Recreation Specialist

Duluth Parks and Recreation oversees an amazing network of parks and trails throughout the city, spanning over 9,100 acres of greenspace, 162 parks, 353 miles of trails, and multiple community centers.

We are proud to serve our community with programs and activities year-round throughout our parks for all ages and abilities. We are seeking an individual that continually strives for equitable access to recreation across our community. Our programming team is looking to fill a Recreation Specialist position that will focus on connecting the community to the St. Louis River Estuary via environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities.

This current position is made possible through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to connect community members to the Estuary, particularly in river-adjacent neighborhoods such as Morgan Park, Riverside, and Smithville. Programming will focus on the implementation and coordination of recreational activities for youth through adults to connect to the river corridor year-round, across a wide range of recreational and educational activities. The selected individual will be responsible for development, supervision, promotion, and delivery of programs and activities. Successful candidates will have the ability to develop creative programs to connect to the river, build authentic relationships with community members and groups, and collaborate with others.

At this time, we are creating an eligible list for this classification. The current vacancy is for a part-time position (24-30 hours/week) that will work variable hours including some evenings and weekends, and will work on-site during programs to ensure success and safety. This position is one of a team of six Recreation Specialists and is grant-funded for three years.

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

To organize, plan, promote, and facilitate recreation activities, programs, camps, and special events for youth through adults in parks and facilities throughout the community, supporting the Parks & Recreation Division's mission of promoting health and well-being of the Duluth community through recreational opportunities.

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

For both one-of-a-kind and repetitive tasks, the supervisor makes specific assignments that are accompanied by clear, detailed, and specific instructions. Incumbents work as instructed and consult with the supervisor.

 

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Does not supervise.

1.    Plan, organize, promote, implement, instruct, and supervise regular and seasonal recreational activities for youth through adults.
2.    Liaison with interested individuals, clubs, groups, committees, organizations, boards, and special interest groups to identify their recreational program interests and needs.
3.    Evaluate programs and activities; conduct research to identify and recommend program changes that reflect community needs; review existing programs and services; submit findings, recommendations, periodic reports, and program summaries to supervisor.
4.    Schedule and monitor the use of facilities, equipment, and supplies.
5.    Obtain and maintain supplies for programs and activities; maintain accurate records regarding inventory replacement/repair and purchase of equipment and supplies; provide staff with necessary information and supplies to conduct recreation programs.
6.    In collaboration with the supervisor, organize and direct the work activities of assigned team, and determine work priorities, assignments, and work schedules.
7.    Develop, prepare, and assist in the preparation and dissemination of brochures, announcements, bulletins, flyers, calendars, and other promotional materials.
8.    Submit program budgets and purchasing requests to supervisor; monitor expenditures to ensure authorized budget appropriations are not exceeded; collect fees for programs, events, and facility and equipment use.
9.    Direct others and participate in the maintenance of facilities and grounds of ballfields, ice rinks, courts, trails, and other sport and play areas, including raking and collecting leaves, branches, paper, and rubbish; plowing, shoveling, and removing snow from sidewalks, skating rinks, and other areas; and mowing lawns, trimming shrubbery, and controlling weeds.
10.    Direct others and participate in the maintenance of building interiors, including cleaning, scrubbing, mopping, dusting, sweeping, and waxing; perform minor repairs of buildings, fixtures, and equipment; conduct regular safety inspections of buildings, equipment, and grounds.
11.    Provide emergency first aid within scope of applicable training/credentials and policies.
12.    Respond in a timely fashion to citizen inquiries, requests, and complaints regarding facilities, equipment, and programming.
13.    Prepare specifications for contractors, review proposals, present reports, summary submissions, and participate in the selection of contractors.
14.    Be an effective team member by exhibiting self-motivation, supporting other employees in handling tasks, interacting effectively and respectfully with others, showing a desire to contribute to the team effort, accepting assignments willingly, and completing tasks within agreed upon timelines.
15.    Other duties may be assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements
A.    A minimum of four (4) years of related education and/or of full-time, verifiable professional recreation experience to include leading a variety of recreational activities as a primary responsibility.

License Requirements
A.    Possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D driver's license or privilege.
B.    Ability to obtain and maintain a First Aid/CPR certification prior to the completion of the probationary period.

Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point): Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.