Recreation Coordinator - Aquatics in Tacoma, Washington at Parks Tacoma

Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $35.97
To allow for growth and salary progression the full hourly range is $35.97 - $49.24. Employees will have the opportunity to move through the posted range based on annual performance reviews and merit increases.

Work where you play!
Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.

Who We Are
Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.

Why You’ll Love it Here
Come work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.

Position Information
Under the direction of the assigned Supervisor, the Recreation Coordinator will plan, develop, promote and direct activities relating to designated program(s) in accordance to the business plan, Mission Led Comprehensive Program Plan and Strategic Master Plan. Also, oversee, schedule and manage assigned Aquatics facilities and scheduling of Parks Tacoma programs, Tacoma Public School activities and private rental groups.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

• Implement Program responsibilities within the Strategic Master Plan and Mission Led Comprehensive Plan; establish and report on the program(s) work plan, benchmarks and performance measurement objectives.
• Ensures safety procedures and guidelines are followed and that all assigned programs/facilities are in compliance with Parks Aquatic Standards, State and local Health Codes all relevant regulations and other applicable standards.
• Under the direction of the Aquatic Supervisor, expands Aquatic programs within the community, according to the Work Plans and business plans.
• Provide a culture which encourages employee development and practices effective leadership. Recruit, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned part-time staff, facilitate and coordinate staff training.
• Organizes and conducts orientation meetings, and training and meetings for assigned staff.
• Assists in the marketing and distribution of Aquatic program information; may organize and schedule program registrations.
• Secure external locations for programming and submit required paperwork to facilitate assigned programs.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations.
• Develop relationships and work with external partners to enhance program delivery and maximization of resources.
• Responds to all member and community inquiries and complaints in a timley manner and according to Parks Tacoma customer service standards, policy and procedures.
• Adhere to the biennial budget for assigned programs; understands how to stay within assigned budget; monitor expenditures in accordance with established limitations. Provide data and program insight to assist supervisor with creation of biennial budget.
• Communicate with other administrators, District personnel and outside organizations to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange information.
• Collaborates with Tacoma Public Schools for in school and after school programming.
• Works with Fund Development and the Aquatics Supervisor to provide information necessary to promote assigned programs, in accordance with the marketing plan.
• Working with the Aquatic Supervisor, Assist with preparation and delivery of oral presentations related to assigned programs, activities and operations to the general public and special interest groups.
• Ensure high level of service with programming, through innovative program development, evaluations and on-going training of assigned staff.
• Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation programming and at least 2 years of related experience in aquatic programs with at least one year performing in a lead capacity. An additional 4 years of related experience in aquatic or recreation programming can substitute for the degree requirement.
• Must have experience working with diverse populations (language, race, culture, physical ability, sexual orientations, etc.).
• Ability to respond to life safety and emergency situations.
• Current BLS/CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard certifications required.
• Lifeguard Instructor, Swim Instructor and Swim Lesson Trainer certifications preferred.
• Possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (a current driving abstract will be requested during the reference process at applicant's expense.)
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, evenings and early morning shifts.

ENVIRONMENT:

• The office work environment is an active hub space with collaborative workstations where background noise from collaborative discussions, phone calls, impromptu meetings, and/or team activities are common.
• Work shifts are assigned to meet operational needs, including flexible schedules, rotating shifts, call-back shifts, overtime shifts, nights, holidays, and/or weekends.
• The work environment includes working individually and/or within team dynamics.

ABILITIES:

Perform continually sustained and repetitive activity, labor, and effort that includes:

• Stationary positioning for extended periods of time
• Move throughout facilities and/or properties for extended periods of time or distances including on uneven terrain, narrow and/or slippery surfaces at a consistent pace.
• Ascend/descend ladders, stairs, and/or scaffolding while performing work at elevated heights, below ground surface, and/or confined spaces.
• Position self to perform tasks and/or essential duties of role.
• Reaching above shoulder height or below waist
• Position self, hold, and/or maintain stance, balance, and stability.
• Moving and/or positioning objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Exerting force to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Operate and/or use keyboards, phones, and office equipment.
• Observe, inspect, assess, detect, identify, and/or perceive details at close range while following and/or preparing records and reports, and/or operating equipment.
• Observe, assess, determine, identify, and/or perceive details at distances including safety situational awareness, equipment and/or motor vehicle operation.
• Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and convey safety instructions to persons around operating machinery and/or across open spaces.
• Communicate and exchange accurate information and/or instructions to others.
• Detect, determine, or identify odors, fumes, contaminants, and/or smoke.

HAZARDS:

• The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor conditions with exposure to fluctuating temperatures seasonally which can (routinely, frequently, occasionally) be hot, cold, humid, windy, and/or damp.
• The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor conditions with exposure to airborne particles such as dust, fumes, motor exhaust, cleaning solvents, chemicals, or wildfire smoke.
• The work environment is loud with running equipment and machinery.
• Employees are working in required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).T
• The work requires operation of equipment and/or driving of motor vehicles to assigned work locations.
• The work environment includes interactions with the general public, which can include hostile or disgruntled individuals.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Recreation needs and interests of Aquatic users.
• Washington State Administrative Code, Pierce County Health Code and Metro Parks Tacoma Aquatic Standards.
• Working with outside agencies to provide joint programming.
• Communicating techniques to ensure clear and timely understanding with all levels of employees.
• Principles, techniques, supplies, and equipment applicable and necessary for a variety of recreational activities.
• Group dynamics and working effectively in teams.
• Principles and practices of supervision and training a staff team.
• Customer service practices.
• Creating and maintaining effective partnerships.
• Cash handling.

ABILITY TO:

• Plan, develop, promote and coordinate assigned recreational programs and activities.
• Organize and coordinate instructional classes and special events.
• Work with the general public and community agencies in representing the needs of program users.
• Review and analyze performance data and reports in order to make decisions related to program effectiveness.
• Interpret rules and regulations.
• Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
• Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Assess and evaluate situations effectively.
• Exert optimal effort in successfully completing tasks.
• Take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Extract and record data and carry out calculations accurately.
• Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing.
• Work within and contribute to the effectiveness of a team, respecting differences.
• Report for work regularly and on time.

PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at hr@parkstacoma.gov.

Employment is subject to a national background check.

This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.