Recreation Specialist of Fitness Programs & Services
Work with an extraordinary team of people at a progressive and well-established agency. The Waukegan Park District serves a community of over 90,000 residents in northern Illinois 40 miles north of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan. The park district provides year-round sports, recreation and leisure opportunities for all ages and abilities. The Waukegan Park District is seeking to fill the position of Recreation Specialist of Fitness Programs & Services at our award-winning Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center.
Status of Employment:
Full-Time, Exempt
Compensation & Benefits:
Expected hiring range $50,000 - $55,000 based on education, experience, and skills.
We provide a highly competitive, employee friendly benefit and incentive package to support you in your personal and professional journey which includes:
- medical, dental, vision coverage or opt out incentive.
- life insurance.
- Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) defined benefit pension and 457 deferred compensation plan.
- flexible spending account.
- paid time off starting first day of employment: 10 vacation days, 3 personal days, 12 holidays, 4 floating holidays, sick time accrues monthly, and discretionary time earned annually.
- Park District facility usage and program discounts.
- cell phone reimbursement.
- training and professional development opportunities.
- student loan repayment program.
Job Summary Description:
Oversee the operation of fitness facilities. Plan, organize, and supervise fitness programs, services, activities, and special events. Supervise all part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and volunteers within area of responsibility.
Essential Functions Description/Duties:
- Assist with planning, organization, implementation, and oversight of recreational/general interest programs and special events with an emphasis on fitness activities.
- Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of fitness operational procedures.
- Assist in the assigning and scheduling of personal trainers with fitness center members to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Assist in the coordination of new member orientation appointments with service staff. Assist in the management of fitness member registration, renewals, leave of absence, and refunds.
- Manage service to patrons on fitness center floor.
- Provide direct leadership and supervision to all assigned recreation programs and services.
- Provide developmentally appropriate activities that meet the needs and interests of participants.
- Assist in the development and implementation of long-range plans and strategies. Develop and implement annual goals and objectives.
- Evaluate effectiveness and efficiency of program and services, making recommendations on additions or deletion of programs and services.
- Assist in the development and implementation of specific program details consistent with recreation marketing strategy.
- Assist in the development and implementation of a marketing strategy for recreation programs, services, and facilities consisting of appropriate pricing and promotional efforts.
- Assist with fitness membership recruitment, registration, retention, and marketing.
- Recruit, select, train, supervise, and evaluate seasonal/part time staff and volunteers.
- Contract with independent contractors and vendors for programs and services as needed.
- Review and prepare costs for program centers of the annual budget.
- Secure alternative funding through grants, sponsorships, and fundraising.
- Purchase, distribute, and maintain required inventory of all supplies and materials.
- Prepare and maintain management reports and records regarding programs and services.
- Transport supplies via park district vehicles.
- Assist with management of the Field House and scheduling facility program use as needed.
- Monitor safety and cleanliness of the fitness center including amenities such as the floor/deck, equipment, and locker rooms.
- Establish a cooperative planning and working relationship with community agencies and organizations.
- Attend pertinent departmental/park district meetings and in-house training sessions.
- Conduct self in accordance with the policies and procedures as established by the park district.
- Participate in park district safety and training program to ensure that work performed, and services provided are implemented in a safe manner.
Marginal Functions:
- Assist staff and volunteers in the performance of their duties.
- Participate and become involved in organizations and/or community meetings whose purpose will be of benefit to the park district operation.
- Serve on in-house committees.
- Attend seminars and training workshops.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age:
- 21 years and older
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration, Sports Management, Fitness Management, Exercise Physiology/Science, or related field.
Experience:
- Minimum of one (1) year experience in a recreational setting, preferably in a recreation department, athletic facility, or fitness facility. May be obtained through a combination of seasonal, part time, or temporary positions.
Knowledge:
- General knowledge of recreation, parks, and leisure services field.
- General knowledge of recreation principles and philosophy.
- Specific knowledge of fitness programs and services.
- Specific knowledge of fitness equipment and training.
License/Certification:
- Valid driver’s license required.
- American Council on Exercise certificate required within six (6) months.
- Personal Training Certification or Group Exercise Certification required within one (1) year from one (1) or more of the following national organizations: AFAA (Aerobics & Fitness Association of America), ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association), ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association), Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research.
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certificate required within one (1) year or as soon as eligible.
- First Aid/CPR/AED certification required within one (1) year.
Hours:
40 hours per week. Tuesday - Saturday work schedule will include regular nights and weekends. May involve additional hours on an as needed basis.
Conditions of Continued Employment
All the following are required:
- provide proof of date of birth.
- provide a copy of driver’s license.
- provide drivers abstract.
- provide verification of education.
- submit to a reference check and employment verification.
- submit to a state criminal background check.
- submit to a pre-placement physical.
- submit to pre-placement drug testing.
- submit to a random, reasonable cause, and post-accident alcohol and drug testing.
- satisfactorily complete a six (6) month introductory period.
- provide a copy of American Council on Exercise Certificate within six (6) months of employment and renewal certificates as required.
- provide a copy of Personal Training Certification or Group Exercise Certification within one (1) year and renewal certificates as required from one or more of the following national organizations: AFAA (Aerobics & Fitness Association of America), ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association), ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association), Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research.
- provide a copy of Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certificate within one (1) year of employment or as soon as eligible and renewal certificates as required.
Residency
Employees are strongly encouraged, but not required, to become residents within the boundaries of the Waukegan Park District.
Candidates can apply online at www.waukeganparks.org/employment
Candidates can apply online at www.waukeganparks.org/employment