Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.
Department:
GG_Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Administration
Salary Range Minimum:
$19.13
Salary Range Maximum:
$29.85
Closing Date:
07/27/2026
Job Details:
Join our Environmental Education team at Hogtown Creek Headwaters Nature Center and inspire the next generation of nature explorers. This part time, supervisory position oversees the daily operations of our busy nature center, which welcomes a high volume of young children and families each week. The Recreation Leader is responsible for managing the center’s interactive Discovery Zone, developing and leading engaging nature programs for visitors.
This position supervises one direct report and works closely with other members of the Environmental Education and Youth Services team create meaningful nature based learning experiences.
Strong leadership, organizational and communication skills are essential along with the ability to balance center operations, staff supervision, program development, and outstanding visitor service. Experience with early childhood education standards, and developmental benchmarks is highly desirable.
This is a part time position with hours on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. One weekend off a month is scheduled for.
Job Description:
SUMMARY
This is responsible administrative and supervisory work developing, implementing, and coordinating a variety of recreational programs and events and in oversight of City recreational facilities.
Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its varied and specialized responsibilities for supervision, development and coordination of recreational events and activities.
EXAMPLES OF WORK*
- This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Depending on the area of assignment:
Creates contracts and permits associated with facility rentals and events
Develops, plans and oversees social media and website content, posts and responses
Tracks facility inventory and oversees supplies orders
Schedules meetings, prepares meeting agendas and minutes
Oversees and coordinates facility calendars
Creates staff schedules
Creates timesheets and oversees payroll processes
Assists in the coordination of facility events with events of building tenant(s) and property lessee(s).
Prepares contracts and agenda items and assists in monitoring of facility programs, repairs, inspections, operations, and maintenance.
Assists coordination with outside groups and businesses in facility activities designed to benefit the City.
Oversees, plans and assists in the coordination and implementation of recreational activities such as special events, sports leagues, instructional programs, special population programs, dances, general recreation programs and other related activities.
Performs site program criteria evaluations, takes notes, provides feedback to assigned staff and follow-ups with supervisor.
Performs timely, fair and non-discriminatory evaluation of performance of employees under their supervision.
Develops new programs and classes.
Answers public inquiries about programs. Receives and records complaints and documents that corrective action is taken. Assists manager in responding to requests for services from the public and other agencies.
Oversees and instructs various athletic, sports, aquatic and recreation programs and classes, including training volunteers and coaches in sportsmanship and team building.
Assists in the evaluation of programs and makes recommendations for modifications and improvements.
Opens and closes park and recreation facilities and buildings, according to schedule.
Schedules use of park and recreation facilities and oversees patrons on proper use of such facilities.
Assists in coordination and implementation of special events.
Maintains registration, participation, inventory and expenditure records for recreation programs.
Collects registration and other applicable fees and charges for special events, leagues, camps, programs, trips, activities, special populations, and other recreation programs. Supervises employees who handle cash.
Completes, processes, and maintains appropriate work orders, reports and forms. Oversees facility and program safety and risk management. Coordinates maintenance and upkeep of all assigned facilities.
Assists in marketing recreational programs including developing program guides, interaction with media, meeting with community groups and developing and implementing new concepts such as computerized program registration.
Schedules and coordinates assigned staff. Supervises assigned staff in absence of a Supervisor.
Maintains facility, equipment and supply inventory; keeps all equipment and supplies in good working condition; and / or cares for livestock.
Assists with selection, promotion, discharge, and recommends other appropriate personnel actions. Assists with pre-employment testing and training of staff.
Attends work on continuous and regular basis.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Conducts routine maintenance tasks at parks facilities and buildings.
Prepares recreational facilities for classes, meetings, events and activities; may include setting up chairs and tables, moving furniture and equipment.
May transport participants and/or staff, depending upon assignment and work location.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in recreational programming, instruction, management or related activities; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES
Licenses
Depending on the area of assignment:
Valid State of Florida Driver License within (30) days of appointment.
Certifications
General (all areas):
National Recreation and Parks Association certification as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is required within 18 months of appointment.
American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid is required within six (6) months of appointment.
Aquatics:
American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT) is preferred.
American Red Cross Lifeguard (LG) is required upon appointment.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) is preferred.
Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) is required within 18 months of appointment.
Athletics:
National Alliance for Youth Sports certification as a Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA) is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Nature:
Environmental Education Certification (or equivalent) OR the Florida Master Naturalist Course is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Basic Certification by the National Alliance for Interpretation (NAI) (or equivalent) is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
Youth Services & Education Programs:
If assigned to a Department of Children’s and Families Licensed Program (DCF):
Must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
Successfully complete or have a current valid American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Pediatric CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and First Aid.
Must successfully complete the Department of Children and Families (DCF) 40-hour Introductory Child Care Training within 15 months of hire, take additional specialized DCF training courses, or have an education exemption. Must successfully complete annual In-service trainings.
Must obtain a CDL with a passenger endorsement.
Assists with DCF compliance (implementation, monitoring, training)
Must be able to pass DCF required employment screenings (all Youth Services and Education Programs staff).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
General (all areas):
Knowledge of principles, practices, methods and materials, and theories of recreation programs and activities.
Knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment associated with leading athletic, recreation programs and activities.
Ability to keep records and prepare reports.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to schedule and coordinate assigned staff.
Ability to work effectively with coworkers and the general public.
Knowledge of personal computers and related software.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and accident prevention methods in assigned area of responsibility.
Aquatics:
Knowledge of principles and methods of water safety and aquatic recreation programming.
Knowledge of swimming pool maintenance practices and methods, including water chemistry applications.
Ability to train and supervise aquatic staff, including teaching required certifications.
Knowledge of cash handling procedures, and accurate record-keeping and reporting.
Physically capable of passing pre-employment swimming tests and skills.
Athletics:
Knowledge of athletic rules and regulations.
Nature:
Knowledge of animal husbandry and plant cultivation.
Knowledge of Florida history and Florida natural history.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Depending on area of assignment:
Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions, including the ability to lift, carry, push or pull 50 pounds without assistance.
Specific vision abilities include normal color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, distance vision and close vision.
Work requires the ability to climb stairs and ladders to the height of 12 feet.
Work requires the ability to use respiratory protection equipment, including self-contained breathing units.
Work requires the ability to swim to a depth of 16 feet.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Depending on area of assignment:
This position requires a flexible work schedule and may require working a varying schedule, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.
Must conform to grooming and dress code requirements (uniforms furnished).
May be required to work or attend meetings outside regular business hours, including weekends and holidays.
Work may require the performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.
Work requires the ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals, including but not limited to: water treatment, gasoline, motor oil, household cleaning and maintenance chemicals.
Requires the ability to work with and around live animals.
Note:
May Require Assessment(s).
May fill multiple positions.
May establish an eligibility list.
Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.
Equal Opportunity
The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.
Veterans' Preference
Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.
If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at [email protected] or by calling 352-334-5077.
