Recreation Specialist

Salary Range

4,121.00 - 5,268.00

Job Summary

Are you a fan of a well-used park, an urban trail, a beautiful greenspace, a vibrant community center, a summertime community event? Do you value what parks, recreation and cultural programs and services contribute to a community and its livability, and do you like the idea of surrounding yourself with others who feel similarly?

If who we are speaks to you, and if you’re the type of person who is interested in joining a team whose work impacts invested in ensuring community receive meaningful, excellent services then the City of Vancouver may be for you.

We’re currently recruiting for a Recreation Specialist. The primary responsibilities for the job are to perform a variety of hands-on, specialized aquatics programming and operational support of City-wide Aquatics program and operations.

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the AFSCME union.

The schedule for this position is below.
Tues-Friday: 10:45am – 7:45
Saturday 7:30am – 4:30
Primary Location: Marshall Community Center

Union Pay Strategy
Salary for this position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with negotiated step increases based on seniority. Candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position will be at the beginning of the listed range, equal to Step 1. Directly related experience, certifications and relevant credentials exceeding minimum requirements will be considered for step credit at hire, with such credit not to exceed Step 4, the approximate midpoint of the listed range, unless otherwise stipulated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Work in conjunction with or at the direction of CPO/Aquatic team to maintain water quality and safe operational standards. 
• Serve as Head-Guard or Lead WSI and function as on-deck liaison and first point of contact for patron and temporary staff and/or operational issues, concerns and questions.  
• Serves as lead for weekend programming and operations and/or in the absence of other senior aquatics or program staff.
• Troubleshoot, intervene and/or resolve front-line emergent program, operational or customer service issues while maintaining established safety protocol and training standards. 
• Assist in on-going training, coaching, in-services and (re)certification process for temporary/seasonal Lifeguard, Water Safety and Aquatics Maintenance staff members.  
• Communicate and enforce policy, procedure and guideline with participants, parents and the community. 
• Ensure communication and incident/issue follow-up with Aquatics team, Programs team and/or Center Directors utilizing approve forms, processes and communication protocol.
• Supports overall Community Center programming and operations, as needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

Experience: 

• Two (2) years working in aquatics environment to include lifeguarding, swim instruction and basic  pool

operations preferred.

Education: 

• HS Diploma/GED 

*Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Microsoft Outlook/TEAMS – Intermediate 
• Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – Beginner  

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Possession of:

• Lifeguard Certification (Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certification, preferred)
• Water Safety Instructor Certification (Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification, preferred)

Ability to obtain:

• Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certification (Within 3 months of Hire)
• Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification (Within 3 months of Hire)

Knowledge

• Compliance with established training and certification for lifeguarding (Ellis & Associates) and water safety and swim Lesson programs (Red Cross) to safely and effectively perform and deploy these programs and duties. 
• Knowledge of established water quality and aquatic facilities operations to ensure compliance with federal, state and local standards and guidelines.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to: Operation of Aquatic Facility and Associated Aquatics programming.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Demonstrate composure and sound judgment during emergency situations and in interactions with
• staff and patrons.
• Develop & maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members & others
• Ability to travel to and between City sites during the workday for coverage, as needed
• Work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings and weekends.
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance Include:
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check and a basic criminal background check.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us 

Job Posting End Date

November 11, 2026