Recreation Specialist

DEFINITION
Assist with providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers through counter reception and organizing, planning, and implementing the City of Arroyo Grande Recreation Service Department's programs. The Recreation Specialist will work closely with other Recreation Services staff to provide recreational activity support including but not limited to Recreation Services Administration, Special Events, Youth and Adult Sports, Contract Classes, the Community Gardens, Volunteer Program, and Facilities including the Soto Sports Complex.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED :
Reports to the Recreation Services Director and receives general supervision from Recreation Services Department Supervisor and/or Coordinator. May provide work direction to and supervise volunteers. ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS --Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts daily opening and/or closing procedures.
• Provides a high level of customer service to both external and internal customers.
• Operates standard office equipment, including job-related computer hardware and software applications and multi-line telephones.
• Supports Departments needs in absence of supervising administrative staff.
• Assists the Recreation Supervisor and/or Coordinator in planning, promoting and conducting community events, general programs, sets up and takes down equipment for classes, activities, events, and meetings as needed.
• Works in the capacity of Administrative Assistant at the Recreation Office as needed including proper response to public requests and processing daily deposits; works with registration and facilities reservations software and maintains databases; provides responsible and complex administrative support to the Recreation Services Director.
• Assists the Recreation Supervisor and/or Coordinator in reviewing and preparing recommendations for new policies and programs for program or facility operations; coordinates the implementation of approved recreation programs.
• Maintains records, compiles data, and prepares reports and marketing for programs and facility utilization. Designs and prepares media and press releases for programs as assigned.
• Enforces and complies with all policies and procedures of the City. Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Performs related duties similar to those stated above as required.
• Responds and performs assigned duties in the event of a city declared emergency.

Knowledge of:

• Basic computer skills and Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and experience with graphic design programs such as Canva or similar.
• CivicRec registration software experience helpful but not mandatory.
• Safety principles and practices, including basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods helpful but not mandatory.
• Organizational and planning skills as well as the policies and procedures of the Recreation Services Department.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively dealing with individuals of various ages, various ethnic groups, and effectively representing the City in contacts with the public.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.
• Basic administrative procedures and City functions.
• Principles of basic report and marketing materials preparation.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.

Ability to:

• Work efficiently independently and in a team atmosphere, maintaining effective working relationships while participating in a variety of activities, enhancing the provision of City services.
• Provide a high level of customer service in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Interpret and implement policies, procedures and computer applications related to the Department.
• Learn the CivicRec registration software program.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Engage with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.
• Lift and move tables and chairs and arrange facilities for community events and/or meetings.
• Remain flexible and adapt to changing work priorities.
• Work some evenings and weekends.
• Converse in Spanish helpful but not required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience working in Customer Service and Administrative Support.
• One (1) year of responsible experience teaching, planning, or managing recreational activities is desired.
• Experience working with the public.
• Experience in the Recreation field helpful but not required.
• High School diploma or GED.

Or

• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license or equivalent.