Recreation Programmer

General Purpose
 

The City of Whitefish is actively recruiting for a full-time Recreation Programmer to join our Parks and Recreation Department.  We welcome your inquiries and encourage you to apply!  If you have a passion for serving the public sector, this may be the perfect fit for you.

 

One of the fastest growing cities in Montana, Whitefish is consistently rated one of the best small towns in America and was named one of the top 25 ski towns in the world by National Geographic. It is located on the shores of Whitefish Lake and the base of Big Mountain – home to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Whitefish also boasts over 36 miles of natural surface single-track mountain biking and hiking trails with 10 trailheads, golfing, world class dining, two professional live theater companies, and is only thirty minutes from Glacier National Park.

Starting pay is likely $25.07 – $26.59 per hour depending on experience.
 
Benefits of working for the City of Whitefish include:

Health, Dental, Orthodontic, and Vision Insurance (FY26 the City pays 81.04% of monthly premium, employee pays 18.96% of monthly premium pre-tax)
Generous employer contribution toward Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for those who choose the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) 
Free annual biometric screening – Employee and spouse/partner can earn up to $200 incentive for participation
City Wellness Program – City pays $30 per month to employees to use toward wellness
Corporate rate membership to The Wave health club (billed to City and deducted through payroll)
Montana Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) – includes employer and employee contributions
15 days of paid vacation earned per year (starting)
12 days of paid sick leave earned per year (starting)
12.5 paid holidays per year
One paid personal day per year (8 hours)
$25,000 employer paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Life Insurance Policy for employee and $5,000 for spouse/dependents.  Voluntary life is available to employee, spouse/partner, and dependents, monthly premium paid by employee.
125 Cafeteria Plans – Optional Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA)
Free Employee Assistance Program – 6 free counseling sessions per issue, per person in household 
Optional Deferred Compensation Plan (457) – Pretax and Roth Available
Optional Aflac Plans including Accident, Short-Term Disability, Cancer, Hospital and Critical Illness
May be eligible for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Plan (PSLF) – click here to learn more and to understand your eligibility
City paid continuing education, training and development (as approved by supervisor and City Manager)
FMLA – up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year (rolling calendar year) available after working 1250 hours within previous 12 months and employed for 12 months for qualifying events. Accrued leave utilized concurrently.
Bereavement Leave – up to 5 paid days off for death of immediate family member
Jury & Witness Duty Leave
Military Leave
15% -20% discount on Verizon voice plans and select data plans
T-Mobile exclusive offers with Work Perks – 15% off the Go5G Plus or Go5G Next rate plans
AT&T discounts also available
Parks & Recreation After School and Summer Day Camp services provided at no cost to employees
Whitefish Workforce Assistance Program – designed to help full-time, part-time and seasonal equivalent employees to successfully live and work in the Whitefish area by providing rental assistance – click  here to learn more and understand your eligibility.

APPLY BY: This recruitment will remain open until filled. For assistance with online application process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 406-863-2464 or email HR@cityofwhitefish.gov.
  
EOE-AA-M/F-VET-DISABILITY

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Conceptualizes, plans, implements, and supervises community recreation program activities including, but not limited to organized recreational sports, cultural arts, physical fitness activities, special interest classes, special event development, and administrative duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of the Parks and Recreation Coordinator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervises Recreation Assistant, seasonal recreation staff, instructors, and volunteers.
 
Job Duties
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The list of tasks is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by the Recreation Programmer. The following duties are typical for this classification and are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

This position serves an important role in the operations of the City and requires a consistent and dependable presence during assigned hours of work. It is expected that every employee should be on time, fully prepared, every day that the employee is scheduled to work.

Coordinates seasonal recreation staff in the implementation of recreation programs.

Supervises classes, workshops and activities for persons engaged in recreation programs and co-sponsored programs.

Selects, plans and implements recreational sports programs through developed curriculum, cultural arts, physical fitness activities, tournaments, and special interest activities.

Responds to public inquiries about recreation programs made by telephone and correspondence.

Coordinates with the Parks and Recreation Operations Specialist regarding logistics, marketing, and guidelines of programs.

Assists with day-to-day duties and responsibilities of communicating with the public, facility rentals, receiving/processing registrations, and accounts payable.

Purchases supplies for recreation programs.

Works a flexible schedule including evenings and some weekends.

Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community partners.

Evaluates recreational programs and develops new programs in response to community need. Surveys community needs and participant’s feedback.

Solicits contracts with vendors/providers.

Maintains positive public relations.

Must be able to work with minimal supervision.

Maintains related records and statistics for programs and personnel.

Maintains a clean and safe working environment for all employees.

Other duties as assigned.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

Assists in the selection of seasonal staff.

Involved in professional organizations, e.g. NRPA and MTRPA.

Attends professional development training workshops.

Serves as a member of various employee committees as assigned.
 
Desired Minimum Qualifications
 

Education and Experience:

 

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Parks, Recreation Tourism Management, or a closely related field, AND
Two (2) years recreation experience.
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
 Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

 

Considerable knowledge of recreation philosophy, planning and administration;  
Considerable knowledge of the equipment, facilities, operations and techniques used in a comprehensive community recreation program;
Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment;
Certified in First Aid and CPR
General knowledge of various social medias
Ability to develop, coordinate, and direct varied activities involved in a community recreation program; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies, participants, instructors, community leaders, and the general public; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to plan and supervise the work of paid staff and volunteers.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

Valid State of Montana driver’s license or ability to obtain one. First Aid and CPR certification.

 
Supplemental Information
 

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Personal computer, including word processing and registration software; calculator; copy and fax machine; phone; mobile or portable radio; automobile; various sports equipment used in recreation programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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 frequently required to walk, sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the 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.

The employee must have the ability to be physically active for extended periods of time on a daily basis. Operates at various work sites throughout the day on a seasonal basis. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions and may occasionally be subjected to wet, cold, humid and/or icy conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet while in the office, and moderately loud when in the field.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; 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 or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Whitefish is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Human Resources Director. The City of Whitefish does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, creed, political idea, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity and/or expression in its hiring or employment practices.
 
Employer
City of Whitefish
Address
PO BOX 158

Whitefish, Montana, 59937
Phone
406-863-2407

Website
http://www.cityofwhitefish.gov