Salary : $56,200.00 - $69,267.00 Annually
Location : Community Center
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Department: Parks and Recreation
Division: Recreation Administration
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/12/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Non-Exempt
The City of Gunnison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The City of Gunnison is dedicated to the principles of equal employment. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age over 40, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law.
Description
The City of Gunnison is seeking an enthusiastic and community focused
Recreation Assistant to join our Parks and Recreation team. This position plays an important role in creating positive experiences for residents and visitors by supporting recreation programs, special events, facility operations, and community activities for participants of all ages. The Recreation Assistant will help bring programs to life, provide exceptional customer service, support instructors and coaches, assist with facility operations, and help ensure safe, welcoming, and engaging spaces at the Gunnison Community Center.
This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while working alongside a dedicated recreation team. The ideal candidate is energetic, organized, and passionate about serving others through recreation and wellness opportunities. Responsibilities include assisting with program coordination, supervising part time staff and volunteers, supporting aquatics and recreation activities, and helping deliver high quality services that promote an active and connected community.
Examples of Duties and Qualifications
General Purpose:The Recreation Assistant's main responsibilities are to perform obligations associated with the front desk, climbing wall, recreation staff, aquatics staff, senior center staff, and supervise part-time staff and instructors at the Gunnison Community Center. This position works in close relationship with the Recreation Center Manager, Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Coordinator and Aquatics Manager on day-to-day operations, budgeting, long term goals and various programs and events.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist with the planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of recreation programs, special events, and community activities for participants of all ages.
- Prepare facilities, equipment, and supplies before, during, and after programs, classes, leagues, and events while maintaining the cleanliness and organization of all spaces.
- Welcome participants and provide exceptional customer service by answering questions, providing information, and resolving routine concerns.
- Enforce department policies, facility rules, and safety procedures in a professional and consistent manner.
- Assist with participant registration, attendance tracking, program records, facility and park rentals and other administrative tasks using recreation management software and standard office applications.
- Set up and take down tables, chairs, sports equipment, audio/visual equipment, and other materials required for programs and events.
- Perform routine inspections of facilities and equipment, reporting maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
- Assist with promoting recreation programs through flyers, social media, community outreach, and participant engagement.
- Support instructors, coaches, volunteers, and other staff during programs and events.
- Assist with opening and closing recreation facilities in accordance with department procedures.
- Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules as required to support department operations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- This position includes a swim instruction element that requires proficient swim skills and teaching ability.
- The Recreation Assistant may be called on to officiate or coach programs as needed, prior experience a plus but not required.
Job QualificationsRequired Education and Experience:A Bachelor's Degree in Recreation, Leisure Services, Physical Education or related field and two years progressive experience in recreation programming, leisure service or special events.
Experience as it relates to this position may be deemed acceptable in lieu of education.
Other Necessary Requirements:The Recreation Assistant must currently carry a valid Driver's License and currently hold (or can obtain) a CPR/AED Certification. A Lifeguard Certification or Water Safety Instructor Certification is a plus but not required of this position.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:English Language Comprehension - Requires the ability to listen to, read, understand and communicate the English language so that others are able to understand. This must be done both orally and in writing, at the level appropriate for the position held. Spanish Language Comprehension a plus but not required.
Working ConditionsWork Environment:This position primarily works a Tuesday through Saturday schedule but is flexible based on staffing needs, events and programs and may include evenings, early mornings, holidays, or Sundays. This position works indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Physical Activities:
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach throughout the workday.
- Lift, carry, push, and pull equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Move tables, chairs, athletic equipment, and other program materials.
- Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Maintain the physical ability to actively participate in recreation activities and respond quickly to emergency situations.
Tools and Equipment Used:Proven experience with various computer software platforms and the ability to master new ones.
Supervision Received:Works under the general supervision of the Recreation Center Manager.
Supervision Exercised:Supervises front desk and climbing wall staff and may give direction to other staff members, coaches, instructors and volunteers.
- 75% paid by the City toward medical, dental and vision premiums paid for the employee and their dependents,
- 100% paid preventative medical costs,
- $25,000 life insurance paid by the City, with options for increased supplemental coverage,
- 5% of gross wages in a retirement plan,
- 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year (increasing based on the years of service),
- 13 paid holidays,
- 12 days of sick leave per year,
- Free membership to the City of Gunnison Community Center,
- Optional supplemental insurance including disability, whole life, term life, cancer, accident, and critical illness,
- Differential pay for employees working on holidays or while on standby, and
- Transitional, temporary housing may be available (not available as of 01/27/26 but can be discussed on an as-needed basis).