Seasonal Lead Recreation Specialist
Olympiawa, Olympia, WA, United States
Under general managerial direction, supervises all types of recreation services, programs, and activities on site and in person and participates in facilitating public participation by persons of all ages and abilities in recreation programs. Provide direction, supervision, administration, and monitoring for duration of one or more recreation programs.
Position: Lead Recreation Specialist (includes Camp Lead and Bus Driver) Salary: $23.07 - $28.02 per hour Opening Date: March 9, 2026 Deadline for First Review: April 12, 2026, 5:00 PM
About the Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department
The Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department is dedicated to creating enriching, community-driven experiences. Our summer youth programs play an important role in the city, and we’re committed to adapting these programs to meet the evolving needs of Olympia’s residents.
We believe in the value of diversity and strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds—Black, Indigenous, people of color, transgender, non-binary, LGBTQ, immigrants, people with disabilities, and women—to apply for positions within our department.**About the Position**The **Lead Recreation Specialist** plays a key role in overseeing and supporting the success of our summer youth programs. Leads manage weekly summer camps and ensure the safe, organized operation of activities at their assigned sites. They are responsible for supervising camp staff, including Recreation Specialists and Recreation Aides, and maintaining a safe, fun, and productive environment for campers. This includes overseeing daily schedules, managing camper behavior, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality programming.This is a seasonal position with hours ranging from 20-40 hours per week. Camps are held at Olympia School District Elementary Schools and City of Olympia parks, and evening and weekend hours may be required.**Key Responsibilities*** **Lead and Supervise:** Manage a team of camp staff, ensuring they provide safe, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for campers.* **Program Management:** Schedule and coordinate daily camp activities, including arts and crafts, sports, games, and field trips.* **Staff Support and Development:** Provide guidance, training, and support to Recreation Specialists and Aides, ensuring they understand their roles and the camp’s policies and procedures.* **Communication:** Serve as the primary point of contact for staff, parents, custodians, and other stakeholders. Communicate regularly with the Recreation Manager, Recreation Supervisor, and Program Specialists regarding any concerns, safety issues, or staffing needs.* **Safety and Behavior Management:** Ensure that safety standards are met at all times and enforce appropriate behavior management strategies.* **Customer Service:** Provide excellent service to parents, campers, and other stakeholders, addressing questions or concerns in a professional, respectful manner.* **Administrative Tasks:** Assist with organizing supplies, maintaining attendance records, and reporting on camp activities and camper behavior.**Ideal Candidate Profile**The ideal candidate will:* **Experience**: Have experience working with children in recreational settings, with demonstrated leadership skills in managing staff or groups.* **Leadership**: Be capable of working with limited supervision while leading and motivating a team of staff members.* **Communication**: Possess strong interpersonal and group communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with children, staff, and parents.* **Diversity & Inclusion**: Be passionate about fostering environments that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.* **Creativity**: Have a knack for designing and implementing engaging activities, such as crafts, games, sports, and field trips.* **Reliability**: Demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and reliability, maintaining consistent attendance and punctuality.* **License**: Hold a valid driver’s license (ability to drive is required for some activities but not all positions).* **Availability**: Be available to work throughout the summer, with flexibility for evening and weekend shifts.**To Apply*** Complete the online application in full. Please **do not submit resumes or cover letters**, as they will not be evaluated.* Be sure to answer the supplemental questions, which will help assess your skills and qualifications.* The recruitment closes on April 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM.* Only electronic applications will be accepted.**Contact Information**If you have questions about the position or application process, please contact Luke Burns at (360) 570-5857 or by email at lburns@ci.olympia.wa.us.**Success Factors**The successful candidate will demonstrate:* **Knowledge of children’s behaviors** and effective behavior management strategies.* **Conflict resolution skills**, particularly in managing conflicts in group settings.* **Familiarity with safety regulations** in school or recreational settings.* **Creativity and energy** to engage children in fun, educational, and active activities for extended periods of time.* **Teamwork**: Ability to collaborate with fellow staff and supervisors to accomplish goals.* **Organizational skills**: Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks at once.* **Flexibility**: Ability to adapt to changing schedules and unexpected challenges.**Examples of Essential Duties*** Lead and supervise camp staff and activities at various locations.* Ensure safe and effective operation of recreational programs for children ages 3-18.* Assist with setting up, breaking down, and maintaining camp activities, equipment, and spaces.* Monitor camper behavior and ensure safety regulations and camp policies are adhered to.* Provide customer service, answer questions, and assist parents, staff, and campers as needed.* Record and report on camp activities, attendance, and other required documentation.* Ensure that all staff understand and enforce camp policies, procedures, and safety protocols.**Qualifications - Knowledge/Skills/Abilities*** Knowledge of **recreational activities** and the ability to design and lead engaging programs.* Skills in **supervising staff** and ensuring the smooth operation of programs.* Ability to **communicate effectively** with children, staff, parents, and other stakeholders.* **Conflict management** and resolution skills.* Ability to **train and mentor** others, especially in group settings.* Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.# Additional Job Description Details:# **ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS****The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:**
1. Responsible for the effectiveness, efficiency, and conduct of assigned recreation program(s).
2. Coordinate recreation activities, schedules, and staff/material resource needs with Recreation Supervisors.
3. Provide training to staff on how program activities are successfully integrated into existing services, and assess the effectiveness/desirability of new programs as required.
4. Lead the conduct, monitoring, presentation, and administration of indoor and outdoor recreational activities and programs at various locations throughout the City of Olympia.
5. Provide customer service, information, and directional assistance to recreation facility users, program participants, prospective users, and the general public.
6. Distribute informational materials and check equipment in and out.
7. Deliver, distribute, and collect recreational equipment from program sites and locations.
8. 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.
9. Assist with set up and provision of special events, displays, and #J-18808-Ljbffr
Position: Lead Recreation Specialist (includes Camp Lead and Bus Driver) Salary: $23.07 - $28.02 per hour Opening Date: March 9, 2026 Deadline for First Review: April 12, 2026, 5:00 PM
About the Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department
The Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department is dedicated to creating enriching, community-driven experiences. Our summer youth programs play an important role in the city, and we’re committed to adapting these programs to meet the evolving needs of Olympia’s residents.
We believe in the value of diversity and strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds—Black, Indigenous, people of color, transgender, non-binary, LGBTQ, immigrants, people with disabilities, and women—to apply for positions within our department.**About the Position**The **Lead Recreation Specialist** plays a key role in overseeing and supporting the success of our summer youth programs. Leads manage weekly summer camps and ensure the safe, organized operation of activities at their assigned sites. They are responsible for supervising camp staff, including Recreation Specialists and Recreation Aides, and maintaining a safe, fun, and productive environment for campers. This includes overseeing daily schedules, managing camper behavior, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality programming.This is a seasonal position with hours ranging from 20-40 hours per week. Camps are held at Olympia School District Elementary Schools and City of Olympia parks, and evening and weekend hours may be required.**Key Responsibilities*** **Lead and Supervise:** Manage a team of camp staff, ensuring they provide safe, engaging, and age-appropriate activities for campers.* **Program Management:** Schedule and coordinate daily camp activities, including arts and crafts, sports, games, and field trips.* **Staff Support and Development:** Provide guidance, training, and support to Recreation Specialists and Aides, ensuring they understand their roles and the camp’s policies and procedures.* **Communication:** Serve as the primary point of contact for staff, parents, custodians, and other stakeholders. Communicate regularly with the Recreation Manager, Recreation Supervisor, and Program Specialists regarding any concerns, safety issues, or staffing needs.* **Safety and Behavior Management:** Ensure that safety standards are met at all times and enforce appropriate behavior management strategies.* **Customer Service:** Provide excellent service to parents, campers, and other stakeholders, addressing questions or concerns in a professional, respectful manner.* **Administrative Tasks:** Assist with organizing supplies, maintaining attendance records, and reporting on camp activities and camper behavior.**Ideal Candidate Profile**The ideal candidate will:* **Experience**: Have experience working with children in recreational settings, with demonstrated leadership skills in managing staff or groups.* **Leadership**: Be capable of working with limited supervision while leading and motivating a team of staff members.* **Communication**: Possess strong interpersonal and group communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with children, staff, and parents.* **Diversity & Inclusion**: Be passionate about fostering environments that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.* **Creativity**: Have a knack for designing and implementing engaging activities, such as crafts, games, sports, and field trips.* **Reliability**: Demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and reliability, maintaining consistent attendance and punctuality.* **License**: Hold a valid driver’s license (ability to drive is required for some activities but not all positions).* **Availability**: Be available to work throughout the summer, with flexibility for evening and weekend shifts.**To Apply*** Complete the online application in full. Please **do not submit resumes or cover letters**, as they will not be evaluated.* Be sure to answer the supplemental questions, which will help assess your skills and qualifications.* The recruitment closes on April 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM.* Only electronic applications will be accepted.**Contact Information**If you have questions about the position or application process, please contact Luke Burns at (360) 570-5857 or by email at lburns@ci.olympia.wa.us.**Success Factors**The successful candidate will demonstrate:* **Knowledge of children’s behaviors** and effective behavior management strategies.* **Conflict resolution skills**, particularly in managing conflicts in group settings.* **Familiarity with safety regulations** in school or recreational settings.* **Creativity and energy** to engage children in fun, educational, and active activities for extended periods of time.* **Teamwork**: Ability to collaborate with fellow staff and supervisors to accomplish goals.* **Organizational skills**: Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks at once.* **Flexibility**: Ability to adapt to changing schedules and unexpected challenges.**Examples of Essential Duties*** Lead and supervise camp staff and activities at various locations.* Ensure safe and effective operation of recreational programs for children ages 3-18.* Assist with setting up, breaking down, and maintaining camp activities, equipment, and spaces.* Monitor camper behavior and ensure safety regulations and camp policies are adhered to.* Provide customer service, answer questions, and assist parents, staff, and campers as needed.* Record and report on camp activities, attendance, and other required documentation.* Ensure that all staff understand and enforce camp policies, procedures, and safety protocols.**Qualifications - Knowledge/Skills/Abilities*** Knowledge of **recreational activities** and the ability to design and lead engaging programs.* Skills in **supervising staff** and ensuring the smooth operation of programs.* Ability to **communicate effectively** with children, staff, parents, and other stakeholders.* **Conflict management** and resolution skills.* Ability to **train and mentor** others, especially in group settings.* Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.# Additional Job Description Details:# **ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS****The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:**
1. Responsible for the effectiveness, efficiency, and conduct of assigned recreation program(s).
2. Coordinate recreation activities, schedules, and staff/material resource needs with Recreation Supervisors.
3. Provide training to staff on how program activities are successfully integrated into existing services, and assess the effectiveness/desirability of new programs as required.
4. Lead the conduct, monitoring, presentation, and administration of indoor and outdoor recreational activities and programs at various locations throughout the City of Olympia.
5. Provide customer service, information, and directional assistance to recreation facility users, program participants, prospective users, and the general public.
6. Distribute informational materials and check equipment in and out.
7. Deliver, distribute, and collect recreational equipment from program sites and locations.
8. 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.
9. Assist with set up and provision of special events, displays, and #J-18808-Ljbffr