Recreation Specialist II – Environmental Programming

The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince William County is excited to be expanding our environmental programming to meet county wide needs. We are currently recruiting for a full-time Recreation Specialist II position to facilitate this growth. This new position has a unique opportunity to develop and manage environmental education programs to include: afterschool programs, summer camps and instructional classes. The Recreation Specialist will work Prince William County Schools to offer outdoor educational programs to the youth of Prince William County and will also collaborate with county organizations to enhance environmental program curriculum. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate who has demonstrated knowledge, education and enthusiasm related to environmental and nature based youth programming. This position will also be responsible for program curriculum, policies and procedures, hiring and supervising part time program staff, overseeing program budget as well as implementing marketing and promotional strategies. This new team member must be people oriented and a self-starter. To be successful, the Recreation Specialist II needs to be organized, creative, have demonstrated experience in program start up, strong communication skills (both written and verbal), have the ability to work independently as well as within a team to meet program goals. To ensure success, the Recreation Specialist II must have the ability to build and manage a county-wide customer base and have the needed experience in community outreach to develop strong community partnerships.

Typical work schedule is 37.5 hours per week. Selected candidate must be able to work a flexible work schedule based on specific program needs.

The Department of Parks and Recreation manages more than 4,000 acres of premier park land, with 100+ miles of trails, blue-ways and lakes. It also has an impressive array of recreational amenities including community programming, three 18-hole golf courses, two water parks, a world-class skate park, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centers and sports fields.

PREFERRED SKILLS / EXPERIENCE

Environmental and Nature based educational experience and knowledge, staff supervision, budget, community collaboration, education in recreation, outdoor recreation, environment or related field.

ENTRY SALARY: $45,357.00 – $61,171.50/yr.

NOTE: The Department of Parks and Recreation conducts DMV record checks on all licensed employees and criminal background checks on all hires age 18 years and older.

General Definition of Work, Typical tasks, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The statements in this class specification are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

Performs responsible professional work in the planning, development, implementation, and scheduling of specialty recreation programs . Work involves a wide variety of recreational act ivies and program related support activities.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Department Director or designee. Supervision is exercised over subordinates in the assigned areas, which may include staff, volunteers, high school vocational students, or interns.

TYPICAL TASKS:

General Duties:

Develops, plans, implements, and schedules recreation programs, classes, events, and/or camps;

Researches opportunities for new concepts/specialty programs;

Promotes all activities within the scope of the position;

Works with staff, volunteers, and contracted employees to implement activities;

Develops policies and procedures in direct support of recreation programs;

Schedules and provides supervision to subordinate staff and volunteers in direct support of recreation programs;

Assists with interviews and make recommendations for employment of subordinate staff;

Trains and evaluates the performance of subordinate staff;

Participates in staff meetings, in-service training when applicable and available;

Provides daily customer service and communication;

Supervises programs that may fall under Virginia State Licensing requirements and standards;

Area Agency on Aging

Conducts on-the-job orientation of volunteers and staff;

Conducts surveys of recreational needs, participation, etc., and maintains participant’s attendance records;

Inspects equipment and monitors activities to ensure safety standards are met and guidelines are followed;

Collects and inputs data into the Agency’s data collection system;

May act in the absence of the Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Site Supervisor, as assigned;

Parks & Recreation

Takes lead role in organization of Department-wide events;

Programs and oversees large off-site facilities and staff;

Organizes and supervises off site activities;

Plans and coordinates large special events;

Develops budgets as dictated by new programs, activities, events, and camps.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

General knowledge of the principles and practices of Recreation Management; general knowledge of program development, planning, implementation and scheduling; general knowledge of state licensing requirements and standards; general knowledge of the principles and practices of working with populations with cognitive impairments; some knowledge of the principles and practices of supervisory techniques; skill in recreation management; skill in team building; skill in program planning, development and implementation; skill in supervising staff; ability to effectively train and supervise employees; ability to accurately provide feedback, guidance and professional support to program participants and family members; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with program participants and the general public; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to develop a budget as required; ability to utilize the facility’s data collection system; ability to prepare written and concise reports.

Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management*; and 2-3 years of related experience; and 1-2 years supervisory experience.

*Note: State mandated for Area Agency on Aging facilities requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy or a related field.

Special Requirements
Background Checks, which may include but are not limited to: Criminal History Check, Credit History Check, Education Verification Check, License Verification Check, and/or Fingerprinting may be required (Effective January 3, 2013) as posted in the job advertisement.

For Area Agency on Aging Positions: Must pass criminal background check; Must be free of TB in a communicable form; Must obtain and maintain certifications in First Aid and CPR. Note: Mandated reporter for elder abuse.