Recreation Instructor

Job Description

Recreation Instructor (699)

(As-Needed)

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
Six (6) months of experience teaching preschool, therapeutic recreation, or a specialized area in a classroom setting; and
Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application

License

Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license is desirable

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Recreation Instructor is responsible for planning, instructing, and supervising a specialized class or program. With general policy and departmental philosophy guidance from a supervisor, the incumbent exercises sound independent judgment in setting a class curriculum and schedule in a specialized area of instruction such as aquatics, arts and crafts, athletics, cultural arts, dance, drama, physical fitness, music, older adult programs, preschool, and therapeutics. The Recreation Instructor is distinguished from the Recreation Specialist in that the former is responsible for developing curriculum and teaching specialized classroom activities, while the latter has an emphasis on developing and supervising large groups of children in specialized recreation activities.

Typical Duties

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.

Under direction:

Plans, initiates, organizes, and instructs a class in a specialized recreation area
Explains and demonstrates activity techniques to class or program participants
Prepares and orders instructional materials and supplies
Keeps attendance and class records
Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of:

Instructional techniques appropriate to various age groups
The technical fundamentals of a specialized recreation activity such as athletics, cultural arts, or music

Considerable ability to:

Plan, organize, and instruct a specialized class or program
Explain, demonstrate, and clarify information to others
Demonstrate sensitivity, tact, and excellent customer service while interacting with others
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including children
Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

Physical ability to:

Assist participants in and out of wheelchairs
Restrain and/or lift program participants

Supervision Received

Works under the direction of a Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Coordinator, or other supervisor as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

May supervise Recreation Leaders or other personnel as assigned; may train and/or assist in the training of personnel.

Other Requirements

As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with State of California law
Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

Approved, May 2003