Parks and Programs Specialist

GENERAL PURPOSE: Under the general direction of the Parks and Programs Coordinator, the Parks and Programs Specialist is responsible for the daily operational management of City parks, recreational programs, and seasonal facilities. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of the Parks and Programs Coordinator SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Part-time and seasonal staff ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Operations & Facility Management Assist in overseeing daily operations at Scofield Beach Concessions and the Fire and Ice Pavilion/Ice Rink to maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized environment. Support concession operations at Scofield Park, helping with daily service, staff supervision, inventory tracking, food safety compliance, and financial reporting. Help maintain overall facility readiness through seasonal preparation, routine equipment checks, restocking, and on-site troubleshooting. Rentals & Customer Service Serve as a point of contact for facility rentals at the Fire and Ice Pavilion and Scofield Park pavilions, helping address inquiries regarding availability, pricing, policies, and documentation. Support event renters by assisting with room/site setup, signage, cleanliness inspections, and on-site troubleshooting to ensure a seamless rental experience. Aid in ice rink operations, supporting staff scheduling, equipment care, and public engagement activities at the Fire and Ice Pavilion. Team Support & Staffing Assist in onboarding, training, and scheduling seasonal and part-time staff in accordance with City of Howell policies and procedures. Support ongoing staff development, helping communicate safety guidelines, quality standards, and customer service expectations. Events & Programming Assist with the planning, setup, and execution of community recreation programs and local events. Provide logistical support for events, including staff coordination, setup, participant check-in, and customer service. Help collect and track event data and participant feedback to assist in evaluating program success. Budgeting & Financial Administration Assist in monitoring facility and program budgets by tracking daily expenditures, revenues, and supply needs against established targets. Help maintain accurate inventory records and support purchasing requests for operational supplies. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Respond to inquiries from the public, including answering phones, preparing written correspondence, and presenting information to visitors and civic organizations to inform the public about park regulations and available recreational facilities. Represent the Parks & Programs division at community events, meetings, and committees. Provide cross-coverage and support to other public service divisions as needed. Work at multiple park or facility locations as staffing and operations require. DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Associate’s degree in Recreation, Public Administration, Business, or related field; bachelor’s degree preferred. Applicants with 4+ years of related experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirements. Two (2) years of supervisory experience or five (5) years of experience in parks and recreation operations. Event planning and seasonal program management experience preferred. Knowledge of cash handling and inventory controls. Understanding of state and federal laws related to employment and recreation operations. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and acceptable driving record. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers and reach with hands and arms to change the beach flags and to complete other tasks. The employee is frequently required to walk and stand in sand. Employees must be able to talk, hear, and see. Employees must be able to differentiate colors to place the display with the proper flags. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. WORK ENVIRONMENTThe City of Howell is a drug-free workplace. This position is subject to working in inclement weather conditions. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. SELECTION GUIDELINES: A formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, and reference check, physical exam to include drug screening, and job-related tests may be required.