Recreation Leader



Recreation Leader

Salary

$20.75 - $33.33 Hourly

Location

WA 98126, WA

Job Type

Temporary - Non-Benefit Eligible

Job Number

2021-01056

Department

Seattle Parks & Recreation Department

Division

Recreation

Opening Date

07/30/2021

Closing Date

8/10/2021 4:00 PM Pacific

Position Description

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is providing welcoming and safe opportunities to play, learn, contemplate and build community and promote responsible stewardship of the land. We promote healthy people, a healthy environment and strong communities. Delivering excellent customer service to each visitor and participant is a core value.

SPR commits to City of Seattle Workplace Values and Expectations, and Racial Equity and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We support and hold ourselves accountable by striving to eliminate barriers to access and provide employees with equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

This Recreation Leader position is being offered as two part-time Temporary, Non-Benefited assignments for external candidates.
 
The Seattle Parks and Recreation's Environmental Education and Outdoor Learning unit, received a No Child Left Inside (NCLI) grant.  These Rec Leader positions will support this year-long grant funded program. The NCLI program will focus on first training and mentoring racially and culturally diverse youth in the field of Outdoor Recreation and then hiring 9 of these trained youth as interns during the spring and summer of 2022. The 9 hired interns will work alongside staff leading outdoor programs for youth, while gaining valuable job experience. With their assistance, we plan to reach over 1,400 underserved youth during the spring and summer of 2022.

Job Responsibilities

These Recreation Leaders will work out of Camp Long located in West Seattle. The position will organize, plan, implement and lead outdoor recreation and environmental education activities such as weekly workshops, and monthly overnight events and service projects. Students participate in the program at no cost and are eligible to receive service learning hours with the Seattle School District.
 
Examples of Recreation Leader events include:
• hiking
• backpacking
• rafting
• canoeing
• kayaking
• rock climbing
• snowboarding
• snow shoeing, etc.
 
To be successful in this role, you are committed to: 

  • Understanding the deliverable of the NCLI Grant and seek the necessary support and resources to create successful programing for Seattle’s teen population.
  • Working with diverse high school age teen populations in an outdoor recreation and/or education setting.
  • Working with other departments or partnering community agencies to coordinate program activities.
  • Evaluating the success of programs, activities and assisting participants/staff on trips. 
  • Teaching the skills necessary for a fun and safe trip before leaving, including personal and group health and safety, outdoor cooking and camping, comfortable travel methods, maintenance and care of equipment, emergency procedures, etc.
  • Reviewing health forms before trips, assess needs and prepare for those needs, and monitor participant health during trips.
  • Planning itineraries and file an Emergency Response Plan with the supervisor before leaving for each trip.
  • Assisting in the direction, supervision, and organization of participants in their tripping group, within activities and throughout the program in order to meet the intended participant outcomes.
  • Applying basic youth development principles in working with participants through communication, relationship development, and respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
  • Being aware of and implementing safety guidelines.
To be productive in this role, your skills and experience include: 

  • Skills in outdoor program design particular to the type of trip and camping activities assigned.
  • Previous experience leading wilderness trips and/or leading/facilitating structured youth programming through NOLS, Outward Bound or similar programs.
  • Experience in rock climbing instruction, backpacking ana hiking with groups, cooking outdoors, boating, and/or snow sports.
  • Experience working comfortably with people from diverse ethnic, educational, gender identities, physical, emotional, and social / economic backgrounds
  • One or more years of experience creating partnerships and/or collaborating with community groups, schools, agencies, and service providers.

Qualifications

Requires one year of experience in a community-based recreation program and the equivalent of an associate degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field.
 
(or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
 
To be effective in this role, you have:

  • Knowledge of various software programs including: Microsoft Office Suite, Social Media, cloud-based registration software and other databases
  • Two or more years of working with youth outdoor settings utilizing experiential education concepts and facilitation techniques.
  • Efficiency being bilingual in Spanish, Tagalog, East African languages, Chinese, or Vietnamese.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• The position will encounter both indoor and outdoor work environments.
• Will be required to work specific evenings, overnights and weekends.
• Requires working outdoors in all types of weather.
• Normally required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• May require strenuous physical activity.
 
License, Certification and Other Requirements: 
 
• Current State of Washington driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility, and ability to drive a 12 - 14 passenger van.
• First Aid & CPR Certificate, or within 1 month of hiring

Additional Information

SPR's Core Competencies 
  

Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making, and promoting high quality standards.
Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals. 
 
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Qualified candidates from this hiring process may be used to fill other vacancies in the RECREATION LEADER title at any SPR location for up to one year.
 

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: 
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Agency
City of Seattle
Address
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500
Seattle, Washington, 98104