Recreation Operations Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Role Overview: 

This dynamic, hands-on role serves as a key administrative and operational assistant to the Minnetonka Community Education (MCE) Recreation team, while also providing afternoon support for our Explorers childcare program. Designed as an entry-level professional pathway within Community Education, this position offers foundational experience in recreation management, event coordination, league operations, and youth programmingideal for an aspiring professional looking to build a career toward a Program Manager role.

Primary Position Objective:

• Provide operational, administrative, and hands-on support to the Recreation Department within Minnetonka Community Education.
• Support the Explorers program by providing quality childcare for elementary-age students and connecting with families during the school year.
• Assist in the planning, logistics, and execution of MCE community events, youth t-ball leagues, and youth basketball leagues (includes some evenings and weekends).

Assignment:

• Full-time (3540 hours per week, 56 days per week).
• Flexible/varying schedule based on seasonal program needs, including evening and weekend coverage (regular Saturday duties required during Winter/Spring and for MCE summer events).

Wages and Benefits:

• Minimum starting salary: $20.60/hour (actual placement dependent upon experience and qualifications).
• Medical and dental benefit eligible position. Click here to view benefit details.
• Click here to view rates for this position in Appendix C. 

Job Responsibilities:

1. Recreation Department Support

• Print, organize, and deliver program packets and materials as directed by department leadership.
• Organize and maintain supplies, equipment, and storage spaces for recreation programming.
• Attend staff meetings and execute assigned administrative and operational tasks.
• Serve as a flexible resource to fill in and ensure all recreation programs run smoothly.

2. Explorers Childcare Support

• Provide direct classroom leadership and supervision for elementary-age students for approximately 10 hours per week during the school year (9 months).
• Engage with students and build positive relationships with families during program hours.

3. Event Logistics & Execution

• Assist with planning, site preparation, supply gathering, equipment setup, teardown, and volunteer management for key community events (e.g., 5th Grade Finales, East Meets West, Tour de Tonka, Minnewashta Mud Run, Youth Triathlon, Tonka Chase, and Tonka Trail Trot).
• Provide on-site event support during scheduled evenings and weekends throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

4. Youth T-Ball & Basketball Operations

• Serve as a primary point of contact for coach, parent, and participant communication.
• Provide on-site supervision, guidance, and support to game-day staff and volunteer coaches during league play (includes evenings and Saturdays).
• Assist with team formation,  coach recruitment, practice/game scheduling, apparel ordering, and tournament organization.
• Maintain league websites, schedules, and scores in a timely manner.

Job Qualifications:

• Education: B.A. or B.S. in Recreation, Sport Management, Youth Development, Education, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience).
• Experience: Demonstrated experience or strong interest in program leadership, event planning, youth athletics, or recreational programming.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office applications, with an aptitude for learning registration and schedule management software.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks, multi-task, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication & Professionalism: Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and problem-solving skills, with a positive demeanor when interacting with staff, participants, and parents.
• Adaptability: Ability to take direction, collaborate effectively within a team, and adapt to changing program needs and schedules.
• Growth Mindset: A strong desire to gain comprehensive experience in recreation management and grow professionally within Community Education.

Physical requirements:

• 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 lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects and event equipment.