Recreation Programs Specialist (Aquatics Division/Parks and Recreation Department)

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with an associate degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation or a related field, plus one (1) year of experience related to the development and implementation of the assigned programs.
• Experience may substitute for the education up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
• May require certification in CPR , First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other areas as specified for the assigned class.
• Texas Class “C” Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment.

Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Recreation Program Specialist position is to provide daily supervision of temporary/seasonal staff, Deep Eddy Pool, Instructional Swim Programs, and/or other Public Pools, as needed.

Other duties/responsibilities of this position (but are not limited to):

• Coordinate daily programming and maintenance for Bartholomew Pool, Instructional Swim Programs, and/or other Public Pools and conducts/assists in staff orientations, trainings, and in-service meetings.
• Develops, schedules, conducts and coordinates citywide activities and events. Promotes and implements programs and/or special events and modifies classes and workshops to accommodate individuals with a variety of disabilities as needed.
• Lead employees, contractors, groups and/or volunteers to accomplish assigned programs, activities, and events and transports and/or accompanies program and event participants.
• Monitor safety of all aquatic operations of assigned facility and ensures all events and activities conform to appropriate safety rules.
• Supervise daily bookkeeping and perform cash handling duties.
• Provides participants and the general public with information. Respond to calls and concerns from citizens.
• Completes and maintains required certifications, forms, records, and reports. Maintains inventory of supplies, tools, equipment, trophies, prizes and mementos.
• Ensures proper facility and equipment set up and maintenance and responsible for cleanliness of assigned facility.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
• Physical Requirements:
  Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues; and tolerate loud noise associated with enthusiasm and excitement. Ability to adapt to a variety of conditions such as daily walking, climbing, standing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, running, bending, crawling, swimming, stretching and reaching; and frequently walk and sit when leading various recreational activities. Work outdoors in any and all types of weather and/or inclement conditions; and in confined spaces.

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: PARD reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Pay Range
$22.82 - $25.78 per hour.
Hours
Work/Location Schedule Notes:

• Hours will vary.
• This division operates seven days a week and the person chosen for this position will be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• The work schedule is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Job Close Date 03/17/2025 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave., Austin, TX 78705 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience as lead lifeguard.
• Experience as a lifeguard instructor.
• Previous swim instructor experience for ages ranging from youths to adults.
• Experience working with diverse populations and communities.
• Experience with pool maintenance and pool management.

Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional ( CPRP ) certification.
• Aquatic Exercise Association ( AEA ), Aquatic Fitness Professional Certification.
• StarGuard Elite Lifeguarding, CPR / AED , and First Aid certifications or through a separate (not Starguard Elite) nationally accredited or ability to obtain by hire date.
• Starfish Aquatic AquaTech certification, Certified Pool Operator ( CPO ), Aquatic Facility Operator ( AFO ), or equivalent from a nationally recognized organization or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date.
• Current Star Fish Aquatics Water Safety Educator certification or equivalent or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date.
• Current StarGuard Elite Lifeguarding Instructor certification or equivalent or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date.
• Current nationally recognized SCUBA certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date.

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.
• Proficiency in Adobe software products and Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and PowerPoint.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Develops, markets, schedules, implements, conducts, and coordinates Citywide activities, programs, and special events. Coaches and officiates sporting activities. Ensures all events and activities conform to appropriate safety rules. Modifies classes and workshops to accommodate individuals with a variety of disabilities. Prepares and reviews payments, cash receipts, billing, or other accounting transactions by verifying documentation and accurately completing transactions. Coordinates with other organizations. Solicits donations. Transports and/or accompanies program and event participants. Provides participants and the general public with information. Completes and maintains forms, records, and reports. Ensures proper facility and equipment set up and maintenance. Maintains inventory of supplies, tools, equipment, trophies, prizes, and mementos.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of recreational programs and activities.
• Knowledge of City practices and policies and Local laws and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Ability to plan, market, and promote programs.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the City and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires graduation with an associate degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation or a related field, plus one (1) year of experience related to the development and implementation of the assigned programs. Experience may substitute for the education up to a maximum of two (2) years. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* Which of the following best describes your proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite?

• No Experience.
• Basic: create/edit simple documents, spreadsheets, emails, and entry-level layouts/designs.
• Intermediate: create/edit a variety of documents & spreadsheets; reformat document features such as color, font style and size of text, change page size/width; filter/sort data fields; and create posters/brochures.
• Advanced: create/edit complex documents & spreadsheets; integrate features such as tables, charts, mathematic formulas, hyperlinks, graphics, data/mail merge, import data from one document to another; and create/design complex designs and booklets.

* Do you hold a current nationally recognized Scuba certification?

• Yes
• No, but I can obtain within 6 months from date of hire.
• No, and I will not be able to obtain this certification.

* Do you currently possess a StarGuard Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification?

• Yes
• No, but I can obtain within 6 months from date of hire.
• No, and I will not be able to obtain this certification.

* Do you currently possess a Star Fish Aquatics Water Safety Educator (WSE) certification?

• Yes
• No, but I can obtain within 6 months from date of hire.
• No, and I will not be able to obtain this certification.

* Do you have a Starfish Aquatic AquaTech certification, Certified Pool Operator (CPO), Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), or equivalent from a nationally recognized organization or the ability to acquire within 6 months from date of hire.

• Yes, I currently possess this certification.
• No, but I can obtain within 6 months from date of hire.
• No.

* Do you hold a current StarGuard Elite Lifeguard, AED, CPR, and First Aid Certification or nationally recognized equivalent?

• Yes
• No, but I can obtain by date of hire.
• No

* Are you bilingual with the ability to fluently speak and write in both English and Spanish?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a Texas Class C Drivers License. Do you have a Texas Class C Drivers License or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a Texas Class C Drivers License by your hire date?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that External New Hires meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background check. By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Check

* Are you related to any person employed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department? If yes, please list the relative's name and relationship:
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents

• 

• City of Austin

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