City of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Salary: $25.88 - $33.65 Hourly
Location : City of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Job Type: Part-time
Department: Recreation and Parks
Opening Date: 02/14/2025
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Job Summary
Are you passionate about making a difference through inclusive recreation and community programs?
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is seeking a compassionate and energetic Recreation Specialist (Part-time) to join our Recreation & Parks Department! If you enjoy coordinating events, overseeing recreational programs, and working with the public in a dynamic environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Current vacancy: REACH Program.
This is a continuous recruitment that can close at any time. Our first review date is May 26, 2025, interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.
As a Recreation Specialist in the City's Recreation and Parks Department, you will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and leading recreational and social activities specifically for the REACH Program , serving adults and young adults with developmental disabilities. You will also help ensure that activities and facilities operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with community needs while providing exceptional customer service.
This position is a lead role within the Recreation Services series, responsible for coordinating and overseeing assigned recreation programs, volunteer initiatives, and/or educational activities. Incumbents ensure that City facilities, programs, and services operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with community needs. Responsibilities include planning, scheduling, and directing daily operations while providing high-quality customer service. This classification differs from the Recreation Supervisor and Administrative Staff Assistant, who hold broader administrative responsibilities, including program approval, staff discipline, and strategic oversight of program areas or sites.
The REACH Program is an adapted recreation program for adults with developmental disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorder meant to provide accessible and inclusive opportunities for recreational social activities. The REACH PROGRAM Recreation Specialist will play a key role in planning and leading adapted leisure activities such as arts and crafts, music, sports, games, dance, and community field trips for City's REACH program. This role involves a variety of tasks, including assisting with the planning, organizing, and promotion of events, as well as helping with the set-up, operation, and breakdown of event activities to ensure smooth and efficient operations. The Recreation Specialist will also take the lead on securely receiving and storing appropriate medical information of program participants. You will collaborate closely with city staff, vendors, and volunteers to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere for attendees.
The Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for managing and operating a comprehensive park system, administering services in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve throughout the year. The Department oversees recreational facilities, open space, preserve and trails, programs and classes, special events, the REACH program serving the needs of the developmentally disabled community, and support services.
Recreation Specialists may be assigned to work at any of the following job sites/programs:
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a motivated, enthusiastic individual with a passion for community service and working with individuals with disabilities. Someone that excels in a team environment, communicates effectively, thinks creatively, and approaches challenges with patience, positivity, and professionalism. This position requires strong leadership and initiative.
Essential Job Functions
The following duties represent a range of responsibilities associated with this role. Other similar or related duties may be assigned as necessary. Please review the Class Specification for a more comprehensive list.
Candidates should have a strong understanding of recreation program planning, development, and implementation, with a particular emphasis on adapted recreation and disability awareness, including knowledge of common intellectual and physical disabilities. They should be well-versed in customer service principles, community engagement strategies, and safety practices such as first aid and emergency response procedures. Familiarity with basic administrative functions, record keeping, and the use of standard computer applications is also essential.
Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to independently plan, organize, and lead a variety of recreational programs while effectively communicating with participants, families, staff, and volunteers. They must be able to build supportive relationships, maintain confidentiality of sensitive participant information, and operate standard office and recreation equipment. Flexibility is key, as the role requires adapting activities to meet participant needs and working a variable schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Must be able to lift (up to 50lbs), move tables, chairs, and other materials and equipment for event setup.
Must successfully pass a background check and have a valid California Driver's License.
Education & Experience:
W ORK SCHEDULE
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits to all full-time and part-time eligible employees. CalPERS is a benefit retirement plan, which provides benefits based on an employee's years of service, age and compensation. The incumbent will be enrolled in the City's CalPERS plan.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 544-5332 no later than five (5) business days before the test date.
JOIN OUR TEAM!
If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in your community while working in a supportive and engaging environment, we encourage you to apply!
Part-time Employee Benefits: Effective - January 1, 2025
For more information, please refer to the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on our City website
MEDICAL : Part-time employees who work 1,560 hours in a 12 month period and average 30 hours per week during the City's measurement period will receive an offer of affordable minimum value health insurance as required by law.
SICK LEAVE : An eligible employee shall accrue paid sick days at the rate of one (1) hour per every thirty (30) hours worked, beginning at the commencement of employment and will accrue paid sick leave for use beginning on the ninetieth (90th) day of employment. All paid sick leave is capped at forty-eight (48) hours per calendar year, including if rolled over from the prior year, and has no vested interest or cash value.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: The City shall provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to all employees
and employee families.
#LiveWellRPV
The City is proud to offer a Wellness Program designed to support both physical and mental well-being, offering a variety of resources, activities, monthly workshops focusing on nutrition, fitness, emotional wellness, and mindfulness.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT : The City provides a tuition reimbursement program to encourage employees to pursue professional growth and development through accredited academic coursework. The course must be related to work within City government, as agreed upon by the City Manager, and class time must not interfere with the employee's normal duties, unless specifically authorized by the City Manager. The maximum amount of reimbursement in a fiscal year shall not exceed $500 per employee participating in the program.
LIFE INSURANCE: Employees are eligible for life insurance on the first of the month following their hire date. The City pays the entire premium on a life insurance policy with a benefit of twice the employee's annual City compensation/salary, up to a maximum benefit of $350,000.
SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : All part-time employees are required to participate in the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program, which provides partial salary replacement benefits when an employee is disabled due to a non-work related illness or injury. The program is funded by employee payroll deductions from the employee's bi-weekly paycheck until a cap established by the State is reached. The benefits and terms are established by the State.
SOCIAL SECURITY : The City will enroll new hires in Social Security.
WORK SCHEDULE : Employees work part-time schedules during the entire workweek and across different shifts each day and with work days and work shifts sometimes changing by season. Accordingly, there are no guaranteed work hours, shifts or days. Work schedules are determined in advance by the employee's Department Head and/or their designee. Some part-time positions are limited to work 999 hours in a fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) and are not guaranteed a minimum number of work hours. Employees may be required to work variable schedule/hours, weekends, evenings and/or holidays.
HOLIDAY OVERTIME PAY : Part-time employees required or scheduled to work on designated holidays shall be paid time and one half of the employee's regular rate of pay. The following holidays are subject to this provision:
01
Candidates will be evaluated based on the information provided on both the application and the responses to the following supplemental questions. Failure to fully detail all experience or stating experience in response to the supplemental question but not listing the experience in the application, copy/pasting information, or responses referring to your resume may eliminate you from consideration. Do you understand this requirement?
02
Indicate the highest level of formal education you have achieved.
03
Is your education applicable to the requirements of this position? If so, please briefly explain. If not, please indicate N/A.
04
How many years of full-time paid experience related to recreation programming, reservation management, or event coordinating do you have?
05
How many years of part-time experience related to recreation programming, reservation management, or event coordinating do you have?
06
Recreation Specialists may be responsible for coordinating work of lower level staff. Have you been responsible for coordinating work of others?
07
Briefly describe your experience coordinating the work of lower level staff. If no experience, type "N/A".
08
Please share your experience directly working with kids or adults with disabilities.
09
How would you describe the difference between intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders?
10
Do you have experience with any of the following programs (check all that apply).
11
Do you currently possess either of the following active certificates? You must attach a copy of proof of designation to the supplemental application.
12
Are you able and willing to work evenings, early mornings, weekends, and holidays?
13
This position is typically scheduled to work 20 - 28 hours per week. How many hours are you available to work per week?
Required Question
Location : City of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Job Type: Part-time
Department: Recreation and Parks
Opening Date: 02/14/2025
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Job Summary
Are you passionate about making a difference through inclusive recreation and community programs?
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is seeking a compassionate and energetic Recreation Specialist (Part-time) to join our Recreation & Parks Department! If you enjoy coordinating events, overseeing recreational programs, and working with the public in a dynamic environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Current vacancy: REACH Program.
This is a continuous recruitment that can close at any time. Our first review date is May 26, 2025, interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.
As a Recreation Specialist in the City's Recreation and Parks Department, you will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and leading recreational and social activities specifically for the REACH Program , serving adults and young adults with developmental disabilities. You will also help ensure that activities and facilities operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with community needs while providing exceptional customer service.
This position is a lead role within the Recreation Services series, responsible for coordinating and overseeing assigned recreation programs, volunteer initiatives, and/or educational activities. Incumbents ensure that City facilities, programs, and services operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with community needs. Responsibilities include planning, scheduling, and directing daily operations while providing high-quality customer service. This classification differs from the Recreation Supervisor and Administrative Staff Assistant, who hold broader administrative responsibilities, including program approval, staff discipline, and strategic oversight of program areas or sites.
The REACH Program is an adapted recreation program for adults with developmental disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorder meant to provide accessible and inclusive opportunities for recreational social activities. The REACH PROGRAM Recreation Specialist will play a key role in planning and leading adapted leisure activities such as arts and crafts, music, sports, games, dance, and community field trips for City's REACH program. This role involves a variety of tasks, including assisting with the planning, organizing, and promotion of events, as well as helping with the set-up, operation, and breakdown of event activities to ensure smooth and efficient operations. The Recreation Specialist will also take the lead on securely receiving and storing appropriate medical information of program participants. You will collaborate closely with city staff, vendors, and volunteers to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere for attendees.
The Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for managing and operating a comprehensive park system, administering services in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve throughout the year. The Department oversees recreational facilities, open space, preserve and trails, programs and classes, special events, the REACH program serving the needs of the developmentally disabled community, and support services.
Recreation Specialists may be assigned to work at any of the following job sites/programs:
- Point Vicente Interpretive Center park grounds, museum, gift shop, and event space
- Fred Hesse Community Park grounds and community centers
- Robert E Ryan Community Park grounds and community centers
- Ladera Linda Community Park grounds and community centers
- Eastview grounds and dog park
- REACH therapeutic recreation program for young adults, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a motivated, enthusiastic individual with a passion for community service and working with individuals with disabilities. Someone that excels in a team environment, communicates effectively, thinks creatively, and approaches challenges with patience, positivity, and professionalism. This position requires strong leadership and initiative.
Essential Job Functions
The following duties represent a range of responsibilities associated with this role. Other similar or related duties may be assigned as necessary. Please review the Class Specification for a more comprehensive list.
- Program Development & Implementation: Plan, organize, and facilitate adapted recreation and social activities including arts and crafts, music, dance, sports, field trips, and special events for REACH participants.
- Facility & Equipment Management: Open, close, inspect, and maintain assigned program spaces; ensure that supplies and materials are properly stored and available.
- Participant Support: Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment by supporting participants' independence, promoting positive social interaction, and ensuring a safe space.
- Staff & Volunteer Coordination: Provide guidance to part-time staff and volunteers; assist in recruiting and training as needed.
- Community Engagement & Customer Service: Serve as a City representative, delivering excellent customer service to participants, families, and the public.
- Event Support: Assist with event logistics including setup, operation, supervision, and breakdown of event activities.
- Safety & Incident Reporting: Conducts safety inspections, monitors program activities, and ensures a secure environment; documents incidents such as injuries, behavioral issues, vandalism, and property damage.
- Marketing & Outreach: Help promote activities by preparing flyers, newsletters, social media content, and other communications.
- Financial & Administrative Support: Assists with budget monitoring, petty cash distribution, purchase orders, and financial reporting; schedules part-time staff and ensures timely updates to the City's website, ActiveNet, and quarterly newsletters.
- Emergency Response: Administers basic first aid and adult/child CPR as needed.
- Other Duties : Performs additional tasks as assigned.
Candidates should have a strong understanding of recreation program planning, development, and implementation, with a particular emphasis on adapted recreation and disability awareness, including knowledge of common intellectual and physical disabilities. They should be well-versed in customer service principles, community engagement strategies, and safety practices such as first aid and emergency response procedures. Familiarity with basic administrative functions, record keeping, and the use of standard computer applications is also essential.
Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to independently plan, organize, and lead a variety of recreational programs while effectively communicating with participants, families, staff, and volunteers. They must be able to build supportive relationships, maintain confidentiality of sensitive participant information, and operate standard office and recreation equipment. Flexibility is key, as the role requires adapting activities to meet participant needs and working a variable schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Must be able to lift (up to 50lbs), move tables, chairs, and other materials and equipment for event setup.
Must successfully pass a background check and have a valid California Driver's License.
Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, Adapted Physical Education/Activity, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, or related field preferred.
- Two (2) years of relevant experience working in recreation, education, therapeutic recreation, or community services required.
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is highly desirable.
- Must possess or obtain within 30 days of hire:
- American Red Cross First Aid Certificate
- CPR Certificate (infant, child, and adult)
W ORK SCHEDULE
- This is a part-time, year-round, at-will position, working up to 28 hours per week.
- Scheduled hours will not exceed 1,560 hours within a one-year period.
- Variable schedule: days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits to all full-time and part-time eligible employees. CalPERS is a benefit retirement plan, which provides benefits based on an employee's years of service, age and compensation. The incumbent will be enrolled in the City's CalPERS plan.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 544-5332 no later than five (5) business days before the test date.
JOIN OUR TEAM!
If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in your community while working in a supportive and engaging environment, we encourage you to apply!
Part-time Employee Benefits: Effective - January 1, 2025
For more information, please refer to the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on our City website
MEDICAL : Part-time employees who work 1,560 hours in a 12 month period and average 30 hours per week during the City's measurement period will receive an offer of affordable minimum value health insurance as required by law.
SICK LEAVE : An eligible employee shall accrue paid sick days at the rate of one (1) hour per every thirty (30) hours worked, beginning at the commencement of employment and will accrue paid sick leave for use beginning on the ninetieth (90th) day of employment. All paid sick leave is capped at forty-eight (48) hours per calendar year, including if rolled over from the prior year, and has no vested interest or cash value.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: The City shall provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to all employees
and employee families.
#LiveWellRPV
The City is proud to offer a Wellness Program designed to support both physical and mental well-being, offering a variety of resources, activities, monthly workshops focusing on nutrition, fitness, emotional wellness, and mindfulness.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT : The City provides a tuition reimbursement program to encourage employees to pursue professional growth and development through accredited academic coursework. The course must be related to work within City government, as agreed upon by the City Manager, and class time must not interfere with the employee's normal duties, unless specifically authorized by the City Manager. The maximum amount of reimbursement in a fiscal year shall not exceed $500 per employee participating in the program.
LIFE INSURANCE: Employees are eligible for life insurance on the first of the month following their hire date. The City pays the entire premium on a life insurance policy with a benefit of twice the employee's annual City compensation/salary, up to a maximum benefit of $350,000.
SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : All part-time employees are required to participate in the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program, which provides partial salary replacement benefits when an employee is disabled due to a non-work related illness or injury. The program is funded by employee payroll deductions from the employee's bi-weekly paycheck until a cap established by the State is reached. The benefits and terms are established by the State.
SOCIAL SECURITY : The City will enroll new hires in Social Security.
WORK SCHEDULE : Employees work part-time schedules during the entire workweek and across different shifts each day and with work days and work shifts sometimes changing by season. Accordingly, there are no guaranteed work hours, shifts or days. Work schedules are determined in advance by the employee's Department Head and/or their designee. Some part-time positions are limited to work 999 hours in a fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) and are not guaranteed a minimum number of work hours. Employees may be required to work variable schedule/hours, weekends, evenings and/or holidays.
HOLIDAY OVERTIME PAY : Part-time employees required or scheduled to work on designated holidays shall be paid time and one half of the employee's regular rate of pay. The following holidays are subject to this provision:
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
01
Candidates will be evaluated based on the information provided on both the application and the responses to the following supplemental questions. Failure to fully detail all experience or stating experience in response to the supplemental question but not listing the experience in the application, copy/pasting information, or responses referring to your resume may eliminate you from consideration. Do you understand this requirement?
- Yes
- No
02
Indicate the highest level of formal education you have achieved.
- Some high school
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Some college
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
03
Is your education applicable to the requirements of this position? If so, please briefly explain. If not, please indicate N/A.
04
How many years of full-time paid experience related to recreation programming, reservation management, or event coordinating do you have?
- Less than 1 year
- More than 1 year, but less than 2 years
- More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
- 3 years or more
- None
05
How many years of part-time experience related to recreation programming, reservation management, or event coordinating do you have?
- Less than 1 year
- More than 1 year, but less than 2 years
- More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
- 3 years or more
- None
06
Recreation Specialists may be responsible for coordinating work of lower level staff. Have you been responsible for coordinating work of others?
- Yes
- No
07
Briefly describe your experience coordinating the work of lower level staff. If no experience, type "N/A".
08
Please share your experience directly working with kids or adults with disabilities.
09
How would you describe the difference between intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders?
10
Do you have experience with any of the following programs (check all that apply).
- Activenet
- CivicPlus
- Tyler MUNIS
- None
11
Do you currently possess either of the following active certificates? You must attach a copy of proof of designation to the supplemental application.
- First Aid Card
- CPR Card
- None
12
Are you able and willing to work evenings, early mornings, weekends, and holidays?
- Yes
- No
13
This position is typically scheduled to work 20 - 28 hours per week. How many hours are you available to work per week?
- Less than 10 hours per week
- More than 10 hours per week, but less than 20 hours per week
- 20 or more hours per week
Required Question