Description

GENERAL PURPOSE: The Recreation Specialist – (Athletics and Facilities) supports both the Anderson Building operations and the City’s youth athletic programs. This position splits responsibilities between facility operations, including front desk and rental support, and instructing athletic programs for preschool and youth participants. The Specialist will ensure smooth day-to-day facility operations, provide excellent customer service to patrons, and deliver high-quality athletic programming.

Wheat Ridge was founded during the 1859 Gold Rush as a rest stop for miners and later named for its golden wheat fields. As unsuccessful miners turned to farming, the area thrived with orchards, vegetable fields, and later, greenhouses, earning the title “Carnation City.” Incorporated in 1969, Wheat Ridge now offers a central location with easy access to Denver and the Rocky Mountains. It operates as a home-rule city with a council-manager government, where the elected council sets policy, and the manager oversees daily operations and budgeting. 

CORE VALUES: The City of Wheat Ridge is committed to excellence and ACTION!: 

• Accountability: Employees take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and recommendations and are accountable to each other and the community
• Change: Adapts to changing organizational needs, conditions, and work responsibilities. 
• Teamwork: Employees value teamwork as a collaborative effort, with each person contributing unique skills, knowledge, and training to achieve common goals. 
• Integrity: Employees uphold the highest ethical standards, recognize the importance of public and customer trust and adhere to the values of the organization. 
• Opportunity: Employees are empowered to grow professionally, develop best practices, and seek challenges to advance the City. 
• NOW!: Employees are proactive, timely, and efficient in responding to the needs of the organization and the community – NOW!  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Athletic Programs

• Plan, implement, and instruct youth athletic classes, including preschool programs and youth sports such as soccer, tee ball, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, football and other athletic-based activities.
• Develop lesson plans, organize supplies, and ensure safety and skill development for participants.
• Provide a fun, inclusive, and positive environment for children and families.
• Support the development of new athletic programs that align with community interests.

Facility Operations – Anderson Building

• Responsible for overseeing assigned personnel by providing instruction, daily direction, scheduling, and work assignments; offering guidance to improve performance; assisting with staff recruitment and training; and providing input to the supervisor on employee performance and actions.
• Assist with front desk coverage, including welcoming patrons, processing registrations, answering questions, and managing reservations.
• Provide customer service and support for Anderson Building rentals, programs, and daily operations.
• Monitor building usage and enforce facility policies to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
• Oversee all aspects of facility rentals, including scheduling, setup, and coordination of events and activities.

Administrative & Other Duties

• Maintain accurate records of attendance, registrations, reservations, and program participation.
• Use department software (RecTrac) to process registrations, print rosters, and access household information.
• Monitor and purchase program or facility supplies as needed.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• Education and Training: Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sports Management, Physical Education, or related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: Two (2) years’ experience instructing athletics, coaching, or facility operations preferred.
  Substitutions: Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Certifications: Infant/Child/Adult CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications required within 45 days of hire.
• Background check required.
• A valid driver’s license and safe driving record required throughout employment.
• Knowledge of athletic instruction principles, recreation program planning, and facility operations.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with patrons, parents, and staff while handling issues with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Ability to use or quickly learn registration software (RecTrac), Microsoft Office, and other department systems.
• Strong time management and multitasking skills to balance split schedule responsibilities.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills with diverse groups.
• Ability to make sound judgments, adapt to changing priorities, and resolve conflicts effectively.

HOURS OF WORK, LOCATION, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: This is a full time position. This position requires schedule flexibility, as hours may vary depending on seasonal needs. Work performed in a recreation facility environment with frequent interaction with the public. Exposure to noise, sports equipment, and active indoor/outdoor program settings is common. Requires standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 24 lbs, and leading active athletic programs. Possible work schedules may include:

• Split shifts (e.g., morning and evening coverage within the same day)
• Afternoon and evening hours, typically 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Occasional weekend hours
• On-call availability as needed
• Standard 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM coverage

The City of Wheat Ridge is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusivity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, marital status or any other applicable characteristics protected by law, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification. The City of Wheat Ridge will consider reasonable accommodations for employment to qualified applicants upon request to the Human Resources Office. 

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.