Recreation Program Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $76,860.00 - $93,408.00 Annually
Location : Tukwila Community Ctr 12424 42nd Ave S., Tukwila WA 98168, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00024
Department: RECREATION
Division: RECREATION DEPT-ADMINISTRATION
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
The Tukwila Community Center is looking to hire a Recreation Program Specialist to join our team! This is a great opportunity to serve as a positive role model and make a difference in your community! The Recreation Program Specialist, assists with planning, scheduling, and organizing various events, programs, and activities.
This is a 1.0 FTE permanent position, eligible for both health benefits and retirement.
Work Schedule and Hours
Work schedules will vary based on Tukwila Community Center operating hours and specific program needs. The Recreation Program Specialist will be scheduled for eight (8) hours per day and forty (40) hours per week
Hours may include:

• Consistent weekdays to support customer service team during operating hours
• Weekends/Evenings
• Schedules may be adjusted based on business need to ensure proper coverage is met.
• Ability to maintain reasonable, predictable, and regular attendance during assigned shifts.

Wage: $6,405.00 - $7,784.00 Monthly - This position is represented by Teamsters 763
Note: We typically do not start at the top of the salary schedule.
About the City
The City of Tukwila is 9.6 square miles of opportunity and a dynamic place to work. The population is over 22,000 at night and up to 150,000+ during the day. Tukwila shares borders with the Cities of Seattle, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, and Kent. Its central location lies in the heart of the Puget Sound region, sitting 12 miles south of downtown Seattle, 17miles north of downtown Tacoma, and just east of SeaTac Airport. It is easily accessed by I-5 and I-405 or via either of Tukwila's two train stations, the Sounder Station or the Sound Transit Light Rail Station.
Mission Statement:
To provide superior services that support a safe, inviting, and healthy environment for our residents, businesses, and guests.
Core Values

• Caring - We support the diverse community we serve with compassion, empathy and kindness.
• Professional - We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and act with integrity and transparency. We are respectful and courteous with all.
• Responsive - We are timely and effective in the delivery of great customer service. We continually strive to find innovative ways to improve.

About the Department
Tukwila Parks and Recreation is home to over 150 acres of open space including parks, multi-use trails, Foster Golf Links, and the Tukwila Community Center. The mission of the Tukwila Parks and Recreation is to enhance the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors through a quality system of public spaces, programs and events that enhance and promote opportunities for health and fitness, personal growth, relaxation, community connection, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship.
How To Apply
Initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "education" and "work experience" section of your application.
To be considered for these position you MUST:

• Apply online and complete the entire application.
• Include a copy of your Resume and Cover Letter
• Answer the supplemental questions.

The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer and strives to employ a diverse workforce reflective of the community it serves. Qualified applicants with multicultural experience and/or backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Veteran's Preference:
City of Tukwila follows the guidance given by the State of Washington regarding applying Veteran's Preference under provisions of RCW 73.16.010 and WAC 357.16.110 (2). Please attach a copy of your DD214 or NGB Form 22 to your online application if you are eligible to claim Veterans Preference. Character of service should reflect as being Honorable. General discharge under Honorable Condition does not qualify.
This selection process may include but is not limited to evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, testing, and interviewing. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to
***This recruitment will remain open until filled with a first review of applicants on September 1, 2026.***
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Planning and Development: Assist in the planning, scheduling, and implementation of a variety of recreation programs, events, and activities serving diverse populations. Coordinate facility and equipment scheduling; oversee specific program logistics including set-up, daily operations, and field trips. Provide direct leadership for assigned programs, ensuring high-quality participant experiences.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Assist with the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of seasonal staff and volunteers.
Data Analytics and Marketing: Prepare, maintain, and analyze program records, reports, and schedules. Develop promotional materials and support marketing efforts to increase participation and community awareness of programs and services.
Partnerships and Community Engagement: Conduct community outreach to promote programs and services; build relationships with participants, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
Financial Oversight: Monitor program budgets and expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility. Support cost recovery efforts through program promotion, partnerships, and resource development.
Policy and Procedure Implementation: Ensure programs, events, and operations comply with City policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. Maintain accurate documentation and uphold operational procedures that support risk management and service delivery.
Operational and Administrative Support: Provide transportation for programs using City vehicles, adhering to safety protocols. Maintain reliable and consistent attendance. Provide direct customer service to participants and community members; respond to questions, concerns, and feedback, and support overall division operations as needed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge (position requirements at entry):

• Customer service principles.
• Basic recordkeeping practices.
• Basic budget tracking and monitoring.
• Basic computer software knowledge.
• Working knowledge of hazards and safety practices, and emergency procedures.

Skills and Ability to:

• Work with diverse populations and large groups in a positive, professional, and courteous manner.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• Adapt to changing work assignments and respond to urgent or time-sensitive tasks.
• Work independently or as part of a team with limited or no supervision.
• Provide friendly, positive, and supportive customer service to participants and the public
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with participants, volunteers, coworkers, and the general public.
• Supervise groups and maintain order in a respectful, professional manner.
• Follow instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Exercise good judgment in routine situations.
• Maintain a safe program environment.
• Outline and schedule tasks, anticipate issues and needs, be detail-oriented, work within deadlines, communicate regularly and track progress.
• Manage stressful situations with tact and diplomacy.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand, walk, run, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, feel, talk, hear, see, and participate in recreational activities for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull equipment and supplies.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for equipment handling and activity facilitation.

Heavy Work:
Exerting up to 75 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly for program or event set up and take downs.
Education, Experience and Other Requirements
TRAINING, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS (Position requirements at entry)

• Associate's degree in related field and three years of related recreation program experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to perform the essential elements of the job.

• First Aid and CPR certification; and
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum 21 years old;
• College-level coursework in Recreation, Education, or related field (preferred)
• Preferred experience as a Recreation Leader 1 and Recreation Leader 2
• Familiarity with recreation program structure, curriculum, or policies
• 6 months of experience in a supervisory role
• Ability to speak a second language (Spanish, Vietnamese, Somali) is highly desirable
• Must be physically capable of assisting and participating in physical activities
• Previous experience working or volunteering in youth programs, recreation programs, camps, or customer service settings.
• Must be able to work with limited supervision.
• Ability to submit a clean Driving Abstract
• Maintain current CPR/First Aid certifications, or the ability to obtain prior to the first day of camp.

Definition: Clean Driving Record
For purposes of this position, a clean driving record means:

• A driving history that meets the City's risk management and insurance eligibility requirements
• No disqualifying driving offenses within the past three (3) years, including but not limited to:
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Physical Control
  • Reckless driving
  • Hit-and-run
  • Vehicular assault or vehicular homicide
  • Driving with a suspended, revoked, or invalid license
• No pattern of unsafe driving, such as multiple moving violations that would indicate unsafe operation of a motor vehicle
• Ability to successfully pass a motor vehicle record (MVR) review conducted in accordance with:
  • Washington State law
  • Federal motor vehicle safety standards (as applicable)
  • City policies and insurance requirements

A driving record will be evaluated job-relatedly and consistently, and consideration will be limited to information relevant to the duties of the position.
The examples of duties and responsibilities listed are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change based on the needs of the City and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Final candidates will receive a conditional offer of employment pending the results of a background check conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. A criminal history alone does not automatically disqualify a candidate and will be reviewed using job-related criteria.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and evaluates qualifications in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
01
Are you 21 or older at the time of hire?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a valid Washington State Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have an Associate's degree in related field and three years of related recreation program experience; of which at least 6-months was in a supervisory role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to perform the essential elements of the job?
04
Why are you interested in working for The City of Tukwila and how does this position align with your professional goals?
05
The City of Tukwila is one of the most diverse communities in the region. Please share how your background, experiences, or values prepare you to design and implement recreation programs that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of a multicultural and multilingual community.
Required Question