City of Austin

Posting Title Temporary - Nature Based Activity Specialist or Leader (Summer Camp/Multiple Positions/PARD) Job Requisition Number COA091462 Position Number T93005 Job Type Part-Time Division Name Parks & Recreation Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

Activity Specialist (Salary: $20.80 per hour):

• Must have a High School diploma/GED, and no experience required.

Activity Leader (Salary: $21.55 per hour):

• Must have a High School diploma/GED and six (6) months related experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
• May require certification in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other areas as specified for the assigned class.
• Texas Class “C” Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment.

Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Temporary Nature Based Activity Leader or Specialist is a temporary/seasonal staff position scheduled to work between 20 and 40 hours per week in an After School or Summer Camp program setting. Successful applicants must demonstrate strong leadership, exhibit creative thinking, exercise good judgment, and have excellent communication skills.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting – up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Driving Requirement: This position requires that you must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas Class “C” Operator’s License within 90 days of employment. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Must be physically and mentally able to work with participants adapting to a variety of conditions such as daily walking, hiking, climbing, standing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, running, bending, crawling, swimming, stretching and reaching in rugged terrain. Tolerate loud noise associated with enthusiasm and excitement. Ability to work outside in all types of weather and/or inclement conditions, and in confined spaces.

Other Information:

• Application Status Communication: Please note that you will be contacted if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process. Once the department is no longer hiring for this position, you may receive a notification informing you the position is closed and the hiring process is concluded.
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Pay Range

$20.80 – $21.55 per hour

Hours

Work Location/Schedule Notes:

• Variable schedule, 20 – 40 hours per week.
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Job Close Date 06/16/2024 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Temporary Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location Various Locations Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with environmental education, basic animal handling, hiking, and other outdoor adventure activities.
• Experience in team building, redirecting challenging behaviors, and setting healthy boundaries with youth ages 5-15 years old.
• Experience leading and/or instructing youth ages 5-15 years old in one or more of the following:
• Environmental Education/Interpretation
• Biking
• Kayaking
• Rock-climbing
• Caving
• Overnight Camping

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

1. Safely facilitate and actively supervise participants at all times while engaging in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
2. Develop, modify and teach program activities to accommodate various ages, abilities and interests.
3. Regular attendance is mandatory for this position.
4. Attend all sessions of scheduled staff training.
5. Serve as a role-model, exercising appropriate decision-making and boundary setting.
6. Utilize effective behavior management skills including enforcing policies fairly, consistently, kindly and firmly.
7. Communicate clearly and professionally with participants, parents, co-workers and supervisor.
8. Work cooperatively with co-counselors and other staff.
9. Provide excellent customer service.
10. Complete reports and forms and assist with maintaining records in accordance with City of Austin (COA) and Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) policies and procedures.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities – Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of youth programs and activities.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Ability to work with children and teens, including youth with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the City and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

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