Recreation Specialist I

Safety Status:                         None

SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Recreation Program Supervisor, coordinates daily recreation activities for citizens, community groups, youth groups, sports teams, and other individuals and groups for both indoor and outdoor recreation activities by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change to meet City needs or operational requirements.  Punctual attendance at work and the ability to get along with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential elements of this position.  Other duties may be assigned.

Program and Event Coordination:

• Provide program and event management, customer service, and general facility supervision for the Bentonville Community Center, the Downtown Activity Center, and a variety of recreation facilities in Bentonville.


• Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate Camp Bentonville, a program which features revenue of over $300,000.


• Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate fitness and wellness programs to meet the needs of individuals, groups, and agencies of the community, programs which feature over $180,000 in revenue.


• Establish and administer personal fitness plans for community center members.


• Ensure the Bentonville Community Center, the Downtown Activity Center, and surrounding grounds remain a safe, clean environment for recreational activities.


• Develop and introduce new recreation programs, activities, equipment, and materials to recreation management.


• Adapt city-sponsored recreation programs to meet the needs of citizens, groups, teams, and individuals.


• Interpret recreation programs for the public, sponsors, and participate in community meetings and organizational planning.


• Prepare and present reports detailing information such as financial data, third-party payments, facility attendance records, and recreation program evaluations.


• Recommend the purchase of recreation equipment and services from outside vendors.


• Set up chairs, tables, and sporting or exercise equipment in designated rooms or other areas for scheduled group recreation activities or sports events.


• Notify patrons of activity schedules and registration requirements.


• Receive, store, and issue sports equipment and supplies.


• Work with Recreation Program Supervisor, specialty contractors, and maintenance personnel to maintain fitness equipment valued at over $700,000.


• Monitor and regulate fitness equipment maintenance schedules.


• Acquire sponsorships, donations, and other in-kind services for recreation programs.

Customer Service and Communication:

• Provide exceptional customer service and communication to members and the public.


• Distribute department marketing materials to the public.

Evaluation and Improvement:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of recreation programs, areas, facilities, and services.


• Participate in the development of the recreation budget and monitor the expenditure of department funds and record-keeping.


• Participate in professional associations, conferences, workshops, and training to stay current with industry trends.

 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position indirectly supervises between 4 and 20 part-time employees at the Bentonville Community Center Wellness Desk and Camp Bentonville at a variety of recreational facilities throughout the City. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include assisting in the interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Minimum of an associate degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school with an emphasis in recreation management or an associated field; or a minimum 2 years’ experience working in recreation programs and activities; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistics and the ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.  Must also have the ability to perform basic budget management.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, able to pass a background check, and obtain CPR and First Aid certification from the American Red Cross. Preferred to obtain Personal Training, Group Exercise and ACSM certificates.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.  The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; and vibration.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The City of Bentonville is committed to providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, political status, disability status, or genetic information, as required by all federal and state laws.  The City’s commitment extends to all employment related decisions, terms and conditions of employment (including job opportunities), promotions, pay and benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.