Salary : $55,808.00 - $107,615.00 AnnuallyLocation : Ellicott City, MDJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 25-00422Department: Recreation & ParksDivision: R&P REC11F - Gen FundOpening Date: 12/27/2024Closing Date: 1/17/2025 11:59 PM EasternPOSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION Howard County:Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community. Howard County Government:Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making. What are we looking for?We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations. What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:
- We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
- We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
- We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
- As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
POSITION SUMMARY:This is a recreation and parks position that provides direct assistance to the Adventure & Outdoor Services Manager, and coordinates Adventure, Nature and Outdoor programs as assigned to the unit. This position assists the Adventure and Outdoor Services Manager with operation of the Boat Rentals/Concessions. Operates within a self-sustaining and teamwork environment. May lead activities occasionally as deemed necessary.Current program focus is on Adventure, Nature and Outdoor Recreation programs. The nature of operating activities and overhead via fees and charges result in program focus changes with trends and patterns of recreation participation. The incumbent is a member of the department van training team. STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:$26.83 - $29.38$55,808 - $61,104CLASS DESCRIPTION:Performs professional level recreation services work, which may include supervision, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes overseeing the safe and efficient operation of activities at school and department recreational facilities, parks and private recreational facilities; or overseeing the operation of programs in specific functional areas under the direction of a recreation supervisor. Assists in analyzing marketing data for program promotion and customer service. Work also includes the supervision of contingent, part-time staff and volunteers; overseeing the approved budget; and preparing information for recreation supervisor for seasonal and fiscal reports. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
- Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
- Provide administrative support to Adventure, Nature and Outdoor Services Manager.
- Coordinates seasonal adventure, nature, and outdoor programs as assigned by Manager.
- Prepares and distributes letters, emails and memos to instructors, staff, and participants.
- Actual program responsibilities are subject to seasonal adjustments in demand.
- Research and develop new programs.
- Prepare budgets for all new programs, updates budgets periodically, and as selected for zero-based budgeting.
- Conduct program and instruction observations and merges with participant comments for program reviews.
- Prepare and monitor the progress of work orders with Park Operations staff. Works daily with manager and park operations staff to assure optimal communication on Centennial Park, Centennial Lake, Alpha Ridge Archery Range and other adventure sport/outdoor programming-based park venues.
- Maintain participant list for program eligibility and certificate completion.
- Provide direct leadership for camps, tournaments and programs/classes as deemed necessary.
- Provide customer service with regard to programming questions, as well as assist contractors/staff with participant information/supplies and materials.
- Coordinate with the Board of Education and county facilities to reserve program space and cancel when needed. Reviews all permits for conflicts.
- Monitors the status of contractual arrangements.
- Maintains unit equipment inventory and performs minor maintenance.
- Coordinates annual set up of the Alpha Ridge Archery Range.
- Coordinates adventure, nature and outdoor offerings for submittal in the seasonal activity guides and other program specific marketing tools.
- Works with department marketing team to promote social media efforts associated with programming and services of this unit.
- Provides input, reviews and oversees the implementation of selected marketing plans for programs and operations.
- Handles customer requests, inquires and concerns.
- Provides customer service with regard to programming questions, as well as assist contractors/staff with participant information/supplies and materials.
- Input staff payroll, handle inquiries about hours paid, prepare biweekly payroll report.
- Provide customer service in regard to suitable programming, prepare program evaluations, and organize comments/complaints.
- Assists Adventure, Nature and Outdoor Manager with administrative paperwork necessary for contingent staff.
- Coordinates annual Adventure, Nature and Outdoor paperwork for volunteer leaders and maintains volunteer hours report.
- Assists supervisor to secure supplies and materials for all payroll programs/camps.
- Prepares purchase requisitions in accordance with purchasing regulations and order logs. Review purchase evaluations. Reconciles monthly PDQ logs for self.
- Review invoices, purchase requisitions, and other financial documents for proper coding.
- Seeks out green strategies to reduce the carbon footprint and to recycle and / or utilize recycled products.
- Assists Adventure, Nature and Outdoor Manager to conduct risk assessments and training.
- Prepares and maintains risk assessments (every five (5) years) for programs and contractors.
- Assists Adventure, Nature and Outdoor Manager to review accident/incident reports and follow-up with parents/guardians/participants.
- Assists Adventure, Nature and Outdoor Manager with coordination with Fleet for vehicle maintenance of unit's equipment.
- Assists Adventure, Nature and Outdoor Manager with survey management, iPad use and monitoring.
- Work with other divisional recreation staff as a team to accomplish tasks most efficiently.
- Responsible for identifying and applying good sustainability practices into all aspects of the department operations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- This position may be deemed as essential in an emergency at the discretion of the director.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:This employee does assist Manager with the monitoring of contingent worker performance. Occasionally is involved with recruiting, interviewing, and training of staff. May on occasion, oversee selected professional service contractors. MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Bachelor's Degree and one (1) year related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Prefer two (2) years of college education in the recreation, sports management, physical education or related fields of study with leadership experience in an outdoors setting.
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENT:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; extreme cold; and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS Possession of a valid driver's license. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted. Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks. At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application. The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources. GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays:New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $1500 contingent upon County funding.LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, universal life insurance, and discounted auto/homeowner's insurance programs.CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.01 Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) in association with each work history entry. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered. Descriptions of duties that state see resume will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application. Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
02
Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $55,808 - $61,104 - Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
- No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
03 Do you possess a Bachelor's degree conferred in Recreation, Sports Management, Physical Education or a closely related field of study?
04 If you possess a Bachelor's degree, please state what discipline your degree was conferred. If you do not possess a degree, then indicate Not Applicable (N/A). 05 Do you possess one (1) year of experience performing professional level recreation services work?
06 If you possess one (1) year of experience performing professional level recreation services work, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that See Resume is not an adequate response. 07 Do you possess experience in leading, directing, and/or planning and coordinating Adventure, Nature, and Outdoor programs?
08 If you possess experience in leading, directing, and/or planning and coordinating Adventure, Nature, and Outdoor programs, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that See Resume is not an adequate response. 09 Do you possess experience preparing purchase requisitions, reviewing invoices, and other financial documents?
10 If you possess experience preparing purchase requisitions, reviewing invoices, and other financial documents, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that See Resume is not an adequate response. 11 Do you possess customer service and public contact experience?
12 If you possess customer service and public contact experience, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, date of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that See Resume is not an adequate response. 13 Do you possess supervisory/managerial experience comprised of interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems?
14 If you possess the supervisory/managerial experience addressed in the previous question, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that See Resume is not an adequate response. 15 How did you hear about this position?
- NEOGOV/GOVT Jobs
- Linked In
- Maryland Association of Counties
- National Association of Counties
- CEAM
- ASCE
- Indeed
- Employee Referral
- Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA)
- Handshake
- Career Fair
- Other
16 If you indicated Job Fair or Other in the previous question, please indicate which job fair you attended and specifically how you became aware of this position. Otherwise, indicate N/A (Not Applicable). 17
Are you aware that this position requires you to function as essential personnel meaning that you are expected to work during inclement weather, emergency situations, County holidays and on an on-call basis? 18 Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- None
19 Do you possess a valid driver's license?
20 Are you a Certified Park and Recreation Professional?
21 I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the career seekers link, and follow the prompts.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
22 I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
Required Question
