Salary: $21.70 – $29.70 Hourly
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Career Full-time Non Represented
Job Number: RecSpecAq2023.2
Department: Parks and Recreation
Opening Date: 10/11/2023
Closing Date: 10/25/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Based on our internal equity review process, the starting salary for this position is set at $22.00 per hour.
To allow for growth and salary progression the full hourly range is $21.70 – $29.70. 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 Metro 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
Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT) is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Metro 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 Metro Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Metro Parks 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 Aquatic Supervisor or an assigned Recreation Coordinator, the Recreation Specialist will promote and deliver assigned recreational programs and activities; organize and facilitate instructional classes and special events related to the recreational program assigned; manage onsite personnel and service delivery.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:
- 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.
Essential Duties
- Review and comment on business plans associated with the assigned program.
- Deliver programming of assigned program to include organizing and implementing activities and activity groups and schedule equipment and facility usage. Plan and conduct trips, public programs and/or other special events for the program assigned. Prepare various reports; perform in accordance with defined policies and procedure as per supervisor to comply with federal, state and local laws, regulations, rules and/or standards.
- Provide a culture which encourages employee development and practices effective leadership by empowering staff to make decisions. Hire, train, oversee and/or work with part-time staff and/or volunteers to implement recreational programs.
- Provide recreational services within budget and to meet participation targets. Review budget and performance data for daily decisions.
- Communicate with representatives of the facilities or other program areas as appropriate to deliver recreational program. Provide excellent customer service to the public.
- Prepare and deliver oral presentations related to assigned programs or activities.
OCCASIONAL DUTIES:
- Perform related duties as assigned.
- Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines; provide for proper safety of participants in recreational programs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must have at least two years recreation experience. Aquatic experience desired.
- College level coursework in recreation desired.
- Valid Washington driver’s license required
- First Aid, CPR, Lifeguarding and Swim Lesson Instructor certifications
- Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer and Lifeguard Instructor certifications preferred
Additional Information
ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor environment.
Adverse weather conditions.
Noise, dust, pollen and insects.
Contact with the public.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Sight to prepare written or typed recreational and leisure program material and monitor activities.
Hearing and speaking to conduct classes and exchange information.
Walking over rough or uneven surfaces during field trips.
Ability to lift at least 50 lbs to shoulder height.
Ability to assist individuals with mobility limitations including, but not limited, in and out of vehicles and up and down stairs.
HAZARDS:
Possible contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.
METRO 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.
MPT 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.
MPT 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 Resource at
Employment is subject to a national background check.
This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.
OVERVIEW (more detailed information can be found at )
Life Insurance: Provided at no cost to the employee through Unum, amount is equal to annual salary up to $275,000. Benefits will reduce at age 70.
Retirement Plan: All employees are covered under the Public Employees’ Retirement System through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS).
Medical Coverage and Dental Coverage: Metro Parks Tacoma pays 90% of the total cost of medical/dental coverage for employees and their dependents. Coverage begins the first of the month following the date of employment. Medical coverage is offered through Kaiser. Dental options include Delta Dental Service and Willamette Dental.
Health Care and Day Care Reimbursement Accounts: A benefit plan that allows you to pay for health care or dependent care expenses with “before tax” dollars.
Deferred Compensation (457 plan): Optional employee paid retirement savings plans are available through ICMA,WA State Deferred Comp Program, Empower and Mass Mutual.
Paid Holidays for career employees: New Years Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Two Floating Holidays are granted after successful completion of the 9 month probationary period
Vacation: 8 hours earned monthly.
Sick Leave: 8 hours earned monthly.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) –SupportLinc provides emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best. Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, the program offers guidance to help you address and resolve everyday issues at no cost to you or your family. Features include:
Kinside – A child care benefit, connecting you with open spots and discounts of up to 20 percent at top daycares, preschools, camps and after school programs.
Community Center Fitness Pass – All Metro Parks Tacoma employees get a Staff Pass to use at our community centers.The All Center Pass allows access to all four centers – Center at Norpoint, Eastside Community Center, People’s Center and STAR Center – plus three indoor pools, all semi-outdoor fitness classes, and our exciting new online virtual community center.
Did you know… Benefits at Metro Parks Tacoma include more than the great options for medical, dental and vision. There is so much more to our overall compensation package. Here are a few highlights:
- Beyond Medical, Dental and Vision: All medical plans include Naturopathy, Massage therapy and Chiropractic care (some restrictions apply). See the benefits summaries for more information.
- An Ounce of Prevention is Better Than a Pound of Cure: Stay ahead of the game by taking advantage of the quality preventative care our plans have to offer. Preventative care is covered at 100% so you are not charged the deductible or pay co-insurance for preventative care. See the benefits summaries for more information.
- Tax Free Health Accounts: MPT offers Flexible Spending Account options that allow you to set aside money on a pretax basis for out of pocket medical and/or childcare expenses. Sign up at the start of the year with open enrollment. If you have chosen the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you will receive a Health Savings Account with an employer provided contribution. Check out the benefits page for more information.
- Be Ready for Retirement: Retirement plan options include the required PERS contributions AND also several Deferred Compensation Plan (457 plan) Options. Retirement savings can help you set yourself up for success now (lowering your federal income tax threshold through savings on a pre-tax basis) and later. Check out the benefits page for more information.
- Everyone Needs a Helping Hand: Employee Assistance Program – this program offers confidential, professional AND FREE 24/7 resources to all Metro Parks Tacoma employees. The program offers resources for things like: counseling, legal and financial services, ID theft victim resources, Daily living information, elder and child care, stress reduction tools, website access, newsletters, webinars and more.
- Preparing for the Unexpected: Life Insurance & Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance is paid for by MPT and at no cost career employees . The amount is equal to your annual salary up to $200k. Check out the benefits page for more information.
- Getting Fit: Fitness Center Pass – ALL MPT employees are eligible to use our fitness facilities and even participate in many class at various community centers for FREE!
- Checking Out All That MPT Offers the Community: We are bringing back the Familiarization Pass in 2022 – Employees are provided an annual familiarization pass that becomes their passport to explore a variety of opportunities available throughout the District. More information to come!
- Supporting Work/Life Balance: Alternative Work Arrangements – Some positions have the option to remote work upon meeting requirements. This is a great benefit as it allows MPT to reduce our carbon footprint and employees to achieve better work/life balance.
- Taking a Break: All MPT employees receive sick leave and career employees receive excellent Sick, Vacation and Holiday leave packages.
- Making a Difference: There are multiple ways to make a difference beyond the work you do. MPT employees can contribute to the Legacy Campaign through payroll deduction (or one time payment). You can also participate in a Day of Service with permission from your supervisor, be a member of the dragon boat team, donate blood at one of our member blood drives, or volunteer with our partner organizations.
- Family Support: Kinside helps you find the childcare you need to make work, work. Browse Kinside’s nationwide network for up-to-date openings at daycares, preschools, camps and after school programs you’ll love.
Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED AND/OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
01
Do you have at least two years recreation experience?
- Yes
- No
02
Please list your certifications, including Lifeguard, Swim Lesson/Instructor First Aid and/or CPR certifications
03
Please explain, in detail, your specific experience and skill sets as it relates to the job description.
Required Question