Recreation Specialist - Part-Time, Non-Benefited (Seasonal and Year-Round)

Recreation Specialist

This classification has been designated as a non-benefited, non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position. The City of Mesa is currently recruiting for part-time, non-benefited Recreation Specialists for the summer season, as well as year-round opportunities. The summer season positions may work 25 - 38 hours per week May 2026 through August 2026. Year-round opportunities may work 19 hours per week throughout the year. All applications will be reviewed to determine eligibility for the highest position for which the applicant is qualified. First review of applications will be Monday, January 19, 2026, and weekly thereafter through August 31, 2026. A Recreation Specialist is responsible for independently developing and supervising specialized programs that serve target populations or interest groups. Duties may include: planning, organizing, developing, maintaining, promoting, operating, and managing a recreational activity area or an assigned facility. The employee may supervise the work of Recreation part-time staff, temporary agency workers, affiliated group activities, and volunteers assisting in the program area. Work is performed in accordance with the departmental rules, regulations, and safety practices. Incumbents in this class may be rotated or transferred to other facilities and/or assignments based on department or seasonal needs. This class performs related duties as required. Assignment area may be in: Adaptive, Aquatics, Athletics, Cashier, Fun'n'Fitness, Out-of-Schooltime Camps, Recreation Centers, Reservation/Registration, Special Events, Summer Recreation, or Tennis Center. Athletics Assignment: Responsible for assisting with the planning, organizing, marketing, conducting, and evaluating of City athletic programs; may include training, scheduling, and evaluating sports officials, volunteers, and coaches in a variety of sport or activity programs; maintaining accurate team standings and records; distributing equipment and safety supplies and ordering supplies; and working in cooperation with a Recreation Programmer to assist in facility scheduling, rentals, and communications with department staff, organizations, and participants through written and verbal means. Adaptive Assignment: Working in the inclusion and adaptive programs. Responsibilities include: assessment of individuals, training of staff, assisting with hiring staff for individual attention, purchasing equipment, and communicating with school program and family members/caretakers. Aquatics Assignment: This assignment is responsible for assisting, scheduling, and supervising aquatic programs and events (example: learn-to-swim classes and aquatic teams). Additional responsibilities also include developing and distributing participant materials, equipment inventory management, developing and administrating staff training, scheduling and time keeping, scheduling facility rentals, working in partnership with stakeholder organizations, and assisting with the summer seasonal hiring process. Recreation Center Assignment: Organizing activities for indoor climbing wall, open gym, and Out-of-Schooltime programs; coordinating preschool children's kids club, special events, special interest classes, and facility rentals; training and scheduling of staff and volunteers; and working in cooperation with a Recreation Programmer or Coordinator to manage front desk operations, guest services, teen programs, marketing, and facility rentals. Reservation/Registration Assignment: Responsible for coordinating and invoicing for program registration and facility reservations; communicating and coordinating with other City departments, local schools, and community stakeholder groups for facility rentals; managing the remote field lighting system; and communicating with City maintenance staff. This assignment relies heavily on the use and reporting through the ActiveNet registration and reservation system. Special Events Assignment: Supervising the event equipment request process by fielding requests and maintaining a calendar; managing the event equipment inventory through organizing, maintaining, and distributing equipment items; fielding facility-use inquiries through phone and email correspondence as well as on-site meetings; working in cooperation with a Recreation Programmer or Coordinator to plan, organize, and implement City-sponsored events as well as facilitating commercial and non-profit events; and training and scheduling of part-time employees and volunteers. Work may include setting up tables, chairs, tents, and various equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. Work may include performing cash handling procedures, commodities, and maintaining records; and may require use of point-of-sale terminals or cash registers. Summer Recreation Assignment: Assisting with planning, organizing, and coordinating assigned summer programs. Responsibilities include: supervising part-time/seasonal staff, timekeeping, purchasing equipment, creating programs and themes, training staff, and compiling reports for contracted services provided. The part-time and seasonal classifications have been designated as non-classified, non-merit system, at-will positions. An employee in this class performs specialized work conducting and supervising a specific recreation program area or several closely related program areas. General instructions are received from a Recreation Coordinator or Recreation Programmer, but a Recreation Specialist is given latitude to adjust the program to the needs of participants and facilities available. Because of the variety of duties performed, employees must be able to work flexible hours, including weekend and evening work. This class is FLSA exempt-administrative (full-time). This class is FLSA nonexempt (part-time and grant-funded). This class is FLSA exempt-recreational (seasonal).

Qualifications & Requirements

All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Minimum Qualifications Require Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree or two years of college coursework. Good (1 - 3 years) recreation experience, preferably related to the program area. Must have or be able to obtain a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Must obtain Red Cross (or equivalent) Lifeguard Training and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional Rescuer certifications within 30 days of hire and Lifeguard Training Instructor and Water Safety Instructor certificates within 90 days of hire (Aquatics Assignment). Must have CPR/AED and First Aid certificate within 30 days of hire (Adaptive and Aquatics Assignments). Must have a valid Department of Economic Security fingerprint clearance card level 1 within 30 days of hire; Department of Economic Security Article 9 certification; and Protective Behaviors Certification all within 30 days of hire (Adaptive Assignment). Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug, and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree is preferred. Considerable (3 - 5 years) recreation experience, preferably related to the program area.