Program Specialist (Athletics/Fitness)

The City of Athens is currently hiring a full-time Program Specialist (Athletics/Fitness). The Program Specialist (Athletics/Fitness) works under the general supervision of the Assistant Arts, Parks, and Recreation Director. The Program Specialist (Athletics/Fitness) develops, plans, and implements fitness and wellness programs, youth and adult athletics, and special events. This position is in the classified service of the City, requires a 60 – 180 day probationary period (based on performance), and is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.

This is a full-time position with a regular work schedule of Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This position is in Pay Grade 5 with a starting hourly rate of $23.01 per hour. Employees enjoy a generous benefits package such as paid holidays, sick leave, vacation time, personal days, a comprehensive health insurance plan (including but not limited to prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance), public employee pension match of 14%, wellness programming, parental leave and a fitness center membership.

A Civil Service Exam will be administered for this position on Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 10 am at the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, OH 45701. Applicants must show a valid, government issued Picture ID for entry to the test. Applicants must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on the exam. To be eligible for military credit, a copy of the DD-214 showing honorable discharge must be submitted with the application packet. Members of the National Guard are also eligible for 15% credit. Military or National Guard credit is only applied to a passing score. No further notice will be given about the exam.  General inquires may be sent to Human Resources via email: [email protected] or by calling: 740-592-3367.

Applications must be received by 4 pm on Wednesday, July9th, 2025 to be eligible to sit for the examination.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. General inquires may be sent to Human Resources via email: [email protected] or by calling: 740-592-3367.

The City of Athens, OH is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We prefer applicants apply online; however, paper applications are available upon request. Please call Human Resources at 740-592-3367 if you need to request a paper application.

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Athletics/Fitness

Classification Title:    Program Specialist Athletics/Fitness       Bargaining Unit:      Non-Union         

Division/Dept.:             Arts, Parks, and Recreation                       FLSA Status:              Exempt

Reports to:                     Assistant Director APR                               Pay Grade:                            5            

Position Summary:

The Program Specialist for Athletics/Fitness works under the general supervision of the Assistant Arts, Parks, and Recreation Director. The Program Specialist for Athletics/Fitness develops, plans, and implements fitness and wellness programs, youth and adult athletics, and special events. This position is in the classified service of the City, requires a 60 – 180 day probationary period (based on performance), and is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Essential Functions:

• Develops, organizes, and supervises athletic, fitness, wellness programs, sports, and special events.


• Directs sports leagues, sports camps, and fitness programs.


• Coordinates sport program registrations.


• Coordinates off-site events and programs.


• Enforces rules of facilities, equipment use, and developmental programs.


• Interviews and recommends applicants for program supervisors, instructors, officials, and volunteers.


• Supervises and evaluates program staff, including seasonal employees.


• Schedules programs and use of facilities.


• Markets and promotes interest in sports and departmental programs.


• Responsible for ordering equipment and supplies for programs within budget limitations.


• Maintains all records for equipment, along with necessary maintenance schedules.


• Schedules and develops fitness/wellness programs and assists with recruiting necessary instructors.


• Operates audio-visual equipment, scoreboards, and related computer software.


• Coordinates fundraising activities.


• Assumes other responsibilities and performs other related duties as needed.

Position Qualifications:

• One year of full time experience in a recreation or fitness position.


• Possession of a valid Ohio driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.


• Bachelor in Recreation Studies or Sport Management or related discipline from an accredited college or university.

Position Specifications

• Meet the attendance requirements of the position, which includes evenings and weekends.


• Knowledge of athletics, rules, regulations, tournament brackets, and scheduling games.


• Occasional standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds.


• Frequent direct or telephone communication.


• Occasional visual observation/ supervision at both near and far distances.


• Work both inside and outside at varying climatic conditions.


• Frequent writing, math calculations, problem solving, reading, proofreading, reasoning, and analyzing.


• Excellent written, oral, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.


• Ability to interact and communicate with others.


• Knowledge of personal computers using scheduling software and Microsoft applications.

The City of Athens, OH is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The City may consider any other equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

A background check is required post-offer.

New hires are required to be certified in First Aid and CPR at the time of the next available class.

This is a general description intended to provide general duties and qualifications. Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed. It is not intended to cover all situations, or all necessary qualifications. Job descriptions are subject to change.