Recreation Program Assistant

Job Description:

Recreation Program Assistant

Description

Position Scope

Our Vision: We aspire to be the community of limitless possibilities.

Our Mission is to provide exceptional services for a safe, thriving community, while honoring our history and innovating for the future.

Embrace the New - Do Right - Lend a Hand - Find a Way - Enjoy our Work - Celebrate Uniqueness

Our Benefits
The City of Buckeye provides an extensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees. This includes health, dental, vision, life, pet insurance, as well as wellness incentives. Coverage begins the first day of the month following the start of your employment.

Vacation & Sick Leave

At the City of Buckeye, we understand the vital role that vacation time plays in supporting the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of our employees. Vacation and sick leave accruals begin on the first day of employment and may be used upon accrual. Additionally, employees receive credit towards vacation leave accruals for years of service with other public sector retirement systems nationwide (not including Federal service).

Holidays

The City of Buckeye observes eleven holidays per year: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Retirement
This position participates in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Contribution is mandatory, and the current contribution rate is 12.27%, per fiscal year.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

GENERAL PURPOSE: Under close supervision assists in the planning, implementation and coordination of a wide variety of recreation activities, programs and special events at recreation centers, parks, schools or other locations for the City of Buckeye.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Assists in the coordination, promotion, and implementation of recreational activities in a specialty program area such as special events, senior/adult citizen services, instructional classes, special needs programs, adult or youth sports, aquatic programs, preschool and youth and teen programs, and cultural programs.
• Supervises the distribution, care, use and maintenance of supplies and equipment for assigned programs.
• Assists with purchasing necessary equipment and supplies.
• Participates in the selection, training, motivation and evaluation of part-time/seasonal staff and volunteers. Provides day-to-day direction to part-time/seasonal staff.
• Maintains awareness of new developments in the recreation field and offers suggestions to the Recreation Coordinator.
• Assists with records and the development of reports pertaining to program effectiveness.
• Maintains records of registrations and fees collected; assist with the maintenance and filing of accident and statistical reports, as required.
• Assists in the preparation of manuals, announcements, bulletins and promotional materials including news releases, flyers, pamphlets and brochures.
• Performs on-site program inspections and evaluations to ensure compliance with program and safety policies and procedures.
• Plans, coordinates, implements and evaluates a variety of recreation activities and specialized events. Attends meetings as assigned.
• Monitors program compliance with related laws, policies and regulations.
• Interacts with the public in a positive and informative manner.
• Presents ideas and recommendations clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Maintains effective relationships with associates, participants, community groups, administration and the general public.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

12-Month Goals:

• Lead Regular Guided Nature Themed Hikes
  Offer at least 10 themed guided hikes at Skyline Regional Park during the fiscal year (ex: reptiles, desert plants, night hike). Ensure hikes are educational, engaging, and tailored to the audience.
• Coordinate Large Programs
  Plan and implement at least 3 large programs at Skyline Regional Park (such as Veterans Summit Hike, Stargazing Night, Jingle Bell Hike, Jurassic Hike, and Skyline Earth Day). Responsibilities include planning, pre-program setup, on site coordination, and post event wrap up.
• Support Sundance Recreation Center Operations
  Assist with room setup, instructor support, participant questions, and facility oversight during high-traffic hours. Maintain a welcoming environment and respond promptly to customer needs.

Minimum Qualifications & Position Requirements

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or GED with one (1) year experience in the implementation or supervision of recreation programs or activities required OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. College level coursework in Recreation, Recreation Administration, Leisure Studies or related area preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Basic principles of supervision and training.
• Principles and practices for management of recreation programs.
• Laws, ordinances, policies, rules and regulations governing the conduct and safety of persons using municipal recreational facilities, programs and equipment.
• Equipment used in a broad range of recreation activities,
• Principles of records and program management.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying City policies and procedures.
• Inspiring confidence and enthusiasm, and working effectively with various groups and special populations.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with citizen groups, other government agencies and City departments.
• Promoting and enforcing safe work practices; including performance of first aid and necessary safety precautions used in recreation.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing various business software.
• Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.

Ability to:

• Interact with participants in a fun, friendly, courteous and safe manner with ability to interact effectively and courteously with the public and other employees.
• Maintain discipline, enforce rules and solve minor disciplinary problems.
• Assist with supervision of facilities and provide day-to-day direction to part-time/seasonal staff, volunteers, users and registered participants.

Additional Information

Special Requirements: Arizona Driver's License, CPR certification and First Aid certification is required. Required to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
Days of week worked: Rotates weekly between Monday - Friday and Tuesday - Saturday.

Physical Demands / Work Environment: Indoor and outdoor environmental conditions.

Reports To: Recreation Coordinator

Supervision Exercised: None
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Employee Benefits & Wellness

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time classified and management employees. Part-time classified employees may be eligible for select benefits where defined.

For complete Benefit Plan & Wellness Information, please visit the City website at:
Benefits & Wellness

City benefit plans are subject to change at any time.

Closing Date/Time: 5/23/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

Salary:

$22.00 - $32.98 Hourly