Recreation Leader (General Services Department)

Recreation Leader (General Services Department)

Salary

$44,616.00 Annually

Location

Detroit, Michigan, MI

Job Type

Certified-Regular Civil Service

Job Number

20261453026GSDdb

Department

General Services

Opening Date

08/10/2026

Closing Date

8/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

1010-AFSCME Supv Local 2394 Recreation

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT - RECREATION DIVISION

RECREATION LEADER

Under general supervision, organizes and directs the recreational activities at a playground or play center or assists in directing such activities at a recreation center.

Examples of Duties

• Organizes and directs free play and planned group activities at recreation centers or other recreation facilities, playgrounds, playfields, school facilities and gymnasiums.
• Organizes and provides instructions for a variety of group games and activities including, but not limited to, softball, basketball, volleyball, double-dutch, sewing, storytelling, dancing, aerobics, and handicrafts.
• Lead a minimum of two directed programs per session.
• Directs seasonal recreation personnel, volunteers, enrichment providers, or vendors to assist in conducting recreational activities.
• Interprets rules and encourages participation in recreational activities and games.
• Arranges social functions with community groups.
• Ensures that recreational equipment and apparatus are safe, properly utilized, stored/maintained, and deter inappropriate behavior.
• Ensures that groups and/or individuals have valid permits for the use of recreational facilities.
• Maintains records and reports of activities.
• Attends staff meetings and training sessions.
• Monitors recreational activities to ensure adherence to rules and safety procedures.
• Administers basic first aid and CPR, if required.
• May be responsible for the opening and/or closing of facility in absence of management.
• Create a welcoming and safe environment.
• Communicate program information, expectations and rules to community members, participants and team members. If needed direct questions or concerns to appropriate people/supervisors.
• Set up and break down of activities and events which includes moving tables and chairs and other equipment.
• Assist with meal service to children and seniors as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications (required):

• At least 18 years of age with High School graduation or G.E.D.

Qualifications (preferred):

• Completion of two years of college coursework, and two years of experience in conducting organized recreational activities required.

Licensing and Certifications

• Individuals entering this class are required to complete a training course in basic First Aid and CPR within 90 days of hire.
• Must be eligible and able to obtain a valid food handler's card.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Supplemental Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 - 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

LRD:09/25/2025

Knowledge of:

• Objectives and purposes of organized recreational activities.
• Rules and basic use of equipment associated with group games.
• First aid methods.
• Basic MS Office skills

Skilled in:

• Organizing and directing recreational activities and games.
• Administering basic first aid and CPR.
• Leading and instructing groups in athletic and other recreational activities.
• Physical agility.

Ability to:

• Engage individual and group participants in recreation events and activities.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Interact effectively with departmental personnel and the general public with tact and diplomacy.
• Disseminate accurate information regarding programs and events in an effective and professional manner.
• Display initiative and resourcefulness in promoting interest in recreational activities.

Physical Demands

• This job may involve lifting tables, chairs and other objects needed to properly execute the event.

• It also involves participating in games and activities with children, adults, and groups.

• The intensity level of activity can vary from low to high depending on activity.

Work Environment

• Work is performed within a recreation center or municipal park including playgrounds, swimming pools, gymnasiums and other city facilities and outside areas.

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal conditions.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

HEALTH

• Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
• Dental
• Vision

INSURANCE

• Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.

PAID TIME OFF

• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holidays

OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS

The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

City Employees Retirement System

As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:

• Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
• At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
• At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
• In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
• An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
• Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.

Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.

01

Please indicate your highest level of education completed

• At least 18 years of age with a High School Diploma / G.E.D.
• Associates Degree or at least two years of college coursework
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• PhD/J.D.
• No High School Diploma / GED

02

How many years of experience in conducting organized recreational activities do you possess?

• Less than 2 years of experience
• 2 to 5 years of experience
• 6 or more years of experience
• No experience

03

Describe your experience in conducting organized recreational activities.

04

Are you eligible to obtain and maintain a valid Food Handler's Card as required for this position?

• Yes
• No

05

Individuals entering this class are required to complete a training course in basic First Aid and CPR within 90 days of hire.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Detroit

Address Coleman A. Young Municipal Center

2 Woodward Ave ste 316

Detroit, Michigan, 48226

Website http://www.detroitmi.gov/Detroit-Opportunities/Find-A-Job