The Position
The City reserves the right to limit the number of applications accepted to the first one hundred (100) whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position.
This recruitment will result in an eligibility list, which will be used to fill current and future vacancies within this classification. The current vacancies are within the Community Life & Culture Agency's Administration Division and Recreation & Community Services Department.
Calling all visionary leaders! Are you ready to elevate your career and step into the dynamic role of a Recreation Program Specialist? The Community Life & Culture Agency is seeking individuals to seize this opportunity and shape the future of our vibrant community's programs. This position will assist with the coordinating of lively recreation programs, overseeing the efforts of volunteers and other part-time staff members, while also fostering a harmonious and productive team environment.
When assigned to the Community Life & Culture Agency's Administration Division, the position will play a pivotal role in supporting the Ontario Promise Corps program by facilitating community outreach initiatives, delivering engaging presentations and providing essential administrative support to the four program areas. To learn more about the Ontario Promise Corps program, please visit the website here.
When assigned to the Recreation & Community Services Department, the position will provide opportunities for wholesome, year-round public recreational services for every age group in the City of Ontario. Candidates may be assigned to work at one of the Department’s six community centers, senior center, or outdoor programming in City parks. To learn more about the Recreation & Community Services Department, please visit the Department's website here.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership and customer service skills, possess strong communication skills and passion for outreach, demonstrate readiness and motivation, showcase impeccable judgement and have previous experience overseeing specialized programs. The successful candidate will embody the department's mission and vision as well as the qualities of a "Five Tool Player" - Leader, Thinker, Communicator, Operator and Public Servant - and the values of the City's Approach to Public Service - Commitment to the Community, Excellence through Teamwork, and Doing the Right Thing the Right Way.
The Recreation Program Specialist is a paid, part-time/temporary position scheduled to work no more than 29 hours per week and is not eligible to participate in the City's health insurance or retirement plans.
The Community Life and Culture Agency
The City of Ontario's Community Life & Culture Agency endeavors to meet the Ontario City Council goal to "encourage, provide or support enhanced recreational, educational, cultural and healthy city programs, policies and activities." Community Life & Culture advances the well-being of our residents by providing services, experiences, and places that build and sustain a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community where everyone can thrive. This agency comprises of the Recreation & Community Services, Ontario City Library, Museum Arts & Culture, and Housing Services Departments.
The City of Ontario is a dynamic leading community in the Inland Empire with a variety of full-time and part-time employment and volunteer opportunities. Ontario is proud to have the reputation of being a progressive City, providing solid leadership to its citizens and to the business community. The City provides a full range of services to the community including: Police, Fire, Management Services, Community Life & Culture, Community Development, Economic Development, Financial Services, Human Resources/Risk Management, Public Works and the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company. The City’s team is staffed with approximately 1,517 full-time equivalent diverse and talented employees who work to support a common goal of providing excellent service to the community.
The City’s vision for the future is very exciting, and we foresee tremendous growth within the year(s) to come. We invite you to learn more about the City of Ontario by reviewing the City's website. A few useful links are listed below, including a link to the City’s 2024 State of the City:
State of the City (Video link)
The Ontario Plan (The City’s Comprehensive Business Plan for Development)
Smart Ontario (Information about recent City projects)
Downtown Ontario (What to do in Downtown Ontario)
Examples of Essential Functions
The essential functions typically performed by the Recreation Program Specialist include the following:
Coordinates, promotes, implements, and evaluates recreation programs and activities.
Trains, oversees, and provides significant input toward evaluation of the work performance of part-time staff.
Assists with scheduling officials, part-time staff and volunteers.
Assist with the recruiting and selection of part-time staff.
Attends and represents department at required meetings as directed.
Coordinates event publicity, including news releases, pamphlets and brochures.
Maintains records and prepares reports concerning new and on-going programs.
Recommends the purchase of necessary equipment and supplies.
Assists and leads in the completion of special projects.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Qualification Guidelines
Education
High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
Experience
Two years of experience assisting with the coordination of recreation and/or community services programs or a related field.
Desirable
Experience in supervising adapted programs, special events, marketing, youth/adults sports, senior programming, aquatics, volunteers, tiny tots, youth/teen programs, parks programs or other special programs in a municipal setting.
Licenses
Valid Class C California driver's license at time of appointment.
Acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Certification
Ability to obtain American Red Cross certification in CPR, AED, and/or First Aid within 6 months of employment.
Special Requirement
This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings, holidays and weekends. May be required to return to work during non-business hours in an emergency situation. May be required to perform work on a scheduled stand-by assignment.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply
Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" link at the top of this announcement. If this is the first time applying for a position using governmentjobs.com, you will be prompted to create a new user account; otherwise, log in with your username and password. Your application and responses to any supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position. It is suggested that your application include the following:
- List any relevant experience and education that demonstrates that you qualify for the position.
- List all periods of employment for at least the past 10 years, beginning with your most recent or present employer (including, if applicable, all employment with the City of Ontario).
- Separately list each position held, including different positions with the same employer.
A resume may be attached to your application but will not substitute for the proper completion of your application. Applications that are not properly completed may be rejected.
NOTE: Transcripts from colleges, universities or technical schools outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report will result in disqualification from the selection process.
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit required certification(s) or other required documentation as outlined in the Qualifications Guideline section of this bulletin. Please use the attachment function found on the City's online application to attach copies of the requested certification(s) or other documentation. Failure to attach required certifications may result in the rejection of your application. Please contact the Human Resources/Risk Management Agency if you have any questions regarding the application process.
Your application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Failure to complete these sections may result in the rejection of your application.
Supplemental Questions
To complete your application for this position, you will be prompted to respond to supplemental questions. This information will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and is designed to help you present your qualifications for this position. This may include a selection step in which your application and supplemental questions are reviewed and scored by a panel of raters familiar with this position.
Incomplete responses, false statements, omission, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Your responses should be consistent with the information provided on your application.
Please provide succinct, concise, descriptive, and detailed information for each question. If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.
Email Notices
Email is the primary way that the Human Resources/Risk Management Agency or Hiring Department will communicate with you. Please check your email account (including the SPAM folder) on a regular basis for any emails related to the application or selection process. Emails from the City of Ontario will come from "@ontarioca.gov" or "governmentjobs.com." If you change your email address after submitting your application, please visit governmentjobs.com and update your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any additional questions regarding the application process, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.
