Recreation Coordinator - Visual and Performing Arts
Apply NowCompany: Metro Parks Tacoma
Location: Tacoma, WA 98444
Description:
Salary: $35.97 - $49.24 Hourly
Location : Parks Tacoma Headquarters, WA
Job Type: Career Full-time Non Represented
Department: Parks and Recreation
Opening Date: 04/24/2025
Closing Date: 5/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $35.97
To allow for growth and salary progression the full hourly range is $35.97- $49.24. Employees will have the opportunity to move through the posted range based on annual performance reviews and merit increases.
The Recreation Arts Program is a creative, community-focused team that values collaboration and inclusion. Our work is hands-on and engaging-no two days are the same, with opportunities to lead workshops, coordinate events, and work with local partners. This on-site role keeps you connected to the community and involved in delivering meaningful, high-quality arts experiences. It's a great fit for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and wants to make a real impact through the arts.
Work where you play!Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
Who We AreParks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks' mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You'll Love it HereCome work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you'll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You'll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you'll wake each day knowing that you're helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.
Position Information
Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, the Recreation Coordinator will plan, develop, promote and direct activities relating to designated program(s) in accordance to the business plan, Mission Led Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Master Plan.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
Essential Duties
Provide input on business plans associated with the assigned program.
Implement all activities of the assigned program, which includes instruction, planning, coordinating, administering, and evaluating programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, standards, and/or service offerings; checks with Senior Coordinator to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, rules and/or standards.
Provide a culture which encourages employee development and practices effective leadership by empowering staff to make decisions. Recruit, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff, facilitate and coordinate staff training.
Implement Program responsibilities within the Strategic Parks and Program Services Plan and Mission Led Comprehensive Plan; establish and report on the program(s) work plan, benchmarks and performance measurement objectives.
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, develop a variety of recreational, cultural, and educational programs/services and communicates the benefits of parks and recreation to the Tacoma community.
Adhere to the biennial budget for assigned programs; understands how to stay within assigned budget; monitor expenditures in accordance with established limitations. Provide data and program insight to assist supervisor with creation of biennial budget.
Participate in special projects, a variety of hearings, task forces, meetings, committees, and/or training sessions. Participate on multiple cross-departmental committees and work groups.
Communicate with other administrators, District personnel and outside organizations to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange information.
Create and work with external partners to enhance program delivery and maximize the use of resources.
Work with appropriate staff to provide information as requested for alternative funding through other city, state, federal, and other governmental agencies and grantors.
Prepare and deliver oral presentations related to assigned programs, activities and operations to the general public and special interest groups.
OCCASIONAL DUTIES:
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in recreation program administration or related field with a minimum of two years increasingly responsible recreational experience required. Four years of increasingly responsible recreational experience may substitute for the required college degree.
Valid Washington driver's license with acceptable driving record required.
Additional Information
ENVIRONMENT:
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
HAZARDS:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
ABILITY TO:
PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at .
Employment is subject to a national background check.
This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.
OVERVIEW (more detailed information can be found at Parks Tacoma )
Life Insurance: Provided at no cost to the employee through Unum, amount is equal to annual salary up to $275,000. Benefits will reduce at age 70.
Retirement Plan: All employees are covered under the Public Employees' Retirement System through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS).
Medical Coverage and Dental Coverage: Parks Tacoma pays 90% of the total cost of medical/dental coverage for employees and their dependents. If you enroll in a medical and/or dental plan and add dependents you will be required to provide documentation to show eligibility. Coverage begins the first of the month following the date of employment. Medical coverage is offered through Kaiser. Dental options include Delta Dental Service and Willamette Dental.
Health Care and Day Care Reimbursement Accounts: A benefit plan that allows you to pay for health care or dependent care expenses with "before tax" dollars.
Deferred Compensation (457 plan): Optional employee paid retirement savings plans are available through Empower, MissionSquare, and WA State Deferred Comp Program.
Paid Holidays for career employees: New Years Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Two Floating Holidays are granted after successful completion of the probationary period
Vacation: 8 hours earned monthly.
Sick Leave: 8 hours earned monthly.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) -SupportLinc provides emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best. Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, the program offers guidance to help you address and resolve everyday issues at no cost to you or your family.
Community Center Fitness Pass - All Parks Tacoma employees get a Staff Pass to use at our community centers.The All Center Pass allows access to all four centers - Center at Norpoint, Eastside Community Center, People's Center and STAR Center.
Did you know... Benefits at Metro Parks Tacoma include more than the great options for medical, dental and vision. There is so much more to our overall compensation package. Here are a few highlights:
Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED AND/OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
01
Do you meet the minimum qualifications of this position: Bachelor's degree in recreation program administration or related field with a minimum of two years increasingly responsible recreational experience. Four years of increasingly responsible recreational experience may substitute for college degree.
02
Please explain, in detail, how your experience and/or education meets the minimum qualifications.
03
Do you have a valid driver's license?
04
Please indicate if you have any driving tickets, accidents and/or infractions listed on your abstract of complete driving record? (Please note: if selected for further review you may be required to provide a complete driving abstract).
05
Are you able to work a variety of hours to cover work shifts including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays and emergency after hours? If no, please list what hours, shift or days you are unable to work.
06
Please tell us about your current or past experience running a large-scale recreation or arts program that involved collaboration with multiple organizations and managing several projects or components at once. What was your role, and how did you ensure the program's success?
07
How do you believe the experiences you've described in the last question will contribute to your success in managing and delivering a high-quality arts program?
Required Question
Location : Parks Tacoma Headquarters, WA
Job Type: Career Full-time Non Represented
Department: Parks and Recreation
Opening Date: 04/24/2025
Closing Date: 5/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $35.97
To allow for growth and salary progression the full hourly range is $35.97- $49.24. Employees will have the opportunity to move through the posted range based on annual performance reviews and merit increases.
The Recreation Arts Program is a creative, community-focused team that values collaboration and inclusion. Our work is hands-on and engaging-no two days are the same, with opportunities to lead workshops, coordinate events, and work with local partners. This on-site role keeps you connected to the community and involved in delivering meaningful, high-quality arts experiences. It's a great fit for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and wants to make a real impact through the arts.
Work where you play!Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
Who We AreParks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks' mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You'll Love it HereCome work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you'll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You'll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you'll wake each day knowing that you're helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.
Position Information
Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, the Recreation Coordinator will plan, develop, promote and direct activities relating to designated program(s) in accordance to the business plan, Mission Led Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Master Plan.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
- Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
Essential Duties
Provide input on business plans associated with the assigned program.
Implement all activities of the assigned program, which includes instruction, planning, coordinating, administering, and evaluating programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, standards, and/or service offerings; checks with Senior Coordinator to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, rules and/or standards.
Provide a culture which encourages employee development and practices effective leadership by empowering staff to make decisions. Recruit, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff, facilitate and coordinate staff training.
Implement Program responsibilities within the Strategic Parks and Program Services Plan and Mission Led Comprehensive Plan; establish and report on the program(s) work plan, benchmarks and performance measurement objectives.
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, develop a variety of recreational, cultural, and educational programs/services and communicates the benefits of parks and recreation to the Tacoma community.
Adhere to the biennial budget for assigned programs; understands how to stay within assigned budget; monitor expenditures in accordance with established limitations. Provide data and program insight to assist supervisor with creation of biennial budget.
Participate in special projects, a variety of hearings, task forces, meetings, committees, and/or training sessions. Participate on multiple cross-departmental committees and work groups.
Communicate with other administrators, District personnel and outside organizations to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange information.
Create and work with external partners to enhance program delivery and maximize the use of resources.
Work with appropriate staff to provide information as requested for alternative funding through other city, state, federal, and other governmental agencies and grantors.
Prepare and deliver oral presentations related to assigned programs, activities and operations to the general public and special interest groups.
OCCASIONAL DUTIES:
- Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in recreation program administration or related field with a minimum of two years increasingly responsible recreational experience required. Four years of increasingly responsible recreational experience may substitute for the required college degree.
Valid Washington driver's license with acceptable driving record required.
Additional Information
ENVIRONMENT:
- Indoor and outdoor environment.
- Adverse weather conditions.
- Noise, dust, pollen and insects.
- Contact with the public.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
- Sight to prepare written or typed recreational and leisure program material and monitor activities.
- Hearing and speaking to conduct classes and exchange information.
- Walking over rough or uneven surfaces during field trips.
- Ability to lift at least 10 lbs to shoulder height.
- Ability to assist individuals with mobility limitations including, but not limited, in and out of vehicles and up and down stairs.
HAZARDS:
- Possible contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Recreation needs and interests of recreational users.
- Principles, techniques, supplies and equipment applicable and necessary for a variety of recreational activities.
- Group dynamics and working effectively in teams.
- Principles and practices of supervision and training.
ABILITY TO:
- Plan, develop, promote and coordinate assigned recreational and leisure programs and activities.
- Organize and coordinate instructional classes and special events.
- Work with the general public and community agencies in representing the needs of program users.
- Review and analyze performance data and reports in order to make decisions related to program effectiveness.
- Interpret rules and regulations.
- Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
- Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
- Assess and evaluate situations effectively.
- Exert optimal effort in successfully completing tasks.
- Take initiative with minimal supervision.
- Extract and record data and carry out calculations accurately.
- Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing.
- Work within and contribute to the effectiveness of a team, respecting differences.
- Report for work regularly and on time.
PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at .
Employment is subject to a national background check.
This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.
OVERVIEW (more detailed information can be found at Parks Tacoma )
Life Insurance: Provided at no cost to the employee through Unum, amount is equal to annual salary up to $275,000. Benefits will reduce at age 70.
Retirement Plan: All employees are covered under the Public Employees' Retirement System through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS).
Medical Coverage and Dental Coverage: Parks Tacoma pays 90% of the total cost of medical/dental coverage for employees and their dependents. If you enroll in a medical and/or dental plan and add dependents you will be required to provide documentation to show eligibility. Coverage begins the first of the month following the date of employment. Medical coverage is offered through Kaiser. Dental options include Delta Dental Service and Willamette Dental.
Health Care and Day Care Reimbursement Accounts: A benefit plan that allows you to pay for health care or dependent care expenses with "before tax" dollars.
Deferred Compensation (457 plan): Optional employee paid retirement savings plans are available through Empower, MissionSquare, and WA State Deferred Comp Program.
Paid Holidays for career employees: New Years Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Two Floating Holidays are granted after successful completion of the probationary period
Vacation: 8 hours earned monthly.
Sick Leave: 8 hours earned monthly.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) -SupportLinc provides emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best. Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, the program offers guidance to help you address and resolve everyday issues at no cost to you or your family.
Community Center Fitness Pass - All Parks Tacoma employees get a Staff Pass to use at our community centers.The All Center Pass allows access to all four centers - Center at Norpoint, Eastside Community Center, People's Center and STAR Center.
Did you know... Benefits at Metro Parks Tacoma include more than the great options for medical, dental and vision. There is so much more to our overall compensation package. Here are a few highlights:
- Beyond Medical, Dental and Vision: All medical plans include Naturopathy, Massage therapy and Chiropractic care (some restrictions apply). See the benefits summaries for more information.
- An Ounce of Prevention is Better Than a Pound of Cure: Stay ahead of the game by taking advantage of the quality preventative care our plans have to offer. Preventative care is covered at 100% so you are not charged the deductible or pay co-insurance for preventative care. See the benefits summaries for more information.
- Tax Free Health Accounts: MPT offers Flexible Spending Account options that allow you to set aside money on a pretax basis for out of pocket medical and/or childcare expenses. Sign up at the start of the year with open enrollment. If you have chosen the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you will receive a Health Savings Account with an employer provided contribution. Check out the benefits page for more information.
- Be Ready for Retirement: Retirement plan options include the required PERS contributions AND also several Deferred Compensation Plan (457 plan) Options. Retirement savings can help you set yourself up for success now (lowering your federal income tax threshold through savings on a pre-tax basis) and later. Check out the benefits page for more information.
- Everyone Needs a Helping Hand: Employee Assistance Program - this program offers confidential, professional AND FREE 24/7 resources to all Metro Parks Tacoma employees. The program offers resources for things like: counseling, legal and financial services, ID theft victim resources, Daily living information, elder and child care, stress reduction tools, website access, newsletters, webinars and more.
- Preparing for the Unexpected: Life Insurance & Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance is paid for by MPT and at no cost career employees . The amount is equal to your annual salary up to $200k. Check out the benefits page for more information.
- Getting Fit: Fitness Center Pass - ALL MPT employees are eligible to use our fitness facilities and even participate in many class at various community centers for FREE!
- Checking Out All That Parks Tacoma Offers the Community: Employees are provided an annual familiarization pass that becomes their passport to explore a variety of opportunities available throughout the District.
- Supporting Work/Life Balance: Alternative Work Arrangements - Some positions have the option to remote work upon meeting requirements. This is a great benefit as it allows MPT to reduce our carbon footprint and employees to achieve better work/life balance.
- Taking a Break: All MPT employees receive sick leave and career employees receive excellent Sick, Vacation and Holiday leave packages.
- Making a Difference: There are multiple ways to make a difference beyond the work you do. Parks Tacoma employees can contribute to the Legacy Campaign through payroll deduction (or one time payment). You can also participate in a Day of Service with permission from your supervisor, be a member of the dragon boat team, donate blood at one of our member blood drives, or volunteer with our partner organizations.
Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED AND/OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
01
Do you meet the minimum qualifications of this position: Bachelor's degree in recreation program administration or related field with a minimum of two years increasingly responsible recreational experience. Four years of increasingly responsible recreational experience may substitute for college degree.
- Yes
- No
02
Please explain, in detail, how your experience and/or education meets the minimum qualifications.
03
Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
04
Please indicate if you have any driving tickets, accidents and/or infractions listed on your abstract of complete driving record? (Please note: if selected for further review you may be required to provide a complete driving abstract).
05
Are you able to work a variety of hours to cover work shifts including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays and emergency after hours? If no, please list what hours, shift or days you are unable to work.
06
Please tell us about your current or past experience running a large-scale recreation or arts program that involved collaboration with multiple organizations and managing several projects or components at once. What was your role, and how did you ensure the program's success?
07
How do you believe the experiences you've described in the last question will contribute to your success in managing and delivering a high-quality arts program?
Required Question