Recreation Coordinator -Special Events

City of Chesapeake VA

Chesapeake, VA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Billing, Budget Management, CPR Certification, Coaching, Contract Management, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Driver's License, Electricity, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Event Management, Explosives, First Aid, Fitness, Gaming Equipment, Infectious Diseases, Lift/Move 20 Pounds, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Logistics, Machine Tool, Maintain Compliance, Marketing, Marketing Plan, Multitasking, Negotiation Skills, Operational Support, Organizational Skills, People Management, Physical Demands, Physical Education, Record Keeping, Recreation, Regulations, Safety/Work Safety, Sports, Team Player, Travel Industry, Vendor/Supplier Management
LOCATION
Chesapeake, VA
POSTED
2 days ago

Position Details

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position Recreation Coordinator -Special Events Job Type Full Time Posting Type Public Number of Vacancies 1 Department PARKS, REC, & TOURISM Division PR&T SPECIAL PROGS Requisition Number 2026319 Number of hours worked per week 40 + Work Schedule

Generally: Monday - Friday 8 am-5 pm

Will include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Operational demands will require a flexible scheduling

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA Position Driving Requirement R - Routine Pay Grade GE13 Pay Basis Semi-Monthly Advertised Salary

$61,647/ annually

Starting salary based on qualifications and experience

Job Description

Parks, Recreation and Tourism is seeking a creative, energetic, and highly organized leader who is passionate about special event planning and community engagement. If you enjoy designing meaningful events, bringing people together, and creating memorable experiences, this role is for you.

This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating a wide range of large- and small-scale citywide and community special events and programs, both indoor and outdoor.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan, develop, coordinate, and evaluate citywide special events, programs, and recreational activities
  • Supervise assigned staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, evaluating performance, and providing coaching and discipline
  • Collaborate with city departments, community groups, vendors, and stakeholders to plan and execute events
  • Develop event concepts, activities, sponsorships, entertainment, and programming for diverse audiences
  • Design and coordinate promotional and marketing materials using various media platforms
  • Oversee event safety, permitting, compliance, and incident reporting, ensuring adherence to city policies and regulations
  • Manage contracts, vendors, entertainment, concessions, and service providers, including negotiation and selection
  • Monitor budgets, approve expenditures, review invoices and payroll, and support annual budget development
  • Collect, analyze, and maintain data, records, and reports related to programs and events
  • Coordinate logistics for citywide events, ceremonial programs, and special initiatives
  • Maintain equipment, supplies, and inventory; place orders as needed
  • Provide excellent customer service and respond to public inquiries and concerns
  • Attend meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities; represent the department at public presentations
  • Support special event permitting, compliance, and work order processes
  • Perform other duties as assigned

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in physical education, sports/recreation administration, outdoor recreation or a related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:

This class requires a minimum of two years of directly related full-time equivalent experience in the field, to include at least one year of supervisor level responsibilities.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Requires a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards.

CPR and First Aid certification are preferred, must be obtained within 6 months of employment and renewed every 2 years. Requirements determined by area assigned.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in planning, marketing, and conducting indoor and outdoor special events; working with vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, media outlets and citizen groups.

Experience coordinating ceremonial events and general knowledge of ceremony protocol.

Work hours vary and include significant evenings, weekends and periodically holidays

Will be required to work some events, programs, and activities within other areas of the City and Department

Over one year of full-time experience including some professional experience in managing organized special events and programs.

Must possess knowledge of recreational games, sports, arts and crafts, fitness programs, cultural awareness programs and special events.

Posting Detail Information

Job Open Date 07/02/2026 Job Close Date 07/19/2026 Open Continuous No Special Instructions to Applicants

Works special events and rentals that will require working many evenings, weekends and some holidays beyond normal business hours. Events may be held at various facilities located within the City, as well as, other neighboring locations. May be required to assist in city operations during emergencies and weather related events.

Drug Screening: MARIJUANA

In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands M=Medium - Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly

Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Walking Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Lifting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Lifting Amount Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs Carrying Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Carrying Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs Pushing/Pulling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs Reaching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Handling Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Fine Dexterity Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Kneeling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Crouching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Crawling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. Bending Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Twisting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Climbing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Balancing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Talking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Foot Controls Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Telephone, computer, popup tents and other various types of indoor and outdoor recreational equipment and games.

Protective Equipment Required

Any PPE required by the standard guidelines of the equipment in use.

Seat Belt

Health and Safety

D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never

Mechanical Hazards M = Several Times Per Month Chemical Hazards M = Several Times Per Month Electrical Hazards S = Seasonally Fire Hazards S = Seasonally Explosives S = Seasonally Communicable Diseases S = Seasonally Physical Danger or Abuse S = Seasonally Other If Other, Description

Environmental Factors

D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never

Dirt and Dust W = Several Times Per Week Extreme Temperatures W = Several Times Per Week Noise and Vibration W = Several Times Per Week Fumes and Odors W = Several Times Per Week Wetness/Humidity S = Seasonally Darkness or Poor Lighting S = Seasonally Primary Work Location Office Environment, Vehicle, Outdoors, Other

Non-Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Emergency Situations Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Frequent Change of Tasks Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Tedious or Exacting Work Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Noisy/Distracting Environment Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Other Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. If Other, Description Will be directly working with large crowds and groups. Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

Incumbent must be able to work independently most of the time

Professional References

Professional References

Please provide contact information for professional references.

Minimum Requests 0 Maximum Requests 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

    • Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review position requirements for details.
  • Yes
  • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Optional Documents

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Portfolio

About the Company

C

City of Chesapeake VA