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RT
River Trails Park District
Recreation Specialist
Career Insights for Recreation / Activities Worker
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Based on Illinois data
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What they do
A Recreation or Activities Worker leads tours and vacation trips in outdoor or wilderness areas. Leads hiking, rafting, canoeing, climbing or diving activities for a group. Provides specialized knowledge about the history, terrain, ecology or wildlife for the tour. Manages transportation, equipment and provisions and assists with cooking.
$31,744 / year median in Illinois
+9% projected growth
Job Description
Job Title :
Parkour & Program Specialist Department :
Recreation Location :
550 Business Center Dr, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056Reports To :
Recreation Supervisor of The Zone Supervises:
Parkour Instructors Status:
Part-time, Non-exempt Essential Functions The Parkour Program Specialist will be the lead parkour instructor and staff member during birthday parties, programs, and open gym. They will assist Recreation Supervisor of the Zone with programming ideas and facility management. Administrative- Attend and participate in mandatory staff and training meetings
- Assist with recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating parkour instructors
- Assist in the scheduling of part-time staff as needed
- Oversee supervision of The Zone and perform rotating checks of the parkour, turf and party room areas including all opening and closing procedures of The Zone
- Assist in developing parkour programming (i.e. class schedules, open gyms, birthday parties, special events etc.)
- Assist with all Special Events at the Zone as requested
- Assist with daily cash control, counting of revenue, preparing cash bank for next shift (i.e. open gym)
- Function as the on-site supervisor during any parkour programming hours and rentals
- Perform other duties and functions as assigned
- Ensure that all worksheets, progress reports, progress cards, certificates, etc. are in supply. Assemble and distribute progress cards for specific classes.
- Prepare attendance lists at start of each session to ensure proper placement of students. Maintain accurate attendance and sign-in/out participant books and updates class lists
- Teach, demonstrate, and correct skills at all levels of the programs as needed
- Assist in creating lesson plans. Review the lesson plans after usage and submit recommendations accordingly.
- Keep supervisor(s) informed of any problems or special occurrences
- Utilize the POS cash register
- Respond to participant concerns, complaints and suggestions as directed by supervisor.
- Communicate effectively with parkour classes, birthday parties and rentals
- Assist with rentals as needed Additional Functions Maintain a thorough understanding of the Park District's policies and operations, and enforce these in a positive manner Carry out all rules and regulations of the park district
- Develop and maintain working relationships with ALL park district departments Meet with instructors before lessons start to review responsibilities, explain procedures, and discuss teaching methods and approaches.
- Set up and take down equipment as needed (parkour and./or birthday) Risk Management Hand in all accident/incident reports to Recreation Supervisor
- Report broken equipment/supplies to the Recreation Supervisor
- Actively support and enforce the safety program instituted by the Park District Maintain a working knowledge of all general agency and department-specific safety rules Attend required safety program and in-service education meetings Perform parkour safety checks and correct unsafe conditions and/or report them to Safety Coordinator Use material handling equipment or staff assistance when lifting and/or moving objects 50 pounds or heavier Address unsafe employee and patron behaviors by approaching, correcting and coaching Enforce safety disciplinary policies and procedures Use protective gloves, masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure to pathogens Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits and active participation in the agency's risk management program Administer First Aid and take charge in the event of any emergencies.
Required :
- Excellent (oral and written) communication and organization skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Possession of a valid driver's license Strong organization and interpersonal skills Ability to deal positively and cooperatively with people of all ages.
Recommended :
- A formal education in a related area preferred Associate's degree (2 year) in Management, Athletics, Sports or closely related field Or a minimum of five (5) years of progressive management/supervisory experience
- Parkour and/or gymnastics experience
- Experience working with and/or teaching youth Possess organizational and management skills.
Customers:
Internal:
Other Park District staffExternal:
Patrons of River Trails Park District, residents of Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights Created October 2025 Equal Opportunity Employer This job description is intended to be an illustrative, and not an exhaustive, listing of experiences, skills and duties of this position.- A copy of this signed position description will be place in the personnel file