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RECREATION SPECIALIST III (SPORTS & AQUATICS)

City and County of Honolulu, Houston, TX, United States


Passionate about sports, aquatics, and community recreation? Help lead island-wide programs that connect our communities through health, teamwork, and play.

The Department of Parks and Recreation, Recreation Support Services Division, Sports & Aquatics Section is seeking a Recreation Specialist III (Sports & Aquatics) in Kapolei.

This position plays a key leadership role in coordinating and overseeing Citywide sports and aquatics programs that serve communities across O'ahu. The Recreation Specialist III is responsible for program planning, operational oversight, staff supervision, and partnership development to ensure high-quality recreation services that promote health, safety, and community engagement.

The position works collaboratively with district staff, community partners, and departmental leadership to develop programs, support facility operations, ensure safety standards, and strengthen island-wide recreation opportunities.

What You Will Do

Lead Citywide Sports & Aquatics Programs:

Plan, coordinate, and oversee Citywide sports leagues, aquatic programs, tournaments, clinics, and community recreation initiatives. Evaluate community needs and develop island-wide programs.

Oversee Program Operations & Budgets:

Develop policies and operational procedures; monitor program budgets and expenditures; coordinate facility usage; and ensure programs are implemented efficiently and in alignment with departmental standards.

Supervise Staff & Support Training:

Provide leadership and supervision to recreation staff, including mentoring, performance feedback, training coordination, and assisting with recruitment and onboarding of employees and volunteers.

Support Safe & Effective Facility Operations:

Coordinate with district staff and facility personnel to support the safe operation of sports and aquatic facilities, ensuring compliance with safety guidelines, risk management practices, and program standards.

Build Community Partnerships:

Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, schools, leagues, and agencies to expand recreation opportunities and strengthen community engagement.

Perform other related duties as required.

Actual salary will be commensurate with applicable experience, pending approval.

Enjoy excellent employment benefits including generous time off (up to 21 vacation days, 21 sick leave days, and holidays), comprehensive health coverage, retirement plan, career development, and much more! View details about all our available benefits at https://www.honolulu.gov/dhr/benefits/.

Apply today and take the first step toward a lasting career!

At time of application, you must be a citizen, national or permanent resident alien of the United States of a non-citizen eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment.

Education Requirement Education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with specialization in recreation, physical education, group work or a related field.

Work experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year‑for‑year basis. Such experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and analytical ability normally gained from attainment of a bachelor's degree.

Four (4) years of professional work experience, in any occupation, may substitute for a general bachelor's degree.

Four (4) years of general work experience (does not need to be professional level experience) in recreation may substitute for a general bachelor's degree.

Education information must be listed clearly on your application. If available, please attach a legible electronic copy of your diploma, official transcripts, and/or applicable foreign credential evaluation to your application. As part of the hiring process, you may be asked to furnish documentation to verify your education to move forward for further consideration.

Experience Requirement Four (4) years of recreation experience, two (2) of which shall have been in the program specialty area of aquatics or sports.

A Master’s degree in recreation, physical education, or education from an accredited college/university will substitute for one year of recreation experience. There is no substitution for the required two (2) years of experience which shall have been in the program specialty area of aquatics or sports.

Applicable Skills Needed

Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate staff; provide training and guidance to recreation personnel; and oversee program operations.

Knowledge of recreation administration principles and the ability to develop, evaluate, and improve recreational programs based on community needs.

Ability to recognize community leisure needs, build public support, and maintain cooperative relationships with staff, participants, and community partners.

Ability to provide clear oral and written instructions, deliver training, and prepare reports and program documentation.

License Requirement

Possession of an appropriate valid driver's license.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate, United States Lifesaving Association Ocean Lifeguard Certificate, or equivalent.

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Certificate, or equivalent.

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certificate, or equivalent.

(These certificates must be maintained on a current basis thereafter.)

If you qualify for the position, your name will be eligible for consideration for current vacancy and future job openings with this job title. Screening will be based on the education, experience, and other job-related information provided in your application. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being rejected or your receiving a lower rating. All information provided on an application is subject to verification. As applicable, false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts are grounds for disqualification and/or termination of employment with the City and County of Honolulu.

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