Community Center Specialist

About the Role

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is focused on protecting parks and open areas while delivering safe, professional, and welcoming recreation and cultural programs. Its portfolio includes more than 1,100 acres of parks, 5 community centers, and other public facilities that support a broad range of activities for residents.

As a Community Center Specialist, you will work under the guidance of the Community Center Recreation Supervisor/Director. The position centers on supporting recreational programming for people of all ages and handling routine building operations across activity spaces such as gymnasiums, game rooms, art rooms, ceramics studios, and music rooms.

Key Duties

• Oversee and keep watch over assigned spaces in the community center, including gyms, art rooms, ceramics studios, music rooms, game rooms, and other program areas.
• Design, coordinate, and run center activities for different age groups.
• Assist in planning and delivering youth, adult, and senior programs across multiple activity areas.
• Engage participants and help maintain a setting that is safe, welcoming, and enjoyable.
• Provide youth supervision and guidance within the limits of your training.
• Support special events and off-site or on-site field trips when assigned.
• Use computers and office tools to complete regular administrative and operational tasks.
• Carry out additional duties that support the department’s mission, vision, and organizational values.

Additional Responsibilities

• Keep equipment and supplies organized for several program areas and report repair needs quickly.
• Open, close, and secure the community center according to schedule.
• Maintain accurate attendance and participation records for programs.
• Help promote safety throughout the facility and respond appropriately to incidents and emergencies.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The role may involve both climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled spaces. Work can include exposure to heat, cold, cleaning-product odors, floor strippers, waxes, and moving recreation equipment. Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors while interacting with the public.

Physical demands may include extended day, evening, and weekend hours, along with possible exposure to extreme temperatures. The position also requires the ability to handle stressful public-facing situations and perform activities such as walking, sitting, standing, speaking, listening, reaching, carrying, lifting, pushing, pulling, writing, driving, grasping, bending, and twisting.

Equipment Used

Common tools and equipment include a copy machine, telephone, postage meter, computer, fax machine, van or automobile, scissors, other office supplies, cell phones, walkie-talkies, scoreboards, and program-specific activity equipment.

Employment Notes

City residents receive a 4% differential added to the hourly pay range.

This job outline is meant to highlight the main duties and examples of other tasks that may be assigned. It does not cover every possible responsibility. Employees are also expected to maintain steady and dependable attendance. Job details may be updated at any time at the City of Racine’s discretion. The City of Racine is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Reliable transportation is needed to travel between community center locations.

Preferred background includes prior experience working with youth, teens, adults, and seniors in a recreation or community-based setting.

Skills and Abilities

You should be able to lead a variety of programs, including arts, sports, music, games, and educational activities. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are important, along with the ability to resolve conflicts in a professional, respectful, and fair way.

The role also calls for flexibility to work at any of the five community centers in Racine as assigned, a strong record of dependable attendance, and comfort using computers and basic software such as email and word processing. A willingness to learn new systems and technology is also expected.

Application Information

Applications must be submitted online through the City of Racine hiring process.