CLASS SPECIFICATION

RECREATION SPECIALIST

DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is professional work involving the planning, developing, organizing, directing, and evaluating a variety of recreational programs of large scope, size, and complexity. Contacts include significant interactions with representatives and officials of local and national organizations, professional associations, and third party service providers for the purpose of coordinating and promoting programs, facility usage, and developing community partnerships. Further contacts are with civic/youth organizations, program participants, health care providers, contractors, professional recreation organizations, and subordinate staff. The purpose of these contacts is for identifying and resolving problems, providing and exchanging information, coordinating services, and to maintain awareness in professional trends and developments. Public service and assistance is provided to patrons on a recurring and frequent basis; employees provide immediate assistance to many people on a daily basis. Most positions require the employee to work evenings and weekends as part of their normal work schedule.
An employee in this class utilizes knowledge of a wide range of recreation methods, practices, procedures, regulations, precedents and policies in administering a variety of recreational programs for a variety of area-wide or County-wide or special interest recreation programs. Employees may also be assigned to a multi-purpose recreation center complex. Work is typically performed under general supervision of a higher level administrative supervisor or a Recreation Supervisor. Significant aspects of this work involve establishing effective working relationships with program participants and co-workers and directing part-time and volunteer staff. Guidelines exist in the form of local, state, and Federal laws and regulations and policies and procedures. Assignments are carried out in accordance with established policies; however, employees have considerable latitude to exercise independent judgment. The complexity of this class of work is derived from an employee's responsibility for providing recreation programs to a diverse population. Increased citizen awareness and their requests for services must be balanced against the organization's mission and available resources. The impact of properly performed work is realized by all citizens through a high quality recreation program. Depending on assignment, work is normally performed in an office environment; however, employees may be assigned to recreation centers to which the public has unrestricted, open access. Employees also work in the field at playgrounds, camps, and swimming pools, which exposes them to some discomforts or unpleasantness working outside. Work is primarily sedentary and includes some walking, standing, bending, or carrying and delivering of supplies.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Plans, organizes, schedules, and administers a diversified recreation program for a multi-purpose recreation center complex or a large population unit or in a special interest area for all appropriate ages on a County or area-wide basis
Reviews and evaluates program activities and makes recommendations to improve and expand efforts.
Works closely with agencies, schools, and other interest groups sharing facilities and coordinates recreation programs in conjunction with other programs.
Writes instructional memoranda, bulletins, and directives on matters regarding recreation department policies, standards, and procedures.
Conducts staff meetings, training sessions, and program evaluations.
Recruits, trains, supervises, and recommends placement of part-time staff and, in some instances, custodial and clerical personnel.
Recruits, trains, and assigns volunteer personnel.
Prepares or supervises preparation of financial reports, accounting for budget funds and program fees.
Selects and purchases materials and equipment used in program(s) and prepares bid recommendations.
Conducts staff meetings for personnel at recreation centers and attends meetings to coordinate activities with those of co-workers.
Prepares records, advises supervisor on personnel, fees, program enrollment, repairs, requisitions, attendance, etc.
Prepares manuals and materials, conducts in-service training programs.
Prepares operating budgets for approval by the supervisor, and operates within the framework of the approved budget.
Collects and accounts for all program fees.
Maintains proper level of supplies and equipment for programs.
Instructs program participants, part-time and volunteer staff, in the proper use of facilities, correct rules and techniques, safety requirements, etc.
Maintains active working relationship with schools, community groups, councils, organizations, and individuals in determining and developing programs.
Conducts surveys and implements programs to meet community needs or the special interest group needs.
Works with community associations, athletic groups, public and private agencies, schools, and special interest groups as a liaison to promote interest in recreation programs and facilities.
Plans and schedules for recreational personnel, coaches, officials, and custodial personnel.
Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Two (2) years of recreational work experience involving planning, organizing, supervising and implementing an area-wide, county-wide or special interest recreation program.
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the philosophy and objectives of organized recreation.
Knowledge of recreational and leisure time needs of children, youth, and adults, and of equipment, space, and other items necessary to fulfill such needs.
Demonstrated ability to independently plan and direct recreation programs for varied age groups and special interest areas.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with people.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, groups, and agencies interested in or involved in recreation activities.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to attend meetings or perform other assignments at locations outside the office, if necessary.

LICENSE:
Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license appropriate to the equipment operated by an employee in this class, in accordance with Maryland State Commercial Driver's License requirements.
Positions Assigned to Aquatics:
Valid motor vehicle operators license when required for job-related duties.
Valid Montgomery County Pool Operator's License or equivalent (i.e., PG County Pool Operator, Howard County, etc.).
Current Lifeguard, CPR and First Aid certifications from the American Red Cross, YMCA, or other agency approved by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Individuals appointed or promoted to a bargaining unit position in this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six months. Individuals appointed to a non-bargaining unit position in this class will be required to serve a probationary period of twelve months, or if promoted to a non-bargaining unit position, will be required to serve a probationary period of six months. Performance will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Limited Core Exam

Class Established: January, 1974
Revised: October, 1978
August, 1984
November, 1992 (M)
September, 1996 (MQ)
July, 1993
April, 2004 (M)
December, 2011
September, 2012

Formerly titled Recreation Specialist II