Recreation Supervisor at the Senior Recreation Center

Summary Description

Under the general direction of the Recreation Superintendent, the Recreation Supervisor is responsible for the overall management and daily operations of the Senior Recreation Center (SRC). This position oversees the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of a wide variety of recreation programs, activities, and events designed to serve older adults as well as individuals of all ages throughout the day.

The Recreation Supervisor ensures the SRC operates efficiently, provides high-quality customer service, and offers inclusive, engaging opportunities that support the health, wellness, and social connection of the Urbandale community. The position works closely with community partners, user groups, schools, and civic organizations to enhance programming, promote participation, and ensure the SRC remains a vibrant hub of community activity.

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• Individual health insurance for only $77.86 per month; or family health insurance for only $238.94 per month
• Dental, vision, and flexible spending account options
• 15 paid vacation days per year
• 12 paid sick days per year
• 10 paid holidays + 3 additional personal holidays
• 4 weeks of paid paternal leave
• City-paid Long Term Disability coverage
• IPERS retirement plan
• 457(b) retirement plan with 2% city match
• City-paid Life Insurance policy plus additional voluntary life insurance options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Onsite Wellness Center

 

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

 

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Senior Recreation Center to ensure safe, efficient, and customer-focused facility operations.
• Plan, organize, develop, staff, and direct a variety of recreation programs and activities serving seniors and individuals of all ages.
• Schedule and coordinate use of the SRC facility, including classes, programs, meetings, and special events.
• Evaluate programs and events for effectiveness, participation, and quality; recommend and implement improvements based on trends and community needs.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff, instructors, and volunteers.
• Ensure that employees follow established policies, safety standards, and operational procedures.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of the annual SRC operating budget; monitor expenditures, and revenues to ensure cost-effective operations.
• Maintain accurate records of program participation, facility usage, payroll, and other reports as required.
• Coordinate facility maintenance, custodial needs, and repair work with appropriate staff or departments.
• Promote programs and events through marketing materials, community presentations, and departmental communication channels.
• Develop partnerships with community agencies, civic groups, schools, and local businesses to enhance programming and facility use.
• Assist the Recreation Superintendent in developing short- and long-range goals for the facility and the overall department.
• Assist with citywide special events and recreation programs as assigned.
• Serve as a departmental representative at community meetings, special events, and other functions as assigned.
• Assures that the City's and Department’s mission, goals and objectives are fully supported and initiated.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.     

Periodic Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Respond to calls of an emergency nature related to the facility or programming during and occasionally outside of regular hours.
• Compile and prepare reports, statistics, and evaluations monthly or as requested.
• Provide program instruction or facility supervision in the absence of assigned staff.

 

Typical Qualifications

 

Must be able to pass a pre-employment offer: reference checks, drug screen, motor vehicle report and background check. Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge is qualifying.  Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in Recreation Administration, Leisure Services, or a related field, required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of progressive responsibility, experience in recreation programming, community education; or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling six (6) years.
• Progressive supervisory experience in the recreation field, minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or lead experience,  required.  (Senior Citizen Recreation Program preferred.)
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within two (2) months of employment: Adult and Pediatric CPR and Basic First Aid Certification, maintained thereafter.
• Possession of a valid Iowa Driver’s License AND ability to obtain chauffer’s license within six months of employment.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

• Ability to take the initiative and work independently with little direct supervision
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public presentation skills 
• Excellent interpersonal, human relations and customer service skills
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
• Sound judgment and decision making skills
• Ability to negotiate contracts for service
• Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner
• Basic financial/accounting skills
• Ability to create and develop marketing materials
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects, priorities and interruptions.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement programs and events that meet community needs.
• Ability to recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and volunteers effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, community partners, and the public.
• Ability to manage and develop budgets, monitor expenditures, and maintain accurate financial and operational records.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends, as required.
• Ability to perform essential duties at designated work site location at designated hours.

 

 

Supplemental Information

The Civil Service testing process for this job posting will consist of a virtual phone interview and an oral interview. Qualified candidates will be notified to use the self-scheduling interview feature via automated governmentjobs.com email notifications so apply with a valid email that is checked regularly and consider signing up for optional text message notifications.

Tentative Timeline:
Virtual Phone Interview: December 3rd - 4th, 2025
Oral Interviews: December 10th - 11th, 2025 
Approximate start date: January  5, 2026

The salary range listed includes pay steps based on length of service therefore most employees are offered a starting salary closer to the minimum of the advertised range.

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons with disabilities must submit requests for ADA accommodations to the Human Resources Department, in writing, prior to the application deadline.