Temporary - Junior Activity Specialist (Summer Camp/Multiple Positions/Parks and Recreation Dept))

Job Description:

Temporary - Junior Activity Specialist (Summer Camp/Multiple Positions/Parks and Recreation Dept))

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 16 years of age.
• Previous participation in PARD Programming.

Notes to Applicants

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.

The purpose of the Temporary - Junior Activity Specialist position is to provide recreational games, activities (outdoors), sports/athletics programs, and outdoor recreation to youth enrolled in our summer programs.

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

Central Austin Work sites:

• Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez Recreation Center
• Austin Recreation Center
• Givens Recreation Center
• Oswaldo A.B Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center
• Turner-Roberts Recreation Center
• Delores Duffie Recreation Center
• Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center

South Austin Work sites:

• Dittmar Recreation Center
• George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center
• Montopolis Recreation Center
• South Austin Recreation Center

Outreach Programs:

• Roving Leaders
• Teens In Leadership Training ( TILT )
• Summer Playgrounds (Outdoor Parks)

*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.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty-five (25) 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:

• 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: All 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.

Pay Range
$21.63 per hour
Hours
Work/Location Schedule Notes:

• Variable schedule - 20 to 40 hours per week.
• See location list in “Notes to Applicants” section.
• Programming hours vary at each work site. Schedule may include weekends, evenings, overnights, and/or holidays.
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Job Close Date 05/05/2025 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Temporary Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Technical Location Multiple Austin PARD Locations Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience working with children in an educational or recreational capacity.

Preferred Certifications:

• Valid and current CPR credentials, or have the ability to acquire by the date of hire.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

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.


Safely facilitate and actively supervise participants at all times while engaging in a variety of activities. Assist with teaching program activities to accommodate various ages, abilities, and interests. Regular attendance is essential for this position. Attend all sessions of scheduled staff training. Serve as a role-model, exercising appropriate decision-making boundary setting. Utilize effective behavior management skills, including enforcing policies fairly, consistently, kindly and firmly. Communicate clearly and professionally with, participants, parents, co-workers and supervisor. Work cooperatively with counselors and other staff. Provide customer service. Other duties as assigned. Establish a professional rapport with participants which fosters trust, honesty, and a feeling of safety.

Responsibilities - Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.

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 youth programs and activities.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Ability to work with children including youth with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the City and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
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.

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.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* Are you 16 years of age or above?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have experience working with children in an educational or recreational capacity?

• Yes
• No

* In a few short sentences, describe your experience working with children between the ages of 5-12 in a recreation, after school program, or similar setting.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have CPR and First Aid certifications or the ability to attain these at the time of hire?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.

* 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.

• Yes. I acknowledge and understand the statement above.

* Are you related to any person employed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department? If yes, please list the relative's name and relationship:
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents