Well Host - Lead Recreation Specialist

At the City of Olympia, YOU will make a difference

About YOU:
 
You have experience working with diverse community groups and individuals who may be in crisis, lack shelter or face other life challenges. You enjoy working with multiple organizations, hosting recreation activities and interacting with folks from all walks of life. You are patient and enjoy educating visitors on park rules. You are positive, enjoy working outdoors and working with people.

Position Description
The Well Host will be working primarily at the Artesian Commons Park to facilitate engaging and fun activities for all park users, establish a welcoming presence, promote positive behaviors, and educate visitors of resources in the area. The successful candidate will work alongside the Park Ranger to foster a positive environment at the park and to educate visitors of park rules.

NOTE:  this position does not offer employee benefits except for what may be required by law, i.e. workers compensation.  Employment in this position will not exceed seven months.  This position will work between 30-40 hours per week. The intended start date is June 18, 2018.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience working with diverse community groups and individuals including those who may be in crisis, lack shelter, emotionally charged and/or face other life challenges.
• Experience working in the recreation, tourism or hospitality industry, social services or related field and working with the public.
• Ability to work with multiple departments and agencies including the Downtown Ambassadors and Olympia Police Department.
• Comfortable working outside in an urban environment.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

• Submit a resume and cover letter by attaching them to your electronic application.
• The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and include specific examples of how you meet the Ideal Candidate Profile (above).
• This is a continuous recruitment.  To be considered for first review, applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm June 10, 2018.
• Only electronic applications are accepted.

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

• Working alongside the Park Ranger, Parks Maintenance and Olympia Police Department, work to promote positive behavior within the park. Reporting negative behavior when proactive enforcement fails will be required.
• Establish a welcoming presence for park & well visitors. Educate visitors on resources in the area (social services, transportation, shopping, parks & trails etc.).
• Observe park visitor behavior. Identify trends working with the Recreation Program Specialist, Parks Maintenance, Park Ranger and OPD. Develop strategies to address trends and observations.
• Assist program staff, event staff, vendors, community partners and buskers with set up and take down.
• Supervise park amenities: sink-in-a-box, music box, sound equipment, umbrellas and recreation equipment.
• On site promotion of park events, including general announcements, distributing literature and one-on-one information sharing.
• Educate park visitors of park rules
• Pick-up litter and maintain park cleanliness.
• Communicate park needs and damaged equipment to supervisor.
• Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities

• Develop and sustain relationships with diverse community groups and individuals.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and as a member of a public service-oriented team.
• Communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Skill in interpersonal conflict/dispute resolution methods.
• Ability to respond to questions and complaints in a courteous and tactful manner.
• Ability to work in all types of weather.
• Maintain punctual, regular and reliable attendance at work, meetings and events is required.
• Ability to work weekends and/or evenings is required.
• Commitment to follow all department and City policies and guidelines.

• One or more years of progressively responsible related experience in the recreation, tourism, or hospitality industry.
• Experience providing in-person service to a diverse public.
• One or more years in social service work, or education in psychology/sociology or counseling.
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

• Candidates must be 18 years old prior to starting work.
• Possess a valid Washington State Driver's License.  Have the ability to drive a city vehicle and evidence of a good driving record.
• Ability to work an alternate schedule that includes evenings and/or weekends.
• Successfully complete a criminal history, child protective services registry, and sex offender record check.
• Current First Aid/CPR Certification.

Contacts

• Contacts may sometimes involve complaint resolution, working with dissatisfied customers, or firmly communicating rules and procedures to uncooperative and antagonistic citizens, enforcing regulations and behavior standards.
• Will have frequent contact and interaction with others representing a variety of roles at various levels of authority inside and outside the organization.
• Contacts will include representatives of the business community, civic and community groups, schools, local government, state agencies, media and the general public.
• All public contacts are to be handled in a calm, non-judgmental manner.

• None

• Accountable for providing excellent customer service at all times.Working Conditions:
• Works primarily at the Artesian Commons.  Will have breaks and office time at The Olympia Center.
• Wears an official uniform that must be worn according to department standards and policy.
• Physical ability to stand for long periods.  May be exposed to the elements.
• Stress associated with angry and/or hostile individuals may occur.