Recreation Specialist - Part-Time, Non-Benefited; Seasonal and Year-Round

Position Overview

This classification has been designated as a non-benefited, non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position.

The City of Mesa is currently recruiting for part-time, non-benefited Recreation Specialists for the summer season, as well as year-round opportunities. The summer season positions may work 25 - 38 hours per week May 2026 through August 2026. Year-round opportunities may work 19 hours per week throughout the year. All applications will be reviewed to determine eligibility for the highest position for which the applicant is qualified.

First review of applications will be Monday, January 19, 2026, and weekly thereafter through August 31, 2026.

A Recreation Specialist is responsible for independently developing and supervising specialized programs that serve target populations or interest groups. Duties may include planning, organizing, developing, maintaining, promoting, operating, and managing a recreational activity area or an assigned facility. The employee may supervise the work of Recreation part‑time staff, temporary agency workers, affiliated group activities, and volunteers assisting in the program area.

Work is performed in accordance with the departmental rules, regulations, and safety practices. Incumbents in this class may be rotated or transferred to other facilities and/or assignments based on department or seasonal needs. This class performs related duties as required. Assignment area may be in adaptive, aquatics, athletics, cashier, fun’n’fitness, out‑of‑school‑time camps, recreation centers, reservation/registration, special events, summer recreation, or tennis center.

Responsible for assisting with the planning, organizing, marketing, conducting, and evaluating of City athletic programs; may include training, scheduling, and evaluating sports officials, volunteers, and coaches in a variety of sport or activity programs; maintaining accurate team standings and records; distributing equipment and safety supplies and ordering supplies; and working in cooperation with a Recreation Programmer to assist in facility scheduling, rentals, and communications with department staff, organizations, and participants through written and verbal means.

Working in the inclusion and adaptive programs. Responsibilities include assessment of individuals, training of staff, assisting with hiring staff for individual attention, purchasing equipment, and communicating with school program and family members/caretakers.

This assignment is responsible for assisting, scheduling, and supervising aquatic programs and events (example: learn‑to‑swim classes and aquatic teams). Additional responsibilities also include developing and distributing participant materials, equipment inventory management, developing and administrating staff training, scheduling and time keeping, scheduling facility rentals, working in partnership with stakeholder organizations, and assisting with the summer seasonal hiring process.

Organizing activities for indoor climbing wall, open gym, and out‑of‑school‑time programs; coordinating preschool children’s kids club, special events, special interest classes, and facility rentals; training and scheduling of staff and volunteers; and working in cooperation with a Recreation Programmer or Coordinator to manage front desk operations, guest services, teen programs, marketing, and facility rentals.

Responsible for coordinating and invoicing for program registration and facility reservations; communicating and coordinating with other City departments, local schools, and community stakeholder groups for facility rentals; managing the remote field lighting system; and communicating with City maintenance staff. This assignment relies heavily on the use and reporting through the Active Net registration and reservation system.

Supervising the event equipment request process by fielding requests and maintaining a calendar; managing the event equipment inventory through organizing, maintaining, and distributing equipment items;…