Recreation Specialist Sports
City of Aurora, Aurora, CO, United States
Job Overview
It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora. We’re growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service.
Job Location Aurora, Colorado 80016-5700
Why Work for Aurora?
Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
Diverse community
Competitive total compensation package
Well‑Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
Light rail station minutes away
On‑site fitness center and overall employee well‑being programs with internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
Access to innovation workspaces
Position Summary We are scouting for a true leader to step in as our Recreation Specialist - Sports. If you view recreation management as an art form, this introduction is for you. This role isn't just a job title; it's about being the conductor of a high‑energy sports orchestra. You are the field general, ensuring every program, every camp, and every league hits the right notes for maximum enjoyment. Think of yourself as the ultimate sports program chef. You plan the menu, source the ingredients, and ensure the final dish is always five‑star delicious. We need someone who can spin multiple plates without dropping the budget guidelines. You’ll oversee the day‑to‑day operations of our sports division, manage and coach staff and volunteers, and help us promote all the fun activities we offer. You get to make recommendations that directly improve programs for all participants.
Salary Hiring salary $50,968 – $63,710 annually. Salary to be commensurate with experience.
The deadline to submit applications is May 4, 2026. As soon as we determine that we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Plan and manage sports programs and camps including youth soccer, adult basketball, school break youth sports camps and other assigned sports programs.
Manage and evaluate sports camp service agreements with external vendors and handle invoicing and auditing of vendor procedures.
Assist with Southeast Recreation Center Fieldhouse supervision and sports programs.
Recruit and supervise employees and volunteers.
Evaluate and make recommendations on the improvements to programs that will provide maximum enjoyment for all participants.
Prepare program marketing plans and produce a variety of brochures, promotional materials, calendars, letters, posters, news/press releases, social media posts, fliers, and related communications regarding recreation programs.
Prepare program budgets and ensure that programs are operating within budget guidelines.
Ensure that policies and procedures relating to staff providing great customer service are in place and executed.
Set overall goals and objectives for areas supervised and assist in the development of departmental budget, goals, policies, and procedures.
Ensure that program surveys are distributed regularly and follow‑up is provided regarding any issues relating to overall service.
Maintain work records, accomplish special projects, manage payroll for assigned staff, and supervise assigned operations to achieve goals within available resources; plan and organize workloads and staff assignments; train, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff; review progress and direct changes as needed.
Provide leadership and direction in the development of short‑ and long‑range plans; gather, interpret and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinate section activities with other sections, departments and agencies as needed.
Determine work procedures, prepare work schedules and expedite workflow; study and standardize procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
Communicate park and facility use requirements for programs and activities.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications & Working Conditions Education
Bachelor's Degree in Recreation or a related field.
Experience
2 years experience in Recreation Management or a related field.
Licenses And Certifications
Valid Driver’s License.
Current CPR and First Aid certification required, or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months.
Knowledge
Considerable knowledge of recreation planning and administration.
Skills
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Strong computer skills, including keyboarding and proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet use.
Abilities
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, citizens and private organizations.
Respond to customer inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
Motivate staff, create a positive work environment and hold staff accountable for achieving measurable goals and developing their skills.
Handle sensitive and stressful situations with tact and diplomacy; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Recognize, analyze and implement needed organizational systems.
Develop, coordinate, and direct varied activities involved in a community recreation program.
Plan for and supervise staff and volunteers.
Working Conditions When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.
Physical Demands
Sedentary to moderate physical work.
Ability to lift a maximum of 75 pounds.
Regular standing and walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling and climbing.
Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard.
Vision to read reports and other written material.
Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens.
Equipment Used
Uses standard office equipment including a computer system.
This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g., vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.
The City of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.
Veterans Preference Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. They will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Drug Testing and Background Check As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. Applicants selected for safety‑sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety‑sensitive positions include civil service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.
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Job Location Aurora, Colorado 80016-5700
Why Work for Aurora?
Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
Diverse community
Competitive total compensation package
Well‑Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
Light rail station minutes away
On‑site fitness center and overall employee well‑being programs with internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
Access to innovation workspaces
Position Summary We are scouting for a true leader to step in as our Recreation Specialist - Sports. If you view recreation management as an art form, this introduction is for you. This role isn't just a job title; it's about being the conductor of a high‑energy sports orchestra. You are the field general, ensuring every program, every camp, and every league hits the right notes for maximum enjoyment. Think of yourself as the ultimate sports program chef. You plan the menu, source the ingredients, and ensure the final dish is always five‑star delicious. We need someone who can spin multiple plates without dropping the budget guidelines. You’ll oversee the day‑to‑day operations of our sports division, manage and coach staff and volunteers, and help us promote all the fun activities we offer. You get to make recommendations that directly improve programs for all participants.
Salary Hiring salary $50,968 – $63,710 annually. Salary to be commensurate with experience.
The deadline to submit applications is May 4, 2026. As soon as we determine that we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Plan and manage sports programs and camps including youth soccer, adult basketball, school break youth sports camps and other assigned sports programs.
Manage and evaluate sports camp service agreements with external vendors and handle invoicing and auditing of vendor procedures.
Assist with Southeast Recreation Center Fieldhouse supervision and sports programs.
Recruit and supervise employees and volunteers.
Evaluate and make recommendations on the improvements to programs that will provide maximum enjoyment for all participants.
Prepare program marketing plans and produce a variety of brochures, promotional materials, calendars, letters, posters, news/press releases, social media posts, fliers, and related communications regarding recreation programs.
Prepare program budgets and ensure that programs are operating within budget guidelines.
Ensure that policies and procedures relating to staff providing great customer service are in place and executed.
Set overall goals and objectives for areas supervised and assist in the development of departmental budget, goals, policies, and procedures.
Ensure that program surveys are distributed regularly and follow‑up is provided regarding any issues relating to overall service.
Maintain work records, accomplish special projects, manage payroll for assigned staff, and supervise assigned operations to achieve goals within available resources; plan and organize workloads and staff assignments; train, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff; review progress and direct changes as needed.
Provide leadership and direction in the development of short‑ and long‑range plans; gather, interpret and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinate section activities with other sections, departments and agencies as needed.
Determine work procedures, prepare work schedules and expedite workflow; study and standardize procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
Communicate park and facility use requirements for programs and activities.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications & Working Conditions Education
Bachelor's Degree in Recreation or a related field.
Experience
2 years experience in Recreation Management or a related field.
Licenses And Certifications
Valid Driver’s License.
Current CPR and First Aid certification required, or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months.
Knowledge
Considerable knowledge of recreation planning and administration.
Skills
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Strong computer skills, including keyboarding and proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet use.
Abilities
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, citizens and private organizations.
Respond to customer inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
Motivate staff, create a positive work environment and hold staff accountable for achieving measurable goals and developing their skills.
Handle sensitive and stressful situations with tact and diplomacy; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Recognize, analyze and implement needed organizational systems.
Develop, coordinate, and direct varied activities involved in a community recreation program.
Plan for and supervise staff and volunteers.
Working Conditions When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.
Physical Demands
Sedentary to moderate physical work.
Ability to lift a maximum of 75 pounds.
Regular standing and walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling and climbing.
Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard.
Vision to read reports and other written material.
Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens.
Equipment Used
Uses standard office equipment including a computer system.
This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g., vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.
The City of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.
Veterans Preference Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. They will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
Drug Testing and Background Check As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. Applicants selected for safety‑sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety‑sensitive positions include civil service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.
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