Recreation Specialist

Salary: $25.88 - $33.65 Hourly
Location : City of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Job Type: Part-time
Job Number: 2025-002
Department: Recreation and Parks
Opening Date: 02/14/2025

Job Summary
Are you passionate about the outdoors, recreation programs and serving your community?

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is seeking an enthusiastic and organized Recreation Specialist to join our Recreation & Parks Department. If you enjoy coordinating events, overseeing recreational programs, and working with the public in a dynamic environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Current vacancies in SPECIAL EVENTS and ROBERT E RYAN PARK.

This is a continuous recruitment that can close at any time. Our first review date is March 21, 2025, interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.
As a Recreation Specialist in our Recreation and Parks Department, you will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and overseeing various recreation programs, volunteer initiatives, and educational activities. You will ensure that City facilities and programs operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with community needs while providing exceptional customer service.
The Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for managing and operating a comprehensive park system, administering services in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and coordinating numerous community activities and events. The department oversees administration, recreational facilities, programs and classes, special events, the REACH program serving the needs of the developmentally disabled community, support services, and open space management.
Recreation Specialists may be assigned to work at any of the following job sites/programs:

• Point Vicente Interpretive Center park grounds, museum, gift shop, and event space
• Fred Hesse Community Park grounds and community centers
• Robert E Ryan Community Park grounds and community centers
• Ladera Linda Community Park grounds and community centers
• Eastview grounds and dog park
• REACH therapeutic recreation program for young adults, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities

For information about the park sites, visit:

This is a part-time, at-will position. Part-time Recreation Specialists are typically scheduled to work approximately 20 - 28 hours per week and will not exceed 1,560 hours in a one-year period as defined by the City. The position works a variable schedule including days, evenings, weekends and holidays.
Details on Current Vacancies

The SPECIAL EVENTS Recreation Specialist will play a key role in assisting with the planning, coordination, and execution of a variety of City-wide events and programs, including the July 4th Celebration, Whale of a Day, Movies in the Park, Concerts in the Park, Holiday events, and more. This role involves a variety of tasks, including assisting with the planning, organizing, and promotion of events, as well as helping with the set-up, operation, and breakdown of event activities to ensure smooth and efficient operations. You will collaborate closely with city staff, vendors, and volunteers to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere for attendees.
The city's first park, ROBERT E RYAN PARK, was transferred from the county at the time of the city's incorporation in 1973. This park features a community building with a small activity room and patio which are available for rent, a tot lot, playground, picnic areas with barbecues, grassy fields and a baseball diamond. Views from this park are superior and the mature trees add to the atmosphere.
IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a motivated self-starter who thrives in a team environment and is passionate about serving the community. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities are essential. Candidates should be comfortable leading programs, engaging with the public, and adapting to the needs of a diverse community.
DEFINITION AND CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This position is a lead role within the Recreation Services series, responsible for coordinating and overseeing assigned recreation programs, volunteer initiatives, and/or educational activities. Incumbents ensure that City facilities, programs, and services operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with community needs. Responsibilities include planning, scheduling, and directing daily operations while providing high-quality customer service. This classification differs from the Recreation Supervisor and Administrative Staff Assistant, who hold broader administrative responsibilities, including program approval, staff discipline, and strategic oversight of program areas or sites.

Essential Job Functions
The following duties represent a range of responsibilities associated with this role. Other similar or related duties may be assigned as necessary. Not all essential job functions pertain to each City location.

• Program Development & Implementation: Plans, organizes, and conducts recreation, educational, and interpretive programs at one or multiple sites, including selecting activities, scheduling field trips, and coordinating excursions.
• Facility & Equipment Management: Opens, closes, inspects, and monitors recreational facilities to ensure proper and safe use; orders and maintains program supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Staff & Volunteer Coordination: Assists in recruiting, selecting, training, and supervising staff and volunteers; provides orientation, guidance, and performance input.
• Community Engagement & Customer Service: Serves as a City representative by providing information on programs, facilities, rules, fees, and schedules in person, over the phone, and in writing; responds to inquiries, concerns, and complaints.
• Event & Program Support: Assists with planning and executing community events, facility rentals, and general programs, including setup and takedown of tables, chairs, and equipment.
• Safety & Incident Reporting: Conducts safety inspections, monitors program activities, and ensures a secure environment; documents incidents such as injuries, behavioral issues, vandalism, and property damage.
• Marketing & Outreach: Develops and distributes promotional materials, including brochures, flyers, newsletters, and website updates; maintains informational displays and department web pages.
• Financial & Administrative Support: Assists with budget monitoring, petty cash distribution, purchase orders, and financial reporting; schedules part-time staff and ensures timely updates to the City's website, ActiveNet, and quarterly newsletters.
• Emergency Response: Administers basic first aid and adult/child CPR as needed.
• Other Duties: Performs additional tasks as assigned.

Qualification Guidelines
Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; relevant college coursework preferred.
• At least two (2) years of experience in recreation, community services, education, or a related field.
• Experience leading programs, coordinating events, or supervising staff is highly desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Recreation program planning, development, and implementation.
• Principles of customer service, public engagement, and volunteer coordination.
• Safety regulations, first aid, and CPR procedures.
• Basic administrative and computer skills, including scheduling and report preparation.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

• Must obtain American Red Cross First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate for infant, child, and adult within 30 days of employment.

Special Notes
This position requires the ability to:

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee recreation activities and events.
• Work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Interpret and apply City policies and procedures.
• Lift and move tables, chairs, and other materials for event setup.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

WORK SCHEDULE
The position will work year round and averages approximately 20 - 28 hours per week.

SPECIAL NOTE
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at no later than five (5) business days before the test date.
JOIN OUR TEAM.

If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in your community while working in a supportive and engaging environment, we encourage you to apply.
Part-time Employee Benefits: Effective - January 1, 2025

For more information, please refer to the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on our City website

MEDICAL: Part-time employees who work 1,560 hours in a 12 month period and average 30 hours per week during the City's measurement period will receive an offer of affordable minimum value health insurance as required by law.

SICK LEAVE: An eligible employee shall accrue paid sick days at the rate of one (1) hour per every thirty (30) hours worked . click apply for full job details