Senior Activity Specialist (Temporary/Part-Time) - SEASONAL Day Camps

ABOUT THE POSITION

Current available positions are for SEASONAL Day Camps (December, April and Summer). However, applicants may be considered for future openings in other program areas as needed.

Day Camps (Seasonal): Under general supervision, supervises, plans, and implements weekly activities for Day Camp Youth ages 6-12 years of age. Oversee camp staff and locations held at park facilities. Camp operates Monday - Friday from 7am - 6pm during the school intersessions for Downey Unified School District. Camp summer season is from May - August 2025 and flexible hours are offered throughout the year for planning. Operating periods are during DUSD's Winter, Spring, and Summer breaks. Additional student-free days may be considered.

Working Hours: Work hours are flexible for approximately 25 hours per week. Scheduled working hours may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call status. The position requires availability to work days, evenings, limited weekends, and holidays.

Temporary/Part-time employment status does not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings.

There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Part-Time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. Depending on assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Arranges and supervises group and individual instruction in a variety of camp and/or recreational classes and activities.
• Oversees camp and/or recreation related programming and coordinates the scheduling of classes. Trains, assigns, and oversees staff and volunteers in various duties; prepares and discusses evaluations with employee; counsels and disciplines as necessary.
• Assists staff with youth behavior challenges and coaches staff through situations.
• Plan and book weekly excursions and transportation.
• Schedules working hours for part time recreation staff and ensure hours match online payroll for assigned personnel. Approve/deny time off requests.
• Prepares or coordinates in the creation and the distribution of publicity materials (newsletter, flyers, social media postings and updating the announcement board, etc.).
• Creates and maintains a monthly calendar of camp/site activity. Purchase and distribute materials for such activities.
• Under direction conducts staff meetings and training sessions as requested. Reviews and ensures all incident and other assigned reports are completed and submitted to Supervisor.
• Ensures that all recreation site equipment and supplies are adequate and in good condition, and makes recommendations for replacement when necessary.
• Acts as Supervisor upon the Supervisor's request in his/her absence.
• Assists with site budget preparation, and budget monitoring.
• Work collaboratively with contracted camp instructors.
• Communicate with parents to disseminate information and to hear and address concerns.
• May perform other duties in support of the Parks and Recreation Department as assigned including but not limited to: city-wide events, youth and adult sports, recreation classes, aquatics, facility management, senior citizen programs, and other related services.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Experience/Education: Two (2) years of college training in Recreation, Education, Physical Education or a related field;
OR
Two (2) years of paid experience in recreation.

Knowledge of: Procedures for implementing a variety of recreational activities and programs through community participation; program content for specialized community recreation activities; personnel management principles, practices and techniques including methods for employee selection, supervision, evaluation and training; and common recreational and social needs of various age groups.

Ability to: Coordinate, organize and implement recreation and leisure time activities and specialized events; prepare and distribute publicity concerning new or ongoing recreation activities; select, train, supervise and evaluate part?time and contract employees; understand community needs in a variety of recreation areas and evaluate activities according to those needs; identify methods to maximize service effectiveness and efficiency; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with public groups, agencies school officials, the media and others contacted in the course of work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

License: Due to the performance of field duties, a valid California Class C Driver's License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions is required.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Tasks and Abilities and Environmental Conditions: Work is performed in a standard office environment and at indoor and outdoor recreational facilities; incumbents may be exposed to inclement weather conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surface. Sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and recreation facility setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight up to 20 pounds; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard.

Selection/Testing Process:
All applications and supplemental information will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted at the time of filing to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

The acceptance of an employment application depends upon whether or not an applicant as provided adequate information that demonstrates meeting the qualifications for the position as stated above. Please complete the employment application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and completely.

Those applicants who most closely match the qualifications will be invited to participate in the testing/selection process which will consist of an appraisal exam (weighted 100%) before a panel of subject matter experts. The appraisal exam may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office by calling (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.

Temporary/Part-Time Appointments: Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandates CalPERS employer contributions. Therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.Our values includeIntegrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

Closing Date/Time: 4/11/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Downey

• 562-904-7292

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