Program Assistant Jobs in Sarasota, FL (NOW HIRING)

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Are you an expert in Parks and Recreation, known for your customer service abilities, and passionate about impacting the community? As a Program Assistant, you will be responsible for financial transactions, resolving customer complaints/concerns, scheduling events, managing facilities using calendars, and prioritizing reservations for multiple park facilities.

The ideal candidate exhibits strong technical and administrative skills, demonstrating high proficiency in systems and electronic controls utilized daily ( i.e.: RecTrac, electronic door, and lighting controls ). This position starts out at $21.85/hr, benefits begin within 60 days of hire, and there are numerous opportunities for advancement. Help us to maintain safe, clean, and accessible parks for both our residents and guests alike; Apply Today!

We are currently recruiting for two (2) Parks and Recreation Specialist II/Program Assistants, one for our Colonial Oaks location and the other for Laurel Park. Both positions have the same job responsibilities, requirements, and pay. The only difference is the location. If you have a location preference, please specify when submitting your cover letter and/or discuss with the manager, if selected to interview.

In this role, you will be responsible for...

Reservation/Registration/Program Support:

• Process facility use permits and activity registrations, submit refunds and reconciliations, and other financial transactions.
• Manage the facilities using calendars and prioritize reservations for multiple park facilities.
• Compose correspondence regarding customer accounts, department policies, procedures, and other information.
• Interpret and convey all ordinances, park usage rules, and guidelines.
• Ensure accurate information is distributed to the public; respond to community questions and requests via phone, email, and in-person interactions.
• Identify the urgency of customer communications, respond in an appropriate timeframe, and use conflict resolution and/or problem-solving strategies, as needed.
• Assist and ensure proper staffing for department and county-run programs such as outreach events, onsite summer and school year camps, off-site special events, and other activities and programs.
• Support other recreational facilities and divisions with rental and customer service needs.

Park Monitoring and Maintenance:

• Perform daily monitoring of assigned locations and refer issues for follow-up to the appropriate resource.
• Inspect parks for safety hazards and deficiencies, assisting with the daily operation and oversight of assigned locations; ensure clean and safe parks.
• Provide set up and general clean-up.
• Coordinate with Facilities the monthly air conditioning schedule, changes and updates, and building maintenance issues.
• Submit maintenance work orders as required and assist with follow-up and management through completion. Recommend improvements!
• Coordinate volunteer efforts.
• Provide direction and oversight to volunteers supporting daily operations.

Technology, Reporting, and Cash Handling Functions:

• Build skills to serve as a "super user" within the assigned divisions for RecTrac ( recreation software ) and CampDoc ( camper information software ).
• Train department staff in the systems, completing assigned help tickets submitted by staff.
• Research, develop, analyze, and distribute reports obtained from systems, completing special projects as assigned.
• Collect payment and issue receipts/permits for business transactions.
• Follow department procedures, guidelines, and/or policies regarding cash handling procedures in the collection, processing, and deposit of payments.
• Manage accounts payables and household balances.

About the Schedule:

Work Hours:

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week.
• Your schedule can vary due to rentals, events, and programs.
• Must be available Sunday - Saturday.

Location Facility Hours of Operation:

• Colonial Oaks Park ( 5300 Colonial Oaks Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34232 ) - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Laurel Park ( 509 Collins Road Nokomis, FL 34275 ) - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please note that both parks are open to the public from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

About You:

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or its equivalent -AND- three (3) years of related work experience.
• Valid Florida Driver's License by date of hire.

Preferred (" Bonus ") Qualifications:

• Knowledge of parks and recreation operations and RecTrac or other recreation software.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five (5) years.

Level II Fingerprinting: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment Level II Fingerprinting as part of the background check process.

Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.

Starting Pay: $21.85/hr

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents . You will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• If your position requires a Florida Driver's License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver's License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)