Recreation Facility Specialist

JOB LOCATION

18150 E Vassar Pl Aurora, Colorado 80013

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Recreation Facility Specialists serve as the central nervous system for our city’s vibrant community programs. Think of yourself as the Swiss Army knife of our recreation centers where every day requires a different tool out of your pocket. Training a fresh team of variable hour staff might occupy your morning while coordinating a wedding rental takes over your afternoon. Success in this role involves keeping the gears of our facilities turning without a squeak. High customer service standards ensure every citizen receives top-tier care whether they are hitting the gym or jumping into the pool.

Managing the business side keeps things interesting. Accurate fee collections and registration software usage require a sharp eye for detail. Every person wears many hats here. Moving from supervisor duties to helping with janitorial needs or child watch happens naturally because no task is too small for a great leader. Safety remains a top priority while walking the halls and inspecting our spaces for maintenance needs.

CORE4 values of integrity, respect, professionalism, and customer service define this work ethic. Lasting relationships with vendors, coworkers, and neighbors create a dynamic work environment. Lifting up to 50 pounds or spending long hours on your feet is part of the daily routine. Varied weather conditions are expected since the work happens both indoors and outdoors at our beautiful parks and buildings. Dynamic assignments and professional growth help our community thrive every day.

Managing our recreation centers is like being the director of a theater; you work behind the scenes to make sure the lead actors—our citizens—have a flawless performance.

The hiring range for this role is $23.56 - $29.45/hour.

Salary to be commensurate with experience. 

The deadline for submitting applications is Sunday, February 8, 2026. Please note, the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first-come, first-served basis; as soon as we determine to have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.  

The Recreation Facility Specialist is engaged through challenging assignments, opportunities to grow programs according to the needs and desires of the Citizens of Aurora and the ability to grow valuable, lasting relationships in a dynamic work environment.

Under direction, monitors facility operations and may take on supervisor duties for the shift. Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to front desk operations, sports, fitness, facility rentals, aquatics, concession operations, recreation classes, cultural activities, enrichment programs and services, special events, facility operations and rentals, custodial services, and customer and business services, as well as facility management. Hires, trains, evaluates, and supervises variable hour staff; and performs related work as required.

Responsible for overseeing the work of variable hour staff. Assist supervisor with facility and custodial operations, programs, services, and activities of program areas affiliated facilities to maximize service delivery to the community. Performance requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads by example to ensure excellent customer service for all customers at the recreation center and participants in the City of Aurora programs by maintaining high customer service standards for staff and ensuring a high level of accountability to meet those expectations
• Monitors, and supervises, when assigned supervisor for the shift, the operations of assigned recreation program areas and facility operations
• Ensures front desk facility staff are proficient in the city’s current registration software
• Oversees the activities of variable hour staff and volunteers; trains, directs, and monitors staff duties
• Maintains communications and effective working relationships with employees, vendors, contractors, community organizations, and the public
• Effectively communicates and coordinates with program developers and other departments utilizing the facilities
• Provides a variety of general information to the public regarding parks and recreation operations and programs; respond to questions and resolves complaints as needed
• Observes necessary precautions to assure general public safety including inspect facilities for safety and maintenance needs when supervisor on duty
• Works collaboratively with other departments
• Coordinates logistics for facility rentals, including, but not limited to, providing tours and information to prospective renters, and implementing details outlined in rental agreements to ensure events are properly executed with optimal satisfaction
• Assists with coordinating proper set up and tear down of rentals
• Manages fee collection, ensures compliance with cash handling procedures, accounting activities, and program registration in assigned areas; reviews records and files to ensure proper accounting and documentation consistent with Recreation policies and procedures
• Maintains records on program activities, attendance, and other pertinent information; prepares a variety of operational and business reports, and associated correspondence
• Works specific duties as business needs dictate including but not limited to janitorial, front desk, fitness, and child watch
• Assists with Recreation special events as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation management, facilities management, public administration, or other directly related field

Experience: 

• At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in recreation administration, athletic training, sports management, or other related discipline

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of customer service best practices
• Knowledge of personal computers and related software applications
• Foundational business acumen including revenue and expense
• Understands recreational industry trends

Skills: 

• Developed organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency in Windows-based programs Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook
• Problem solves efficiently
• Strong planning and scheduling skills
• Accurate data entry
• Strong interpersonal & effective communication skills

Abilities: 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, citizens, and community partners
• Communicate effectively both verbally and written
• Maintain accurate records, prepare special reports as needed
• Develop and maintain effective interpersonal relations with diverse socioeconomic and multicultural groups
• Handles sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
• Understand, interpret and apply applicable rules, regulations and policies
• Motivate staff, create a positive work environment, and hold staff accountable for achieving measurable goals and developing their skills

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

• CPR/AED & First Aid required with the first 6 months of hire

WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential Personnel:

When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Medium work that involves lifting no more than 50 pounds with or without assistance at a time, with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• Frequent lifting, carrying, walking, and standing
• May require frequent pushing, pulling, bending, and stooping
• Clear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents
• Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens
• Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard, carts, and moveable shelving

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in clean, comfortable environment; requires offsite work at various recreational facilities, public buildings and/or parks; work both indoors and outdoors in varying types of weather

Equipment Used:

• Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel, and recreation registration/POS system
• Operates equipment and vehicles common to Recreation Management functions
• This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.
• This position may require the use of janitorial items (mop, broom, chemical, floor machine, etc.)

The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.

For Veterans preference:  Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
           
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.  We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants.  It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
                                         
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace.  A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.
 

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. 

Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.  

Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.