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Job Description
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?- Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
Job Description:
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.- Safely facilitate and actively supervise participants at all times while engaging in a variety of activities.
- Assist with teaching program activities to accommodate various ages, abilities, and interests.
- Regular attendance is essential for this position.
- Attend all sessions of scheduled staff training.
- Serve as a role-model, exercising appropriate decision-making boundary setting.
- Utilize effective behavior management skills, including enforcing policies fairly, consistently, kindly and firmly.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with, participants, parents, co-workers and supervisor.
- Work cooperatively with counselors and other staff.
- Provide customer service.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Establish a professional rapport with participants which fosters trust, honesty, and a feeling of safety.
Responsibilities - Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:- None.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.- Knowledge of youth programs and activities.
- Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in problem solving.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Ability to work with children including youth with special needs.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the City and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:- Must be 16 years of age.
- Previous participation in Austin Parks and Recreation programming.
Preferred Experience:- Experience working with children in an educational or recreational capacity.
Preferred Certifications:- Valid and current CPR credentials, or have the ability to acquire by the date of hire.
Other:- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Work Location:
Multiple Austin Parks and Recreation Locations
Work Schedule Notes:- Monday to Friday, 20 to 40 hours per week.
- See locations list in “Notes to Applicants” section.
- May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.
Salary:
$22.05 per hour.
Notes to Candidate:
The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.
The purpose of the Seasonal - Junior Activity Specialist position is to provide recreational games, activities (outdoors), sports/athletics programs, and outdoor recreation to youth enrolled in our summer programs. More information can be found here .
Work Locations include:- Dick Nichols District Park - 8011 Beckett Road, Austin, 78749
- Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park - 2803 Loyola Lane, Austin, 78723
- James A. Garrison District Park - 6001 Menchaca Rd, Austin, 78745
- Gillis Neighborhood Park - 2410 Durwood Ave, Austin, 78704
- Govalle Neighborhood Park - 5200 Bolm Road, Austin, 78721
- Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park - 12138 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, 78758
Application Instructions/Job Requirements:- Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
- Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
- Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
- Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
- Physical Requirements: Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Must be physically and mentally able to work with participants adapting to a variety of conditions such as daily walking, hiking, climbing, standing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, running, bending, crawling, swimming, stretching, and reaching in rugged terrain. Tolerate loud noise associated with enthusiasm and excitement. Ability to work outside in all types of weather and/or inclement conditions, and in confined spaces.
Other:- Application Status Communication: Please note that you will be contacted if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process. Once the department is no longer hiring for this position, you may receive a notification informing you the position is closed and the hiring process is concluded.
- Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
- Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
Closing Date/Time: 2026-04-02 - Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Austin
Show moreThe City of Austin
This vibrant and dynamic city tops many lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular, high-profile “green” and culturally rich cities, Austin was recently selected the number one Best Place to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). In 2016, Forbes named Austin the city most likely to prosper over the next decade on their America’s Cities of the Future list, and the City of Austin ranked in the top ten on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for 2017.
Austin continues to lead with its vision of being the Most Livable City in the Country, emerging as a player on the international scene with such events as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and being home to companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, and Ascension Seton Healthcare. From the home of state government and the University of Texas to the Live Music Capital of the World and its growth as a film center, Austin has gained worldwide attention as a hub for education, business, health, and sustainability.
The City offers a wide range of events, from music concerts, food festivals, and sports competitions to museum displays, exhibits, and family fun. Austin is also home to a wonderful ballet, world-class museums, one-of-a-kind shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. You can just as easily spend your morning paddling the lake as you can strolling through a celebrated history museum.
Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country—rolling terrain of limestone bluffs, springs, rivers, and lakes—Austin’s temperate climate is ideal for year-round jogging, cycling, hiking on the City’s many trails, or swimming at Barton Springs or one of the area’s many other swimming holes.
There are a number of excellent golf courses in the area as well as recreational opportunities for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Austin truly has something to offer for everyone.
City Government
The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Austin has a 10-1 council system with an at-large Mayor and Council Members that represent ten districts. The Mayor and Council Members may serve in their respective seats for four years with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The City Council appoints the City Manager who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for guiding and directing day-to-day operations, as well as providing strategic research, recommendations, and management leadership to the City Council on the city budget, programs, policies, and services. The City Manager implements the organization’s administrative responsibilities with a strong team of Assistant City Managers and department executives. Supported by a staff of more than 14,000 and a budget of $4.1 billion, the City Manager and staff deliver a broad range of services to the citizens of Austin.
The City Council and City Manager of Austin are committed to the mission of delivering the highest quality, cost-effective services. Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its community members, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.
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