Part Time Recreation Leader III- 30 hrs

Part Time Recreation Leader III

Join our Great City

The City of Alexandria is in Northern Virginia bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. Once within the original boundary stones that demarked the area of the Nation’s Capital, Alexandria is a part of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 157,600 Alexandria is the sixth largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Unique and historic, Alexandria is a place that is experiencing substantial redevelopment appeal and business growth opportunities because of a high market demand for urban living in a quality environment. About one-quarter of the City’s 15.47 square miles has been designated as a national or local historic district. 

The City of Alexandria is an independent city with no county affiliation and derives its governing authority from a Charter granted by the Virginia General Assembly. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, allowing local governments only the authority expressly granted to them by the Virginia Constitution or by the Virginia General Assembly in the City Charter or in general law. City Council is the governing body, which formulates policies for the administration of the City. The mayor is chosen on a separate ballot and presides over sessions of the Council. 

If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Part Time Recreation Leader III – John Adams (OSTP) position in the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA).

A Message from the Director 

Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all. 

As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it. 

Hashim T. Taylor, Director, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

About You

You are service-minded, dependable, and take pride in your work. You bring energy, professionalism, and a sense of purpose to every task, whether maintaining a park, supporting a program, or greeting visitors.

By joining RPCA, you become part of a team that takes pride in serving Alexandria and shaping experiences that last a lifetime.

As part of RPCA, you will be expected to:

• Serve with purpose and approach each day with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence
• Embody accountability and curiosity by taking initiative, asking questions, and seeking solutions
• Demonstrate teamwork and respect, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive, inclusive environment
• Stay responsive and reliable by being attentive, dependable, and engaged with the community
• Reflect our values through transparency, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to service

The mission of the department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is to create meaningful experiences that inspire community, foster creativity, and enhance the quality of life for everyone in Alexandria. The Department envisions Alexandria as a vibrant, connected, and thriving community where every resident feels a sense of belonging. Through safe, inclusive, and innovative programs and spaces, we strengthen well-being, celebrate diversity, and create opportunities for joy and discovery. Guided by equity and excellence, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in our city. The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities received national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to meet 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations. 

Part Time Recreation Leader III – John Adams (OSTP)

In pursuit of service excellence, the Part Time Recreation Leader III performs advanced-level recreation work. Recreation Leader III will act as a Site Supervisor at an Out of School Time Program location. The Recreation Leader III will plan, implement, organize and develop recreation leisure-based programs and activities in Sports/ Cooperative Games, Academic Support, Civic Responsibility, Cultural Arts, STEAM Enrichment and field trips. An incumbent in this class will provide supervision to a small number of subordinate staff and volunteers. The Part Time Recreation Leader III should also be available to work various hours, Monday to Friday, School Year 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Summer 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and some evenings and weekends. Enthusiasm, flexibility, leadership, and excellent organization and communication skills are needed to be successful in this position.

The Part Time Recreation Leader III will execute an administrative need that meets high standards of excellence and have the support of and work under the direction of a Recreation Program Coordinator and Recreation Manager.  

Illustrative Examples of Work 

• A Recreation Leader III plans, implements, organizes and develops recreation leisure-based programs and activities in Sports/ Cooperative Games, Academic Support, Civic Responsibility, Cultural Arts, STEAM Enrichment and field trips to ensure that activities and events are made available to the community.
• Assists higher level Recreation Leaders, Supervisors, and Directors in planning program activities and special events.
• Establishes and maintains productive working relationships with school officials, teachers, community group leaders and other City of Alexandria representatives.
• Follows Administrative Regulations, department and division policies & procedures.
• Manage and prioritize multiple tasks and assignments.

• Makes preparation for recreational activities at one or more sites on a particular date: opens site, sets up equipment, submits supply request, reports safety hazards or concerns, stores equipment, cleans and organizes site, and secures the site.
• Assist in the operation and record keeping for on-site USDA meal service programs for youth participants.
• Performs operational functions such as record keeping, reports, program registration, attendance, and cash handling.
• Communicates with supervisors, co-workers, and citizens in-person, via email, by phone and/ or virtually.
• Attends to sick and injured children, completes incident/illness report and contacts parents as needed.
• Participates in staff meetings, in-service training/ professional development, and workshops.
• Ensure all safety precautions and guidelines are followed.
• Performs related work as required.

Key Work Aspects of RPCA and the City of Alexandria:
 
Statement of Workplace Excellence - Every RPCA staff member has the right to a safe, healthy, efficient, and pleasant working environment where all organization members adhere to the highest standards of behavior, personal integrity, and truthfulness. Each staff member demonstrates full support and acts on deploying workplace excellence.? 

Customer Service Guarantee – We are committed to delivering a consistently superior customer experience to all who participate in our programs or visit our parks and facilities. Service will be:

• Responsive – respond in a timely manner to all residents and customers both external and internal. We own the request we receive and do not shift responsibility.?? 
• Professional – represent the department in appropriate appearance, decorum, and communication.? 
• Courteous – Treat everyone with respect. Treat everyone fairly. Treat everyone with dignity.? 
• Accountable – Demonstrate a bias toward action. Ensure follow-up and follow-through with appropriate results.? 

Our most valued assets are engaged staff members and customers. 

What You Should Bring

Each member of the team is accountable for the outstanding delivery of services to the community.  The ideal candidate should possess knowledge of programming and special event planning; knowledge of child development; ability to plan and direct program activities; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, stakeholders, and the public; ability to generate interest and participation in center activities with various age groups; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. The ability to work independently and use judgment within established procedures; experience preparing reports; ability to organize, ability to work with a variety of staff at all levels and to handle assignments across sections of the Recreation Services Division will ensure success in this role. 

High School Diploma and three (3) years of related experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. First Aid training.

Two-Year college degree; experience working independently and/or as a part of a team, Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills, good customer service skills, excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, good knowledge of computers, and good communication skills (written/ verbal). Prior leadership or supervisory experience (e.g., leading staff, volunteers, or interns)  

This position requires successful completion of a criminal records background check, and drug screening prior to employment.