Recreation Specialist AF

Salary: $16.37 - $20.46 Hourly
Location : Meadowlark Senior Center (4330 Meadowlark Lane SE)
Job Type: Full Time AF
Job Number:
Department: Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Division: Programming
Opening Date: 09/16/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

Position Summary
The Recreation Specialist is responsible for the delivery of all recreation, aquatic, leisure and sport programs, leagues and activities in order to provide opportunities that encourage and promote a healthy lifestyle for all Rio Rancho City residents (including those people 55+ and those with special needs). The Recreation Specialist is responsible for researching and developing quality sport, recreation, aquatic, and leisure programs for implementation in the community.

Responsibilities may also include completing needs assessments to determine the unmet needs for various programs and also for identifying the resources required to create and implement the most appropriate programs. The Recreation Specialist will ensure that a wide range of sports, recreation, and cultural programs are provided and is also responsible for: promoting programs; volunteer and leadership opportunities; and providing training as required.
This is a Safety Sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

If position is assigned to SENIOR SERVICES:

On a day-to-day basis, the Recreation Specialist develops and implements all of the Center's services and activities.
Depending on the activities and requirements of the Division or Recreation Facility/Program assignment, the Recreation Specialist's duties, responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and other qualification or certification requirements will vary accordingly for each assignment.

Education, Training, Experience, Certifications, Licenses and Registrations
Education / higher education:
Associates Degree

For required college degrees, applicable field(s) of study:
Recreation, therapeutic recreation, social work, physical education, gerontology or related field. If position is assigned to AQUATICS: Applicable field of Study - Physical Education, Exercise Science or related field.

Minimum number of years of directly related experience:
Two years in coordinating and planning recreational programs or social/community projects of the type handled by that Division or Facility. In lieu of a degree incumbent must possess 4 years of experience.

Education and/or experience preferences: If position is assigned to SENIOR SERVICES:
Prior experience working with older adults, and adult programming philosophies, trends, and practices are highly desirable. If position is assigned to AQUATICS: Prefer Aquatic experience.

If Position is assigned to KIDZONE:

Additional requirements- this position serves as the Kidszone Assistant Director:

• Obtain National Administrator Credential (NAC) - 40 hrs of training.
• Take 45 hours of training in NM Early Care, Education and Family Support.
• Complete competency courses in Early Childhood Education (24 hours of training annually in one of 7 required areas)
• Take 8 hours of training in CPR annually.
• Driver's License requirement:
  Frequent Driver -- Regular Driver's License Required Endorsements: none
  
  Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards.
  
  Required certifications, licenses or registrations:
  Depending on the work location, one or more of the following may be required:
  Standard First Aid, basic C.P.R., defensive driving and defibrillator certification or training;
  Possession of current Certified Pool Operator Certificate; current Water Safety Instructor's Certificate; current Lifeguard Instructor's Certificate; current Standard First Aid Instructor's Certificate; current Jeff Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certificate (includes first aid).
  
  If position is assigned to AQUATICS:
  In addition to the above certifications, licenses or registrations:
  
  Recreation Specialist may be required to swim with proficiency and endurance and meet standards of swimming competency as may be established by the City of Rio Rancho, LGI certification.
  Time given after hire/promotion to obtain certification or licenses:
  Standard First Aid and…