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Job Description
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
Job Description:
Recreation Programs Specialist
Purpose:
Under general supervision, this position develops and implements specialized recreational programs and activities.
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.
- Develops, markets, schedules, implements, conducts, and coordinates Citywide activities, programs, and special events.
- Coaches and officiates sporting activities.
- Ensures all events and activities conform to appropriate safety rules.
- Modifies classes and workshops to accommodate individuals with a variety of disabilities.
- Prepares and reviews payments, cash receipts, billing, or other accounting transactions by verifying documentation and accurately completing transactions.
- Coordinates with other organizations. Solicits donations.
- Transports and/or accompanies program and event participants.
- Provides participants and the general public with information.
- Completes and maintains forms, records, and reports.
- Ensures proper facility and equipment set up and maintenance.
- Maintains inventory of supplies, tools, equipment, trophies, prizes, and mementos.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:- May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.
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 recreational programs and activities.
- Knowledge of City practices and policies and Local laws and procedures.
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
- Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
- Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
- Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Ability to plan, market, and promote programs.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the City and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:- Must be at least 18 years of age with a High School diploma/ GED , and no experience required.
Licenses and Certifications Required:- Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
- May require certification in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other areas as specified for the assigned class.
- Texas Class "C" Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment.
Preferred Experience:- Experience implementing adapted recreational activities to individuals and groups of individuals with disabilities from age six (6) years old to adults.
- Experience in leading and/or instructing one or more of the following types of recreational programming:
- Recreational Games and Activities (Outdoors)
- Sports/Athletic Programs
- Outdoor Recreation
- Arts and Crafts
- Team Building
- Therapeutic Recreation/Inclusion/Special Education.
Preferred Skills/Knowledge:- Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.
- Knowledge of games, arts and crafts, sports, dancing, cooking, swimming, etc.
Other:- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Notes to Candidate:
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 Seasonal - Inclusion/Adaptive Recreation Programs Specialist position is to work between 20 and 30 hours per week in a recreation program setting specializing in adaptive programming for special needs students and participants. Please note we will be hiring multiple candidates from this recruitment.
Recreation Center locations include:
North Austin Work Sites:- Gustavo “Gus” L Garcia Recreation Center
- Hancock Recreation Center
- Northwest Recreation Center
- Virginia L Brown Recreation Center
- Pickfair Community Center
- Alamo Recreation Center
- Dottie Jordan Recreation Center
Central Austin Work Sites:- Austin Recreation Center
- Metz Recreation Center
- Givens Recreation Center
- Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center
- Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center
- Turner-Roberts Recreation Center
- Delores Duffie Recreation Center
- Lorraine “Grandma” Camacho Activity Center
- Danny G McBeth Recreation Center
South Austin Work Sites:- Dittmar Recreation Center
- Dove Springs Recreation Center
- Montopolis Recreation Center
- South Austin Recreation Center
Please note your location preference in the supplemental section of your application. Location requests will be honored on an availability basis and the hiring manager will make the final decision on work site location.
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.
- Driving Requirements: This position requires a Texas Class C driver license or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
- Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty (20) pounds. Must be physically and mentally able to work with participants adapting to a variety of conditions such as daily walking, hiking, climbing, standing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, running, bending, crawling, swimming, stretching, and reaching in rugged terrain. Tolerate loud noise associated with enthusiasm and excitement. Ability to work outside in all types of weather and/or inclement conditions, and in confined spaces.
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.
Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
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.
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.
Closing Date/Time: 2025-10-02 - Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Austin
Show moreThe City of Austin
This vibrant and dynamic city tops many lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular, high-profile “green” and culturally rich cities, Austin was recently selected the number one Best Place to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). In 2016, Forbes named Austin the city most likely to prosper over the next decade on their America’s Cities of the Future list, and the City of Austin ranked in the top ten on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for 2017.
Austin continues to lead with its vision of being the Most Livable City in the Country, emerging as a player on the international scene with such events as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and being home to companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, and Ascension Seton Healthcare. From the home of state government and the University of Texas to the Live Music Capital of the World and its growth as a film center, Austin has gained worldwide attention as a hub for education, business, health, and sustainability.
The City offers a wide range of events, from music concerts, food festivals, and sports competitions to museum displays, exhibits, and family fun. Austin is also home to a wonderful ballet, world-class museums, one-of-a-kind shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. You can just as easily spend your morning paddling the lake as you can strolling through a celebrated history museum.
Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country—rolling terrain of limestone bluffs, springs, rivers, and lakes—Austin’s temperate climate is ideal for year-round jogging, cycling, hiking on the City’s many trails, or swimming at Barton Springs or one of the area’s many other swimming holes.
There are a number of excellent golf courses in the area as well as recreational opportunities for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Austin truly has something to offer for everyone.
City Government
The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Austin has a 10-1 council system with an at-large Mayor and Council Members that represent ten districts. The Mayor and Council Members may serve in their respective seats for four years with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The City Council appoints the City Manager who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for guiding and directing day-to-day operations, as well as providing strategic research, recommendations, and management leadership to the City Council on the city budget, programs, policies, and services. The City Manager implements the organization’s administrative responsibilities with a strong team of Assistant City Managers and department executives. Supported by a staff of more than 14,000 and a budget of $4.1 billion, the City Manager and staff deliver a broad range of services to the citizens of Austin.
The City Council and City Manager of Austin are committed to the mission of delivering the highest quality, cost-effective services. Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its community members, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.
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