Senior Activity Specialist (Temporary/Part-Time)

Senior Activity Specialist (Temporary/Part-Time)

Salary

$21.40 - $22.40 Hourly

Location

Downey, CA

Job Type

Temporary/Part-Time

Job Number

25-069

Department

Parks and Recreation

Opening Date

05/18/2026

Closing Date

5/29/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

ABOUT THE POSITION

The current vacancy is in the Parks and Recreation Department as it relates to Park Operations/Programs and the Apollo Park Gymnasium. However, applicants may be considered for future openings in other program areas as needed.

Under general supervision, supervises assigned recreational part-time staff, volunteers and contract personnel, monitors facility usage, facility maintenance, and is responsible for the opening and closing of facilities; coordinates recreation classes and group activities, conducts large recreation center programs, schedules staff and performs related duties as required.

Working Hours: Work hours are flexible for approximately 20 hours per week. Scheduled working hours may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call status.

The position requires availability to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Temporary/Part-time employment status does 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 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:

• Arranges and supervises group and individual instruction in a variety of recreational classes and activities.
• Oversees recreation related programming and coordinates the scheduling of classes.
• Trains, assigns, and oversees staff and volunteers in various duties; prepares and discusses evaluations with employee; counsels and disciplines as necessary.
• Assists in the creation and the distribution of publicity materials (flyers, invitations, announcements, marquee, etc).
• Creates and maintains a monthly calendar of site activity.
• Under direction conducts staff meetings and training sessions as requested.
• Insures that all attendance reports are completed and submitted to Supervisor.
• Insures that all recreation site equipment and supplies are adequate and in good condition, and makes recommendations for replacement when necessary.
• Acts as Supervisor upon the Supervisors request in his/her absence.
• Assists with the set-up/tear down duties as needed.
• Assists with site budget preparation, and budget monitoring.
• Assists with front office operations and park reservations as requested. May perform other duties in support of the Parks and Recreation Department as assigned including but not limited to: city-wide events, day care, youth and adult sports, recreation classes, aquatics, facility management, senior citizen programs, and other related services.

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:

Experience/Education: Two (2) years of college training in Recreation, Education, Physical Education or a related field;

OR

Two (2) years of paid experience in recreation.

Knowledge of: Procedures for implementing a variety of recreational activities and programs through community participation; program content for specialized community recreation activities; personnel management principles, practices and techniques including methods for employee selection, supervision, evaluation and training; and common recreational and social needs of various age groups.

Ability to: Coordinate, organize and implement recreation and leisure time activities and specialized events; prepare and distribute publicity concerning new or ongoing recreation activities; select, train, supervise and evaluate part-time and contract employees; understand community needs in a variety of recreation areas and evaluate activities according to those needs; identify methods to maximize service effectiveness and efficiency; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with public groups, agencies school officials, the media and others contacted in the course of work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

License: Due to the performance of field duties, 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.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is 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 Abilities and Environmental Conditions: Work is performed in a standard office environment and at indoor and outdoor recreational facilities; incumbents may be exposed to inclement weather conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surface. Sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and recreation facility setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight up to 20 pounds; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard.

Application, Selection, and Testing Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted to determine the level and scope of the candidates preparation for the position. All information supplied by an applicant is subject to verification.

Incomplete application materials may result in an application being removed from consideration. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

Those applicants who most closely meet the desired qualifications will be invited to participate in an appraisal examination process (oral interview). The appraisal examination (oral interview) is weighted 100%. The oral interview will be conducted by a panel of subject matter experts. The appraisal examination may include performance testing to assess the applicants knowledge, 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 a Conditional Offer of Employment, a background check that includes employment history review, reference check, and fingerprinting with the California Department of Justice is required. A Conditional Offer of Employment is contingent upon a candidates completion with acceptable results of a pre-placement job-related medical exam that includes a drug screen.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.

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 level of completed formal education?

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

02

Based on your response to #1 above, please provide the specific field of study or area of study emphasis.

03

Which of the following best describes your experience in the implementation of recreation activities or programs?

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

04

Briefly describe your experience in the coordination of Special Events. Include the name of the employer(s)/organization, position title, and length of experience (if none, please note it as "N/A").

05

Briefly describe your experience in Parks and Facility Operations/Programs. Include the name of the employer(s)/organization, position title, and length of experience. (If none, please note it as "N/A")

06

Which of the following best describes your years of experience in directly supervising and training assigned staff?

• 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) to three (3) years of experience
• Three (3) years or more of experience

07

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

08

Monday

09

Tuesday

10

Wednesday

11

Thursday

12

Friday

13

Saturday

14

Sunday

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