Community Recreation Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Salary: $25.40 - $32.86 Hourly
Location : Owatonna, MN
Job Type: Part-time 28 hours per week
Job Number: RA 08 2026
Department: Parks and Recreation.
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/25/2026 3:00 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NA
Description
THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE:
The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I-35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area. The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 25,000 residents.
Click the link below to learn more about the community this position would have the opportunity to be part of and serve.
ABOUT THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT:
DEPARTMENT PURPOSE:
We believe that a community thrives when it provides opportunities to recreate in many forms. The Recreation Department creates a better tomorrow by enriching the quality of life for our community and visitors by providing a variety of recreation programs, facilities, and services.
As an organization, our Purpose is to create a better tomorrow. We are guided in that work by our organization's 3 Core Values: Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work.
In our department, the City's values look and sound like . . .
BETTER TOGETHER:

• Working as a team-we share the workload and support others when they need it
• Building relationships internally and externally
• Utilizing the individual strengths, skills, abilities, and backgrounds on our teams while learning from one another
• Being available and responsive
• Being approachable to employees and the community
• Working with compassion for and attention towards the person in front of us

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP:

• Being open, welcoming, and approachable to the community
• Building efficient and effective community partnerships
• Taking care of the equipment, facilities, and other public resources we are entrusted with
• Spending taxpayers' money and using city resources wisely, efficiently, and effectively
• Providing quality programs that match the needs and wants of our community
• Providing excellent customer service

PRIDE IN OUR WORK:

• Sharing our passion for recreation
• Being prepared for all situations
• Having a mindset of continuous improvement so we can meet the ever-changing needs of the community
• Providing creative solutions and measurable results
• Creating and celebrating meaningful experiences for participants

Duties / Responsibilities
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
The first level of the Recreation Series is responsible for performing a variety of operations at a recreation facility, in an office and during activities. Responsibilities may include selling facility admissions, memberships and merchandise; directing seasonal/part-time staff; opening and closing facilities; organizing and leading recreational activities; and preparing marketing materials.
Specifically as the Recreation Assistant you will...

• Performs a variety of clerical activities, which may include: performing opening and closing duties of facilities while maintaining a clean facility; directing seasonal/part-time staff duties; preparing marketing flyers and publications; filing; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Assist Supervisor in developing, planning, leading and assessing recreational activities tailored to different groups, ages, and interests.
• Inspects facility and equipment.
• Performs registrations and point of sale transactions.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Qualifications
ABOUT YOU:
A successful candidate will have some or all of the following ...
High school diploma or G.E.D.; 2 years customer service or related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Licensing in:

• Valid Driver's License;
• First Aid/CPR/AED Certified or obtain within 6 months of hire;
• May require Lifeguard Certification within 6 months of hire;
• May require Lifeguard Instructor Certification, Water Safety Instructor Certification, Certified Pool Operator License within 1 year of hire

Knowledge of:

• Basic recreation operations in assigned area of responsibility;
• Modern office methods and applicable equipment;
• Basic recreation maintenance principles and practices;
• Customer service principles.

Skill in:

• Providing customer service;
• Performing basic clerical duties;
• Performing basic site maintenance;
• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Handling cash;
• Planning, organization and coordination
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Hours of Work/Physical and Mental Demands
This is a part-time position; 28 hours per week; varied schedule that will include morning, day, evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Positions in this class typically require: fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Incumbents may be subjected to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and intense noises.
NOTE:
The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
NA
01
Will you be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you currently hold a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

03
Did you receive a High School Diploma or a GED?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you currently possess Certification in CPR and First Aid; or are you able to obtain such certification within 6 months of hire?

• Yes
• No

05
How many years of direct experience do you have planning, organizing, and coordinating recreation or community-focused programming?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years of experience
• 3 to 5 years of experience
• 5+ years of experience

06
Please explain your prior experience with planning, organizing, and coordinating recreation or community-focused programming. If no experience, please type N/A.
07
How many years of education experience have you completed in recreation, sports management, events, communications or related field?

• No education in related field
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years but no degree in related field
• Completed degree in related field

08
Do you have experience providing work direction to seasonal staff, volunteers, and/or program participants?

• Yes
• No

09
Please explain your experience providing work direction to seasonal staff, volunteers, and/or program participants. If no experience, please type N/A.
10
How many years of experience do you have in direct public-facing customer service?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year and less than 2
• More than 2 years and less than 5
• 5+ years

11
Please explain your prior experience in direct public-facing customer service. If no experience, please type N/A.
12
Which of the following best describes your computer related skills and ability?

• None or Limited - I can use a computer to create documents, print documents and send email messages
• Moderate - I consider myself more advanced in computer technology than someone with 'limited' skills. I am proficient with Microsoft Office products. I can create Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations.
• Proficient - I am highly proficient in computer technology, including advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Canva design tools, and various web-based applications. I adapt quickly to new software and systems, and I am confident in my ability to learn and utilize emerging technology tools efficiently.

13
Which of the following best describes your level of work experience creating digital, print, audio, and social media marketing materials?

• No experience
• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

14
Please explain in detail your work experience creating digital, print, audio, and social media marketing materials. If no experience, type N/A.
15
Do you wish to apply for Veteran's Preference?You must complete the Veteran's Preference points below and submit the requited documentation (MEMBER COPY 4 VETERAN's DD214) to the City of Owatonna by the application deadline of the position for which you are applying.

• Not Claiming Veteran's Preference
• Veteran
• Disabled Veteran
• Spouse of Deceased Veteran
• Spouse of Disabled Veteran

Required Question