukegan Park District

Description:
The Recreation Specialist is responsible to provide assistance with planning, organization, implementation and oversight of family, early childhood, and nature programs, the Children's Connection Preschool Enrichment program, and special events; provide direct leadership and supervision to all assigned recreation events, programs and services; provide developmentally appropriate activities that meet the needs and interests of participants; provide direct leadership with the recruitment and placement of volunteers in various programs and events; contract with independent contractors and vendors for programs and services as needed; establish a cooperative planning and working relationship with community agencies and organizations; assist in the development and implementation of long-range plans and strategies; develop and implement annual goals and objectives; evaluate effectiveness and efficiency of program and services, making recommendations on introduction or deletion of programs and services; assist in the development and implementation of specific program details consistent with recreation marketing strategy; assist with the development and implementation of a marketing strategy for recreation programs, services and facilities consisting of appropriate pricing and promotional efforts; recruit, select, train, supervise and evaluate seasonal/ temporary staff and volunteers; ; ;review and prepare costs for program centers of the annual budget; assist in processing cash receipts; secure alternative funding through grants, sponsorships, and fundraising; purchase, distribute and maintain proper inventory of all supplies and materials; prepare and maintain management reports and records regarding programs and services; transport program participants and supplies via park district vehicles; attend pertinent departmental/park district meetings and in-house training sessions; conduct self-according to the policies and procedures as established by the park district; and participate in park district Safety and Training Program to ensure that work performed and services provided are implemented in a safe manner.

Education: Bachelor Degree in Recreation Administration, Outdoor Recreation, or related field.

Qualifications: Minimum one (1) year experience in a recreational setting, preferably in a recreation department, year-round residential camp, social services agency, or non-profit organization.

Experience:
Previous experience with family, early childhood, special event, and outdoor programming preferred. Maybe obtained through a combination of seasonal, part time, or temporary positions.

Certification:- Illinois Certified Park and Recreation Professional certificate required within 1 year - First Aid/CPR/AED certification required within one year

Knowledge: General knowledge of recreation, parks and leisure service field; General knowledge of recreation principles and philosophy; Sound knowledge of family, early childhood programs and services and special events; General knowledge of personnel management and sound fiscal management.

Ability to: Interpret recreation principles and philosophy to others; deliver recreation programs and services to the public; implement sound techniques for managing events, family, early childhood, and nature programs and services; contribute to each person’s physical, intellectual, personal, emotional, and social development; understand and use basic current computer operating systems and job related software applications; operate vehicles and equipment necessary to perform job assignments; operate office equipment including calculator, computer, copier and miscellaneous small office equipment; work evenings, weekends and holidays as assigned; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; take initiative and responsibility; perform duties with minimal supervision; train, supervise, and evaluate personnel and volunteers; make timely and effective decisions; coordinate and work on multiple projects simultaneously; follow-through with assignments; provide good customer service internally to fellow staff and externally to customers and associates; interpret the principles and theories of early childhood development to others.

Hours:  Full-time, year-round position at 40 hours per week. Due to the nature of this position the work schedule is generally a Tuesday through Saturday schedule that may vary and will include regular nights and weekends. May involve additional hours on an as needed basis.

Conditions of Employment: - Successfully complete a six (6) month probationary period. - Must submit proof of date of birth, copy of driver’s license, and driver’s abstract, to a reference check, to a state criminal background check, to a pre-placement physical and drug test, and
verification of education. - Provide a copy of Illinois Certified Park and Recreation Professional certificate within one (1) year of employment, and renewal certificates as required. - Resident of park district preferred.

Contact: Recreation Department Waukegan Park District 800 N Baldwin Avenue Waukegan, IL 60085 efallon@waukeganparks.org

Closing Date: Open until filled.