POSITION TITLE:
DEPARTMENT:
DATE:
SALARY:
RECREATION PROGRAMMER
Community Services/North Peace Leisure Pool
July 2026
$45.33 per hour, as per BCGEU Collective Agreement
As per Article 28.3 - Job Description subject to agreement between the Union and the Employer
The Recreation Programmer plans, designs, delivers, and evaluates a range of recreation and leisure programs and services and special events that support community participation and departmental objectives. The position is responsible for program development, scheduling, registration support, staff and volunteer coordination, participant engagement, and day-to-day operational requirements.
The role contributes to effective service delivery by monitoring program quality, supporting safe and inclusive participation, and ensuring interactions with participants, staff, volunteers, contractors, and community partners reflect a high standard of customer service.
The position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and major events as operationally required.
Works under the general direction of the department manager or designate, with independence exercised in accordance with established policies, procedures, and operational requirements.
Provides operational supervision, direction, training, scheduling support, and guidance to assigned employees, volunteers, and contractors, including Recreation Helpers, Recreation Attendants, Recreation Instructors, Customer Service Representatives, Pool Attendants, and other program support workers as required.
- Plans, schedules, implements, and evaluates recreation and leisure programs and services, including lessons, and special events (small scale to community corporate events) that respond to community needs and departmental priorities.
- Develops new program offerings and updates existing programs to support inclusive, engaging, and high-quality participant experiences.
- Coordinates day-to-day program operations, including facility use, registration support, equipment, supplies, room set-up, and on-site program requirements.
- Provides operational direction, training, scheduling support, and mentorship to assigned staff, volunteers, and contractors.
- Maintains accurate program records, including attendance, schedules, statistics, evaluations, and reports as required.
- Supports program promotion by providing timely and accurate information, photos, and updates for social media, print materials, and other communications.
- Interacts directly with participants, responds to inquiries and concerns, gathers feedback, and supports a positive customer service experience.
- Researches recreation trends, demographics, community interests, and best practices to inform program planning and service improvements.
- Monitors program-specific revenues and expenditures and provides recommendations to improve efficiency, participation, and service outcomes.
- Assists with identifying grant opportunities, preparing grant applications, compiling supporting information, and submitting applications in accordance with funding requirements and departmental priorities.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships with participants, user groups, internal departments, community partners, and sponsors.
- Contributes to a respectful workplace by modelling professional conduct and adhering to City policies and expectations.
- Ensures the safety and security of staff, participants, facilities, and equipment, and takes appropriate corrective action to address unsafe or insecure conditions.
- Complies with the organizational safety program, WorkSafeBC requirements, Municipal Insurance Association of BC and other applicable legislative and policy requirements.
- Reviews accidents, incidents, and hazards; completes required reporting; and recommends changes to support a safe environment for staff and participants.
- Provides safety orientations, crew talks, and fieldwork safety information to assigned employees as required.
- Performs other related duties consistent with the scope and classification of the position.
Knowledge, Ability and Skills
Customer Service
Quantity of Work
Cooperation
Reliability
Attendance and Punctuality
Compliance
Health & Safety
- Diploma from a two-year program in recreation, physical education, or a related field.
- Certification in a program specialization relevant to departmental services, such as fitness, lifesaving, event management, or another related area.
- Management Skills for Supervisors or equivalent course.
- Ongoing training in areas such as inclusion, diversity, child development, physical literacy, or a related field.
- Three to five years of experience planning, teaching, leading, or evaluating recreation programs, services, or events; experience in a unionized environment is preferred.
- Minimum of three years of experience providing program-level supervision, training, direction, or mentorship to staff, volunteers, or contractors.
- Exceptional customer service skills supported by formal customer service training.
- Valid Standard First Aid with CPR-C, or ability to obtain prior to employment.
- Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
- Ability to successfully pass and maintain a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector clearance.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple programs, projects, events, and operational priorities.
- Demonstrated leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
- Working knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures, with the ability to apply sound judgment in daily operations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, recreation management systems, scheduling software, registration databases, publishing tools, marketing platforms, and spreadsheet programs.
- Ability to monitor program budgets and contribute to budget forecasting, reporting, and service planning.
- Ability to organize program spaces, resources, equipment, and schedules to support effective facility use and program delivery.
- Ability to schedule, organize, and provide staff, volunteers, and contractors with the information and training required for successful program delivery.
GENERAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Standard office technology and software used for communication, scheduling, reporting, registration, marketing, and program administration.
Recreation management systems, scheduling software, registration databases, digital publishing tools, spreadsheet programs, and presentation software.
Audio-visual equipment, digital displays, tablets, cameras, microphones, and other equipment used for recreation and leisure programs and services and participant engagement.
Recreation, fitness, sport, aquatics, outdoor, and activity equipment required for program and event delivery. Event support equipment such as tables, chairs, signage, tents, portable staging, radios, and event-day supplies. Facility access, storage, cleaning, safety, first aid, and emergency response equipment required to maintain safe and orderly program areas.
Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview and reference check, police information check, and other job-related tests may be required.
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 and/or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.
This is a position in the BC General Employee’s Union.
