Temporary - Activity Specialist (Winter Programs/Multiple Positions/Parks and Recreation Department)

Job Description:

Temporary - Activity Specialist (Winter Programs/Multiple Positions/Parks and Recreation Department)

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a high school diploma or GED .

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None.

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 Temporary - Activity Specialist positionis to plan course content and present lessons, demonstrations, and examples on specialized recreational topics for participants of all ages.

Recreation Center locations include*:

• North Austin Work sites:
  o Gustavo “Gus” L Garcia Recreation Center
  o Hancock Recreation Center
  o Northwest Recreation Center
  o Virginia L Brown Recreation Center
  o Pickfair Community Center

• Central Austin Work sites:
  o Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center
  o Austin Recreation Center
  o Givens Recreation Center
  o Oswaldo A.B Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center
  o Turner-Roberts Recreation Center
  o Delores Duffie Recreation Center

• South Austin Work sites:
  o Dittmar Recreation Center
  o George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center
  o Montopolis Recreation Center
  o South Austin Recreation Center

• Adaptive/Therapeutic Work Sites:
  o Alamo Recreation Center
  o Danny G McBeth Recreation Center
  o Dottie Jordan Recreation Center
  o Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center

• Senior Center Work Sites:
  o Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center
  o South Austin Senior Activity Center
  o Lamar Senior Activity Center

• Outreach Programs:
  o Roving Leaders
  o Teens In Leadership Training
  
  

*Please note your location preference in the supplemental section of your application. Work location and assignments will be determined during the hiring process and will be at the discretion of the hiring manager.

Additional Details:

• Instructors must be able to adapt workshops and classes to student age, physical ability, and interests.
• Additionally, Instructors provide classroom management and monitor indoor and outdoor breaks, assist with checking students in and out of the program, provide feedback and encouragement, and ensure safe and proper use of equipment, materials, and facility.
• Instructors should enjoy working with youth and sharing their knowledge and love for recreation and the arts in a creative and fun environment, and working with diverse populations.
• Education and Classroom topics include, but are not limited to: Dance, Music, Visual Arts, Digital Media, Culture, Performance, or Theater.

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.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to ten (10) pounds. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

• Application Status Communication: Please note that you will be contacted if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process. Once the department is no longer hiring for this position, you may receive a notification informing you the position is closed and the hiring process is concluded.
• 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
$21.63 per hour
Hours
Work Location/Schedule:

• Variable schedule, 20 to 40 hours per week.
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Work schedule and location 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 03/03/2025 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Temporary Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Technical Location Various City of Austin Recreation Centers Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience working with youth in recreational programming; and in implementing/teaching recreational classes and activities.
• Experience designing, implementing and evaluating outdoor interpretive and/or recreational programming.

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish, or English and another language.

Preferred Programming Knowledge:

• Leading and/or instructing one or more of the following types of recreational programming:
  • Recreational Games and Activities (Indoor or Outdoor)
  • Sports/Athletic Programs
  • Performing & Visual Arts
  • Science/Nature/Environmental Education
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Team Building
  • Therapeutic Recreation, Inclusion and Special Education
  • S.T.E.A.M. - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work 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.


Safely facilitate and actively supervise participants at all times while engaging in a variety of activities. Assist with teaching program activities to accommodate various ages, abilities, and interests. Regular attendance is essential for this position. Attend all sessions of scheduled staff training. Serve as a role-model, exercising appropriate decision-making boundary setting. Utilize effective behavior management skills, including enforcing policies fairly, consistently, kindly and firmly. Communicate clearly and professionally with, participants, parents, co-workers and supervisor. Work cooperatively with counselors and other staff. Provide customer service. Other duties as assigned. Establish a professional rapport with participants which fosters trust, honesty, and a feeling of safety.

Responsibilities - Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.

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 youth programs and activities.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Ability to work with children including youth with special needs.
• 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 (*).
* The minimum qualifications for the Activity Specialist position are graduation with a high school diploma or GED. Do you meet the requirements for this position?

• Yes
• No

* Which City of Austin Recreation Center(s) would you prefer to work at (select from list below)?

• Alamo Recreation Center
• Austin Recreation Center
• Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center
• Danny G. McBeth Recreation Center
• Delores Duffie Recreation Center
• Dittmar Recreation Center
• Dottie Jordan Recreation Center
• Dove Springs Recreation Center
• Givens Recreation Center
• Gustavo "Gus" Garcia Recreation Center
• Hancock Recreation Center
• Lamar Senior Activity Center
• Lorraine "Grandma" Camacho Activity Center
• Metz Recreation Center
• Montopolis Recreation Center
• Northwest Recreation Center
• Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center
• Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center
• Pickfair Community Center
• South Austin Recreation Center
• South Austin Senior Activity Center
• Turner-Roberts Recreation Center
• Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center
• Open to All Locations

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). 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 Investigation.

* This is a multi-position job posting and you will only be notified if you are selected to move forward in the process. Once the department is no longer hiring for this position, you will receive a notification informing you of such.

• I acknowledge this statement

* 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 Optional Documents