Under close supervision, the Recreation Aide assists in the provision of safe and quality recreational activities for the public. The position assists with facilities and field set up and clean up, pre-event and post-event organization of supplies, leading recreation activities, and monitoring the safety of the participants. This is an entry level position that is designed for youth, ages 16 and up.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Leads and monitors youth and adult recreation program participants in a variety of activities such as sports, arts and crafts, organized games, and other activities as requested.
• Facilitates mobile recreation program at various locations throughout the City; leads various recreation games, sports, crafts, and other activities for elementary age youth.
• Assists with site planning and preparation, as well as set up and cleanup of program facilities, fields, and special events.
• Monitors and enforces safety rules during all program activities and at each City facility and park.
• Provides excellent customer service to all participants and members of the public.
• Assists in handling various types of emergency situations in a calm and effective manner.
• Assists with set up, facilitation, and clean-up of Citywide special events and programs.
• Inspects and monitors facilities, fields, and equipment; notifies Recreation Leader or Recreation Coordinator of any damage, repairs, or replacements needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines
Currently enrolled in high school or have obtained GED; no previous work experience is required. Previous experience working with youth or in a customer service setting is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Techniques and methods to lead and organize games, activities, and/or sports.
• Safe use of a variety of sporting equipment (sports balls, tennis rackets, baseball bats, etc.).
• Techniques and principles of effective interpersonal communication.
• Basic principles of customer service.
• Basic first aid practices.
• Basic sport and game rules.

• Listening and following directions and asking questions when unclear.
• Motivating and providing encouragement for participation in recreation programs and team sports.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, other City staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Interacting with others using tact, patience, and respect.
• Maintaining a punctual and reliable status.
• Maintaining a professional appearance.
• Exhibiting patience and being a strong role model to program participants.

• Assist in the delivery of Nature Camps for youth ages 4-12, at Hillcrest Park and Little Mountain Park. Camps operate on a Monday through Friday Schedule.
• Support weekly themes pertaining to wilderness survival, ecology, and nature-connection, utilizing a provided nature-camp curriculum and the guidance of the Nature Camp Recreation Leader.
• Lead a sub-group of campers and be able to supervise play in a nature based and playground-based setting.

Supervised Playground:

• Assist in Facilitating and Supervising a play-based recreation program for youth ages 3-13 in a playground and park setting. This program operates on a Monday through Friday Schedule.
• Take direction from program Lead. Be able to facilitate a sub-activity such as sports, crafts, nature walks, or active games for a small group.
• Mentor youth participants in navigating social difficulties, meeting their health and safety needs, and building new skills while they are at the program.

Rec on the Go:

• Assist with implementation and supervision of engaging games, crafts, and activities including but not limited to: sports, games, crafts, fitness, and STEM for youth ages 3 to 13 in an outdoor setting.
• Assist with the transportation of games, activities, and materials to various parks and neighborhood sites and interacting with youth, families, and facility workers in the area.
• This program runs on a Monday through Thursday schedule.

Floater:

• Assist with a variety of recreation programs based on staffing needs. These programs include Nature Camp, Supervised Playground, and Rec-on-the-Go. The schedule would include work Monday through Friday.
• Check in daily with Recreation Coordinator to confirm program placement for the day. Default placement would be with Supervised Playground.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• CPR, First Aid, and AED Certification is preferred.

BENEFITS:

• Paid sick leave

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application. Applications must be received no later than Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Please note that all applicants under the age of 18 will be required to complete a Parent Authorization for Summer Work Form.

For additional information, or a complete job description, please click on https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mtvernonwa/classspecs

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug-free workplace and maintains a smoke free work environment.

The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.