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Job Description
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
The purpose of the Recreation Program Coordinator position is to manage operations of assigned aquatic facilities to include patron surveillance, planning, coordinating, developing and leading aquatic programming, instructing aquatic programming, customer service, and communicating all maintenance and safety concerns to management.
Job Description:
Recreation Program Coordinator
Purpose:
Under general supervision, this position assigns, directs, and performs tasks in the development and implementation of recreational programs and activities within a facility or as part of a major program area.
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.
- Organizes employees, contractors, and/or volunteers.
- Promotes interest in recreational activities; represents the City and the department with public groups.
- Plans, develops, coordinates, and schedules programs, activities, events, and staffing.
- Modifies classes and workshops to accommodate individuals with a variety of disabilities.
- Manages and directs the daily operations of recreational facilities, activities, and/or special events.
- Coordinates Citywide events.
- Coordinates the design and creation of necessary materials to market and promote programs.
- Recommends the purchase of new equipment and coordinates purchase orders.
- Assists with and monitors the budget.
- Coordinates cross-functional work groups.
- Research trends and implements best practices with respect to recreational programs and activities.
- Transports and/or accompanies program and event participants.
- Prepares and reviews payments, cash receipts, billing, or other accounting transactions by verifying documentation and accurately completing transactions.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
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 principles and methods for development design and coordination of recreational programs, activities, and events.
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
- Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Skill in planning and organizing.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priority.
- Ability to design, create market, and promote programs.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Recreation or a related field, plus one (1) year of experience related to the development and implementation of the assigned programs.
- Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required:- May require certification in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other areas as specified for the assigned class.
- Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
- Texas Class ""C"" Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment.
Licenses or Certifications (Aquatics Assignments Only):- Current StarGuard Elite Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications or the ability to obtain one or more of these certifications within 90 days of assignment if required for assignment.
- Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification or the ability to obtain this certification within 90 days of assignment if required for assignment.
- Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), Aquatic Fitness Professional Certification, or the ability to obtain this certification or its equivalent within 90 days of assignment if required for assignment. Certified Aqua Tech Certification, Pool Operator (CPO), Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), or the ability to obtain one or more of these certifications within 90 days of assignment if required for assignment.
- Star Fish Aquatics Water Safety Educator certification or the ability to obtain this certification within 90 days of assignment if required for assignment.
- StarGuard Elite Lifeguarding Instructor certification or the ability to obtain this certification within 90 days of assignment if required for assignment.
- Current nationally recognized SCUBA certification or the ability to obtain this certification within 90 days of assignment if required for assignment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred Experience:- Experience managing aquatic facilities.
- Experience in aquatic maintenance.
- Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating aquatic programming and special events.
- Experience developing, coaching, mentoring, and supervising seasonal/temporary employees.
Preferred Skills:- Proficiency with Adobe software products.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite to include Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.
Preferred Certifications:- Nationally recognized SCUBA Certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- StarGuard Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Star Fish Aquatics Water Safety Educator Trainer (WSET) or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
Other:- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Notes to Candidate:
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. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more!
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 may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and you must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
Other Information:- Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
- 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
- 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.
Salary Range:
$ 25.26 to $29.74 per hour.
Work Location:
Austin Parks and Recreation Aquatics Office - 2818 San Gabriel St., Austin, TX 78705
Work Schedule:- Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department seasonal needs and programs.
- May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.
Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
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.
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.
Closing Date/Time: 2025-10-22 - Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Austin
Show moreThe City of Austin
This vibrant and dynamic city tops many lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular, high-profile “green” and culturally rich cities, Austin was recently selected the number one Best Place to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). In 2016, Forbes named Austin the city most likely to prosper over the next decade on their America’s Cities of the Future list, and the City of Austin ranked in the top ten on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for 2017.
Austin continues to lead with its vision of being the Most Livable City in the Country, emerging as a player on the international scene with such events as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and being home to companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, and Ascension Seton Healthcare. From the home of state government and the University of Texas to the Live Music Capital of the World and its growth as a film center, Austin has gained worldwide attention as a hub for education, business, health, and sustainability.
The City offers a wide range of events, from music concerts, food festivals, and sports competitions to museum displays, exhibits, and family fun. Austin is also home to a wonderful ballet, world-class museums, one-of-a-kind shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. You can just as easily spend your morning paddling the lake as you can strolling through a celebrated history museum.
Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country—rolling terrain of limestone bluffs, springs, rivers, and lakes—Austin’s temperate climate is ideal for year-round jogging, cycling, hiking on the City’s many trails, or swimming at Barton Springs or one of the area’s many other swimming holes.
There are a number of excellent golf courses in the area as well as recreational opportunities for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Austin truly has something to offer for everyone.
City Government
The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Austin has a 10-1 council system with an at-large Mayor and Council Members that represent ten districts. The Mayor and Council Members may serve in their respective seats for four years with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The City Council appoints the City Manager who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for guiding and directing day-to-day operations, as well as providing strategic research, recommendations, and management leadership to the City Council on the city budget, programs, policies, and services. The City Manager implements the organization’s administrative responsibilities with a strong team of Assistant City Managers and department executives. Supported by a staff of more than 14,000 and a budget of $4.1 billion, the City Manager and staff deliver a broad range of services to the citizens of Austin.
The City Council and City Manager of Austin are committed to the mission of delivering the highest quality, cost-effective services. Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its community members, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.
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