JOB TYPE: FULL-TIME
STATUS: NON-EXEMPT, HOURLY
COMPENSATION: $39,770.00 - $53,450.88, PLUS EXCELLENT FRINGE BENEFITS
REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
APPROVED BY: WATERTOWN TOWN COUNCIL
APPROVAL DATE: MAY 19, 2025
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position coordinates special events, including cultural arts programs, provided and co-sponsored by the Town; plans, promotes and implements a variety of events with community-wide appeal and diverse themes year-round and seasonally; coordinates and oversees the specific details for event implementation including site plans, program components and activity schedules, equipment, staffing, volunteers, security, traffic control, and other logistics; engages appropriate personnel during the review and evaluation of events; seeks partners and recruits sponsors to assist in the delivery of events. Works in coordination with the Parks and Recreation Director, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director, Aquatics/Recreation Supervisor, Parks Foreman, Administrative Assistant, Town Departments and others.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Initiates, plans, implements community and special events, including cultural arts programs, provided and co-sponsored by the Town which includes: prepares and monitors a budget for each event; recommends collaborations with community organizations and solicits sponsorship agreements to obtain targeted results; prepares reports and analyses of participation; coordinates promotional materials and recognition; develops annual and longer-term goals to achieve continuous improvement (quality and quantity), variety, and sustainability
- Recruits and obtains service proposals from vendors, exhibitors, entertainers, artists, technicians, and similar; recommends event components and schedules based on market knowledge; monitors service delivery; initiates and reviews participant satisfaction surveys
- Coordinates marketing and advertising appropriate to each event; prepares and distributes informational materials for the activity guide, webpage, recreation management software, banner displays, kiosks, social media, radio, newspaper, and other outlets
- Develops timelines and identifies conditions necessary for events to be planned and implemented in a safe manner, includes working with Town departments and external agencies to address first response, traffic control, health, licensing, and similar issues
- Identifies opportunities for volunteers to assist with the implementation of events and cultural arts programs; provides specific descriptions of volunteer roles/responsibilities/assignments; recruits, trains, monitors, and assesses volunteers; collects and reports volunteer hours; plans, organizes and implements volunteer recognition for Department events and programs
- Ensures the accuracy of revenue, expense, and attendance records; follows appropriate procurement procedures; reviews and approves contract and purchase order payments; ensures all fees are collected; may assist with the operation and monitoring of recreation programs, recreation sites and customer service counters
- Maintains supply and equipment inventories; conducts research and initiates purchases and rental contracts to obtain equipment and materials for event implementation; drafts specifications and scope of services, obtains quotes
- Facilitates the Special Event Vendor Permit Application review and approval process; reviews and routes applications to appropriate departments/staff; conveys comments and conditions of use to applicants; issues permit; monitors permit compliance
- Trains, schedules, supervises, and evaluates assigned staff
- Assist the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and services provided by the department
- Assists the Recreation Supervisor in coordinating park facility use including issuing field and court permits, coordinating with Parks Department for field maintenance, issuing and tracking facility keys and coordinating portable toilets in the parks
- Assists the office staff by inputting programs and activities into MyRec recreational software
- Assists the office staff by inputting golfers in Golf Now software
- Assists the office staff with program registrations and phone coverage, as needed
- Investigates and recommends actions to resolve concerns and to provide a positive community event environment for staff, volunteers, participants, and residents; works in a safe manner and follows safety policies and practices
- Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with department and/or Town policies and procedures
The above duties describe the most significant responsibilities performed and are not to be considered a detailed description of every duty of the position. Other related duties may be assigned by the Director of Parks and Recreation.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of community and special events, cultural arts, recreation programs, and practices
- Skill in training and supervising part-time staff and volunteers
- Working knowledge of park and recreation facility operations
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Working knowledge of recreation management software
- Working knowledge of social media and online platforms; ability to create and post content
- High ethical standards
- Active participation in teamwork
- Provide outstanding customer service to internal and external customers
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation, Tourism, Public Administration, or related field OR be willing to work towards obtaining a degree within a reasonable timeframe
- Two years of paid experience in event and recreation planning and implementation in a public, private or non-profit setting; one year of supervisory experience
- Valid Driver’s License required. Connecticut driver’s license required within ten days of hire
- Must be able to pass a thorough background investigation
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and listen for extended periods of time. Moderate physical activity such as standing, walking, kneeling, sitting, crouching, twisting, pushing, pulling, bending, stopping and squatting.
The employee must be able to lift and move up to 70 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This job requires periods of outside work that is subject to all weather conditions and extremes. May spend periods in the office, on telephone, or operating other office machines, requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. Strong safety principles and safety awareness are a must.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
This is a full-time position. This position occasionally requires long hours beyond those scheduled hours, including evening, weekend, and holiday work as job duties demand.
TRAVEL:
Some.
EEOC STATEMENT:
It is the policy of the Town of Watertown to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Town of Watertown will provide reasonable accommodations, that do not present an undue hardship, for qualified individuals with disabilities.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
To receive consideration for this position, submit an application and letter of interest outlining qualifications. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. This position will close at 4:00 P.M. on September 18, 2026.
Email: [email protected] with the attention line: Recreation and Special Events Coordinator
Application should be delivered to:
Human Resources Department
Town of Watertown
Watertown Town Hall
61 Echo Lake Rd
Watertown, CT 06795
A Town of Watertown Job Application can be picked up at the Watertown Town Hall or online at www.watertownct.org. No phone calls will be accepted.
Pay: $39,770.00 - $53,450.88 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
