Recreation Aide (Part-Time)

• -- The hourly rate advertised represents Step 1 on the pay table. Additional steps may be available depending on qualifications. ---

Under general supervision, performs daily work assignments for the Recreation Center Division of the Parks and Recreation Department, in accordance with the Employee Manual, Department Policies and Procedures, City of Alamogordo Ordinances, and any applicable State or Federal authority.

Required:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• High school diploma or GED;
• Six (6) months of experience working with children (i.e., teaching, coaching, volunteering in clubs or organizations focused on group activities for boys and girls, babysitting);
• Valid CPR and First Aid certificates or the ability to obtain within 90 days of hire date;
• Valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain within sixty (60) days of employment, with a driving record acceptable to the City of Alamogordo;
• License must meet the criteria to carry passengers in a 12-passenger van;
• Or, any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Desired:

• College-level courses in recreation, physical education, or in a field related to working with children.
• Assists in the planning and preparation of lesson plans and daily activities for youth programs including summer and school-year day camps, after-school childcare program, sports programs, and special events;
• Leads and/or participates in daily youth activities, which may include but is not limited to indoor/outdoor games, swimming, arts and crafts, storytelling, nature learning, field trips, and special events;
• Monitors and inspects all areas of the Alamogordo Family Recreation Center to include the gym areas, youth activities area, locker rooms, pool, hallways and lobby/waiting areas utilized by youth programs to ensure that they are safe for use and properly maintained;
• Ensures the safety and general well-being of program participants as well as facility patrons;
• Enthusiastically interacts with program participants using age-appropriate language and positive facial expressions and gestures;
• Fosters positive community relations through contacts with participants, parents/guardians, volunteers, and other patrons;
• Provides safe transportation of children from one location to another by driving and/or accompanying other authorized drivers in City-owned passenger vans;
• Promptly reports any and all safety concerns (relational, behavioral, environmental) to the Recreation Coordinator and completes accurate and timely injury and/or incident reports;
• Uses computers and other general office equipment in the performance of duties;
• Assists in the stocking and rotation of food supplies for youth camps and after-school program;
• Assists in the performance of general custodial duties, including mopping, dusting, sweeping, etc. to maintain the facility in a clean and sanitary manner; cleans and sanitizes gear and equipment utilized by youth programs;
• Assists in the set up and take down of equipment used in activities and special events;
• May instruct, referee, or score for youth sports activities;
• May provide guidance to Seasonal-Summer staff when offsite or in the absence of the supervisor or other regular (year-round) staff;
• Assists with special events/programs hosted by the Parks and Recreation and Community Services Department;
• Contributes to a high-quality work culture through participation in training and mentoring to develop skills, including safety related training and skills;
• Interacts professionally and provides excellent customer service to all levels of City staff and citizens, to ensure high operational and service standards; and
• Performs duties in accordance with the Employee Manual, Department Policies and Procedures, City of Alamogordo Ordinances, and any applicable State or Federal authority.

OTHER IMPORTANT DUTIES

• Must be able to work odd and irregular hours including shift work, days, nights, weekends, holidays, and special events;
• May provide first aid or CPR as needed;
• Maintains the confidentiality of information obtained during the performance of duties; and
• Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Safe and effective methods of supervising, interacting with, and motivating children;
• Safety requirements pertaining to indoor/outdoor activities and recreational programs;
• Fitness, sports, crafts, playground games, and other activities;
• CPR and first aid techniques; and
• Effective cleaning techniques.

Skill/Ability to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication; understand and follow instructions;
• Perform tasks and other daily activities in a positive and professional manner alongside employees of varied backgrounds and personalities;
• Attend work, as scheduled and on a regular basis, to effectively perform the position's essential duties and responsibilities; and
• Exercise common sense and good judgment in the performance of essential duties.
• Remain focused on the well-being of program participants by avoiding distractions such as non-work-related cell phone use or non-work-related conversations with co-workers;
• Ensure that sensitive and/or demographic information regarding program participants remains confidential;
• Perform multiple tasks concurrently and operate standard office equipment;
• Tolerate outside working conditions, including exposure to adverse weather conditions;
• Drive a City vehicle;
• Obtain and maintain the necessary certifications/licenses required for the position;
• Project positive support of the department and all City organizations always; and
• Maintain and enhance the Family Recreation Center's commitment to customer service excellence.
• Work is typically performed outdoors and indoors and may be subject to inclement weather conditions;
• Daily physical labor that includes extended periods of sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, reaching, climbing, and running for short periods of time;
• Lift and/or move items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds; the lifting of any object greater than fifty (50) pounds by a single individual is prohibited. Lifting objects, materials, or equipment weighing more than fifty (50) pounds require the buddy system or the use of devices designed to assist with lifting or moving. Proper lifting techniques shall be used when lifting items of any weight;
• May be exposed to hazardous road conditions while walking children from one location to another;
• Risk of physical injury while participating in sports and fitness activities;
• Hazards include exposure to insects, rodents, snakes, and other wildlife typical of the southwest;
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud;
• Work on terrain that may be uneven or undeveloped;
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, contaminants, and pathogens; and
• Required to wear activity-appropriate attire and close-toed footwear and may also include personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for job assignments.