Recreation Specialist – Aquatics

Recreation Specialist - Aquatics

HIRING RANGE: $22.72 - $25.57/hourly

About the Position:

The City of Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department is looking for an enthusiastic Recreation Specialist – Aquatics to help lead programming and daily operations of our brand-new Community Recreation Center. This position will help to oversee specific programming and day-to-day operations for the natatorium while ensuring a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for everyone. The specialist will assist with the implementation of programs and events and will complete other duties as assigned within the Aquatics division at the CRC. This is an exciting time to join our team as we prepare for the opening of the new CRC. The CRC features a five-pool Natatorium with a variety of different water temperatures, features, and uses throughout the over 480,000 gallons of water. We’re looking for a motivated leader who’s passionate about involvement, programming, and creating safe, memorable experiences for our community. 

About Our Culture:
At the City of Grand Junction, we lead the way with continuous improvement, collaborative partnerships, and exemplary service. Our core values are demonstrated by our willingness to challenge the status quo, ability to work together using all areas of expertise to achieve a common goal, and commitment to fulfilling the needs of our community through thoughtful interactions.

About the Parks and Recreation Department:

This recruitment is happening at a very exciting time, as the City of Grand Junction completed our Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan in January of 2021. This led to an election on April 6, 2021, where dedicated funding was secured through taxation on sales of cannabis. The PROS Plan is the blueprint for the future of the parks and recreation system, and a dedicated source of funding for implementation is now in place. The number one item on the PROS Plan is a community recreation center (CRC). Through the summer and fall of 2022, a CRC feasibility study planning process was led by the council-appointed Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB). This robust community input process was conducted to develop recommendations about the new CRC to include the location, funding sources, and the size of the facility as well as the amenities. On April 4, 2023, the citizens of Grand Junction voted to approve the ballot question to build a new Community Recreation Center (CRC). Over the next few years, design and construction work will commence with an anticipated opening date of late 2026. The selected candidate will be a member of a team that is excited to continue to maximize the quality and quantity of services for the citizens and visitors of Grand Junction, to build the community and improve the quality of life on the Western Slope. 

What You’ll Do:

• Assist in organizing and supervising the day-to-day operations of assigned facilities, programs, and activities.

• Support the Recreation Coordinator when needed to verify and validate expenses and payroll.

• Maintain facility calendars and submit reports as required. 

• Serve as a liaison to supervisory staff, employees, the public, program participants, contractors, and other groups. 

• Provide information and assistance to users of facilities; monitor, inspect and secure facilities.

To view the full job description, click here. 

What We’re Looking For:

• Two (2) years of experience in the supervision of recreational programs. 

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver’s license. 

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Aquatic Facility Operator certification.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Ellis & Associates lifeguard certification. 

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Instructor license. 

Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

Notice to Applicants:
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, we kindly request that you do not include the dates of your education to include years of attendance or graduation on your application, resume or attachments.

City Employee Health Clinic:

The City is committed to supporting the health and well-being of employees and their families. Our near-site Sage Health & Wellness Center offers free or low-cost healthcare services for employees and their dependents enrolled in a City health plan. Services include preventative care, health assessments and coaching, treatment for common illnesses, lab services, physical therapy, a medical massage therapist, and behavioral health counseling. The clinic also offers wellness programs, challenges, and classes that empower employees and their families to stay healthy and thrive.
 

Explore the Area:
Grand Junction, Colorado is the gateway to the mountains and canyonlands of western Colorado and eastern Utah. Centrally located between Denver, CO (250 miles east) and Salt Lake City, UT (270 miles west), Grand Junction is surrounded by 1.2 million acres of public land. Residents enjoy world-class whitewater rafting on the Colorado and Green Rivers, golfing, fishing, skiing and snowboarding, and exploring mountain bike and hiking trails through the Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa National Forest. Grand Junction has a robust downtown and hosts multiple art, music, food, and market events annually. With a population of over 150,000 in Mesa County (65,000 within the City limits) we have many of the big town amenities without the big town stresses such as traffic and trail congestion. With an average of 245 days of sunshine, Grand Junction is the perfect place to work and play. Learn more about our area on Visit Grand Junction's website and Instagram!

At the City of Grand Junction, we proudly operate as an Equal Opportunity Employer, purposely building an inclusive workforce representative of various cultures, perspectives, and experiences. We believe in respect for all and do not discriminate based on hair, race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

If you have any questions or need assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please contact our Human Resources office at 970.244.1512.