Parks and Recreation Special Events Programmer

The Parks & Recreation Department plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for the community by providing well-maintained parks, recreational programs, and special events that foster community spirit and promote healthy lifestyles. This department is dedicated to offering diverse programs and special events that cater to all age groups, encouraging active participation and social engagement among residents. As part of the City’s commitment to excellence in community services, the department operates multiple parks and recreational facilities, organizes community events such as farmers markets and tournaments, and maintains facilities to ensure safety and enjoyment for all visitors. The position of Parks & Recreation Special Events Programmer is a full-time, exempt role within the Parks & Recreation Department. The salary range for this position is between $40,385.24 and $60,577.86 annually. Reporting directly to the Parks & Recreation Special Events Manager, the Programmer plays an essential role in the successful organization and execution of various special events and community service programs. This position is considered safety sensitive and essential personnel, highlighting its critical nature in supporting park and recreation operations. In this role, the Special Events Programmer assists with planning and organizing a wide variety of special events including outdoor tournaments, internal special events, and community staples such as the Farmers Market. The programmer helps with both the setup and breakdown of these events, ensuring all operational aspects are handled efficiently and effectively. Moreover, the role involves managing equipment inventory, coordinating volunteer efforts, and serving as a key event contact person during activities. The programmer is also tasked with handling rental and registration processes for events and facilities, ensuring accurate record-keeping for all receipts and transactions. This function requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. The position involves close collaboration with neighborhood groups, schools, businesses, law enforcement, volunteers, and other community organizations to coordinate services and build sponsorships for fundraising campaigns. Marketing and advertising efforts are also part of the role, aiming to promote recreational programs and special events to the community effectively. The job requires the ability to operate a city vehicle safely, as well as performing other duties as assigned. Candidates should be prepared to work in various environments, from professional office settings to outdoor event locations, and must possess physical fitness to manage day-to-day event operations which include maintenance, janitorial responsibilities, and handling equipment weighing over 50 pounds. The ability to work under pressure while managing multiple tasks and deadlines is essential, as is strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Overall, this position offers an excellent opportunity for professionals passionate about community engagement and recreation management to contribute to vibrant community events and services. The role demands a proactive approach to challenges as well as a commitment to maintaining a safe, enjoyable environment for all citizens. The Parks & Recreation Special Events Programmer is a cornerstone in delivering successful events that enrich the community, promote wellness, and foster connections among residents and stakeholders.

• basic experience, knowledge and training in parks and recreation typically resulting from a combination of education or years of experience in parks and recreation or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• bachelor's degree in parks administration, physical education or related degree preferred
• two years’ experience in parks administration, recreational programming or special events required
• valid Arkansas driver's license required
• current American Red Cross certification or must be able to obtain certification within six months of employment
• certified parks and recreation professional CPRP certification preferred
• basic proficiency in Microsoft 365