Activity Specialist - Parks & Recreation (Temporary/Part-Time)

Activity Specialist - Parks & Recreation (Temporary/Part-Time)

Salary

$18.90 - $19.90 Hourly

Location

Downey, CA

Job Type

Temporary/Part-Time

Job Number

26-038

Department

Parks and Recreation

Opening Date

11/10/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

ABOUT THE POSITION

This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received and may close without prior notice.

The Activity Specialist position is responsible for organizing, monitoring, and scheduling park activities for youth such as sports, crafts, games, special event days, walking field trips and bus excursions. Supervises, evaluates, trains and disciplines part-time employees. Provides lead direction to Recreation Leaders; assign tasks and duties and monitor performance evaluations; enforce all City policies and procedures. Ensures staff are conducting safe activities and supervising appropriately. Assists if there are any injuries. Surveys the utilized park areas, playground, and building and report any damage, hazards, etc. Ensures that Park areas are clean at the end of day/use. Assists staff with youth and park patron behavior challenges and coaches staff through strategies. Assists in the creation and the distribution of publicity materials; newsletter, flyers, social media postings and updating the announcement board invitations. Schedules working hours for part-time recreation staff and ensures hours match online payroll for assigned personnel. Maintains records and develops reports concerning new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness. Speaks to parents to disseminate information and to hear and address concerns.

TEMPORARY/PART-TIME APPOINTMENTS: Work hours are flexible for an average of twenty (20) hours per week. Part-Time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system; however, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

Depending on assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Coordinates, promotes, implements and evaluates recreation activities as assigned.
• Organizes and schedules leisure time activities such as cultural arts, afterschool playgrounds, and special sports programs or events.
• Recommends and assists in the selection, supervision, evaluation and training of assigned part-time recreation staff.
• Prepares or coordinates the development of event publicity, including news releases, flyers, pamphlets and brochures.
• Schedules working hours for part-time recreation staff.
• Administers and coordinates payroll duties for assigned personnel.
• Participates in the development of the annual budget for a recreation activity or group of activities.
• Maintains records and develops reports concerning new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness.
• Maintains inventory of supplies and equipment, and distributes as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: High School graduate or equivalent.

Experience: One to two (1-2) years of experience in the recreation field. Experience in the implementation of recreational activities is desirable.

Knowledge of: Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; principals and applications of the Microsoft Office Applications including Word and Excel.

Ability to: Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing and maintain effective relationships with public and staff; understand and follow oral and written directions; and work cooperatively with others; provide leadership; work with minimum supervision; and plan and organize their work and the work of others.

License/Certification: Due to the performance of field duties, which may require operation of a motor vehicle, a valid California Class C Drivers License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions is required. Those required to drive must have an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to certain positions are subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbents driving record and Drivers License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; ascend and descend stairs; maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or running; move about on hands and knees; bend body downward and forward, requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and push, pull and/or lift 10 to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally. bend at the waist; kneel; sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Selection/Testing Process: For consideration, an employment application and supplemental questionnaire must be thoroughly completed. Failure to complete the information requested may result in an application being removed from consideration.

The acceptance of an employment application depends upon whether or not an applicant has provided adequate information that demonstrates meeting the qualifications for the position as stated above. Please complete the application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and completely. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of an appraisal examination weighted 100%. The appraisal examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicants knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical examination, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Temporary/Part-Time Appointments: Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandates CalPERS employer contributions. Therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner. Our values include Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• None
• High School graduate or equivalent
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Coursework beyond Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

02

Are you currently enrolled in an accredited college or university with major coursework in recreation administration or related field?

• Yes
• No

03

If "Yes" to Question 2 what type of coursework have you completed?

04

If hired, at the time of appointment would you be 18 years of age or more?

• Yes
• No

05

Which of the following best describes your years of experience in youth (ages 6-12) program planning and implementation

• None
• None to six (6) months of experience
• Six (6) to one (1) year of experience
• One (1) to two (2) years of experience
• Two (2) to three (3) years of experience
• Three (3) or more years of experience

06

Please briefly describe your experience and include the name of employer(s)/organization, position title, and length of experience.

07

Which of the following best describes your years of experience in the selection, training, and supervision of personnel?

• None
• None to six (6) months of experience
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of experience
• One (1) to two (2) years of experience
• Two (2) or more years of experience

08

Please briefly describe your experience and include the name of employer(s)/organization, position title, and length of experience.

09

Are you available weekday afternoons and evenings, weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

10

For the following questions please provide the hours you are available to work each day. For example : Monday 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you are not able to work on a certain day please indicate "Not Available or N/A." Monday

11

Tuesday

12

Wednesday

13

Thursday

14

Friday

15

When is the schedule of your availability above expected to change? Please provide a "best estimate" date (MM/DD/YY).

16

Do you fluently speak and/or write any language(s) other than English?

• Yes
• No

17

If "Yes" which language(s)?

18

Are you currently or have you even been a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) through your employment with a previous public sector agency?

• Yes
• No

19

If "Yes", please indicate what agency(s) you are/were employed with and include the dates (mm/dd/yr) of employment under CalPERS.

Required Question

Employer City of Downey

Address 11111 Brookshire Avenue

Downey, California, 90241-7016

Phone (562) 904-7292

Website http://www.downeyca.org