In addition to City Policy 20.4.1 (Standards of Conduct: Prohibited Behaviors), the following behaviors are prohibited for staff:

•  Being alone with a camp participant.  No Exceptions.
• Taking photos for personal use.  Any photos taken during programs are the property of the City of Olympia.
• Posting to personal social media accounts during work time.

In addition, if a staff member/co-worker witnesses a prohibited behavior occur in the workplace, they are expected to report the behavior at the first opportunity (and no later than 24 hours following the incident) to their immediate supervisor, any full-time recreation supervisor, or any administrative staff within the Parks, Arts & Recreation Department.

Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will:

• Have some experience working or volunteering with children.
• Be able to work throughout the summer.
• Have experience/expertise in games, crafts, sports, etc.
• Have the ability to work as a member of a team.

To Apply

• Submit an electronic application.
• Be sure to answer the supplemental questions. The supplemental questions are to help assess your interests, skills and abilities pertinent to the position for which you are applying. The information will be used to assist in selecting individuals to fill Recreation Aide positions.
• This recruitment will close 5 pm March 23, 2018.
• Only electronic applications are accepted.

Contact Information
If you have questions about the position and/or requirements; please contact Tad Earley at (360) 709-2677 or by email at tearley@ci.olympia.wa.us.

Success Factors
The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of children’s behaviors.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of safety regulations in a school or recreation setting.
• Ability to have fun and enjoy groups of kids for up to 9 hours at a time.
• Ability to be creative.
• Ability to be alert and aware of surroundings.
• Ability to be active for long periods of time.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate with children, other staff, school personnel and parents.
• Ability to be organized.
• Ability to learn and be trained by other staff members.
• Ability to be adaptive and flexible.

Operational Expectations:

• This is a temporary, hourly non-benefited position.  The work schedule varies depending on need, but for the most part will be working 5-8 hours during the day Monday through Friday.  Weekend and evening work may be a necessary aspect of this position’s responsibilities.
• Conduct athletic events, arts and craft activities, and non-competitive games by preparing play areas, equipment, and materials for use by program participants, explaining rules and regulations, demonstrating craft projects, providing assistance, monitoring participant play and conduct, and encouraging active, positive, and enriching participation in activities.
• Under direct supervision, assist with the provision of recreation activities to youth 3 to 14 years old, in outdoor settings, in local schools, in local parks and in other recreational facilities.
• Observe activity in progress or area of responsibility and monitor participant or public conduct to ensure compliance with behavior standards, regulations, guidelines, and safety procedures relating to activity and equipment use.
• Commitment to follow all Department and City Policies and Guidelines.
• Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Performance Expectations:

• Outstanding customer service will be a constant service delivery.
• Ability to relate and work with a broad and varied population; ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures to ambiguous situations while maintaining customer confidence; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Work will be performed in a professional manner that will support an ongoing image for the department and the City.

• General knowledge of child oriented recreational activities, non-competitive games, sports, and craft activities.
• Skill in interpersonal conflict/dispute resolution methods.
• Ability to communicate with the public in a calm, tactful, and nonjudgmental manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse groups and individuals.
• Ability to monitor and conduct outdoor/indoor playground related activities.
• Ability to clearly explain recreation programs, rules, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to clearly explain and demonstrate safe use of play equipment, creative craft materials, and games.
• Ability to work as a member of a public service oriented team.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to respond to questions and complaints in a courteous and tactful manner.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to understand, learn, and apply the rules of outdoor sports, games, and activities.
• Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.

Experience/Education:

• Experience providing in-person service to a diverse public.
• Education and/or experience providing public service to children in recreation, community based programs, physical education, or a closely related field preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Candidates must be at least 16 years old before starting work.

In accordance with the Child and Adult Abuse Act (RCW 43.43), applicants considered for appointment will be required to undergo a criminal inquiry relating to crimes against persons that will be conducted prior to hire.

• Recreation Aides are in constant contact with a diverse public participating in a wide variety of Parks, Arts and Recreation programs, activities and events.
• Contacts may sometimes involve complaint resolution, working with dissatisfied customers, or firmly communicating rules and procedures to uncooperative and antagonistic citizens, or enforcing regulations and behavior standards.
• Recreation Assistants communicate frequently with school district staff to coordinate use of facilities.
• All public contacts are to be handled in a calm, non-judgmental manner.
• Recreation Aides have frequent contacts with supervisors and other staff to plan and accomplish work, resolve service delivery problems, and obtain training and direction as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Accountability:

• The Recreation Aide is responsible to the designated Recreation Supervisor for performing assigned activities efficiently and properly.

Working Conditions:

• Recreation Aides will generally work indoors and outdoors at public facilities such as schools and playgrounds.
• Recreation Aides may work mornings, evenings, weekends, or on rotating or irregular schedules.
• Recreation Aides may be exposed to adverse weather conditions and temperature variations.
• The classification is responsible for in person customer service and will have extensive contact with a diverse, multi ethnic youth population.
• Work will involve constant interaction with individuals and groups of various sizes.
• Some public Contacts may be regulatory, corrective, or confrontational in nature.

The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.