Recreation Specialist - Teen Programs

  • Frederick County Government
  • Frederick, Maryland
  • Full Time
Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week (9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; varied day, evening and weekend hours depending on program scheduling); full benefits

This position is directly responsible for the development and coordination of recreation teen recreation initiatives. This position actively leads programs, camps, and teen service projects. Supervision is given to part-time staff and counselor in training participants at various locations throughout the county. Supervision is received from the Recreation Supervisor.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

  • 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
  • 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
  • 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
  • Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
  • 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
  • County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
    • Vesting after 5 years of service
    • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
  • Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
  • Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
  • Coming in 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

For more information, visit our .

  • Design and lead impactful programs for youth 12+ that reflect evolving teen interests and needs, with a strong focus on skill-building, character development, and community connection
  • Develop and supervise the teen volunteer program that includes the counselor in training program and teen leadership council with an emphasis on leadership.
  • Build and maintain working relationships and partnerships with other community teen organizations to establish collaborative efforts.
  • Assess community needs through surveys, make recommendations on needed programs, and plan and implement recreation activities accordingly or as directed by the supervisor
  • Work closely with division staff and partners to align teen programming with broader Parks and Recreation goals
  • Maintain awareness of the changing perspectives and social realities of teens to deliver programs that encourage safety, inclusion, and active involvement
  • Supervise, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate Parks and Recreation part-time staff to lead programs, and camps
  • Support department wide special events and programming
  • Consistently provide a high level of customer service to participants, families, community partners, volunteers, and colleagues
  • Develop and oversee individual program and facility budgets; schedule paid staff and purchase equipment/supplies utilizing fiscally responsible practices
  • Serve as liaison between Parks and Recreation and local Recreation Councils, community groups and organizations, collaborating agencies, etc.
  • Compile and maintain related Parks and Recreation records and reports; prepare correspondence, memorandums, promotional materials and other written work as needed
  • Operate a county vehicle, as needed, to transport participants, recreational equipment and supplies
  • Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Bachelors Degree in Parks and Recreation, Youth Development, Education, Human Services, Sociology/Psychology or a related field
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience planning and implementing youth-focused programs, such as afterschool activities, camps, clubs, or special events
  • Minimum 1 year of experience working with teens
  • Minimum 1 year of experience directing the work of others
  • Current certifications in Community First Aid, CPR, and AED or ability to obtain these certifications within 30 days of hire (certifications must be maintained during employment in this position)
  • Possession of a valid automobile operator's license
  • NOTE: A combination of relevant paid or unpaid experience and education may be counted towards the requirements of this position

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:
  • Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
  • Basic knowledge of recreation programs and teen leadership
  • Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including the ability to produce promotional materials for media use and publication, to speak before citizen groups and to accurately perform clerical and record- keeping duties
  • Ability to effectively plan, organize and implement recreation programs and events; lead group activities; and train staff and volunteers
  • Ability to effectively supervise, assign, and follow-up on the work of others
  • Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations
  • Ability to effectively access and utilize Microsoft Office Suite, and other department required software and equipment, to accurately compile and verify data, and to prepare and maintain files, records, forms, spreadsheets, etc.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, part-time staff, volunteers, participants, and the general public

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:
  • Advanced Degree in Parks and Recreation, Youth Development, Education, Human Services, Sociology/Psychology or a related field

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit, walk, lift up to 20 pounds, reach, perform repetitive motions and drive; occasionally climb, stoop, lift between 20 and 50 pounds, push up to 40 pounds, and pull up to 40 pounds; rarely crawl, lift over 50 pounds, push over 40 pounds and pull over 40 pounds
  • While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors; frequently work outdoors, walk on uneven ground, work in a noisy environment; occasionally work in hot temperatures above 100 degrees and cold temperatures below 32 degrees, worked in a dirty/dusty environment, and work in confined spaces; and rarely works at heights, near machinery, chemicals or fumes, has potential exposure to infectious diseases, and required to wear protective equipment (respirator, gloves, eyewear, etc.)
  • Ability to provide own transportation as needed
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule to include evenings and weekends

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):
1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) One or more interviews
3) A pre-employment fingerprint supported background investigation

This description reflects management's assignment of essential duties; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned .
Job ID: 484666283
Originally Posted on: 7/10/2025

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