Recreation Programmer - job 1 of 3

As a Recreation Programmer with the City of Fort Worth, you'll be responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing various recreational, educational, and athletic programs. Your role will include developing mentorship programs, assessing community needs, conducting surveys, and hiring and training staff to ensure that community programs are engaging and beneficial to all participants.

To qualify for the Recreation Programmer position at the City of Fort Worth, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Kinesiology, or a related field, along with two years of relevant experience in community center services or recreational programming. Additional skills in Microsoft Office and experience in social media are preferred.

In the Recreation Programmer role at the City of Fort Worth, you’ll engage in a variety of community programs including youth development initiatives, athletic activities, wellness workshops, and special events for all ages. You’ll focus on creating programming that fosters personal growth, community involvement, and recreational enjoyment.

The Recreation Programmer position at the City of Fort Worth typically requires working Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with occasional Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Given the nature of the programs, flexibility in scheduling is important, including evenings and weekends as necessary.

As a Recreation Programmer with the City of Fort Worth, you will enjoy a competitive compensation package, including 11 paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, a pension plan, and opportunities for professional development to help you grow in your career.

When answering this question, highlight specific examples of programs you've planned, detailing your thought process, the steps you took, and the outcomes achieved. Mention how you assessed needs, collaborated with diverse stakeholders, and ensured participant engagement.

When responding, provide a calm and constructive approach to conflict resolution. Share a relevant experience, detailing how you actively listened to concerns, facilitated discussions, and worked towards a collaborative solution that kept the event on track.

Discuss innovative strategies such as incorporating technology, utilizing social media for promotion, and gathering input directly from the youth to tailor programs to their interests. Emphasize the importance of mentorship and building relationships with participants.

Express your belief in the fundamental role that recreation plays in fostering healthy, connected communities. Point out how programs promote wellness, social inclusion, and personal development, and share any personal experiences that inform your views.

Illustrate your evaluation process by referencing specific metrics or approaches you used to assess success. Discuss how you gathered feedback, analyzed data, and made adjustments to improve the program based on your findings.

Talk about your commitment to creating inclusive environments, mentioning specific actions you’ve taken, such as outreach to underrepresented communities, diverse programming, or training staff in cultural competence to ensure everyone feels welcome.

Identify a particular challenge, what steps you took to address it, and the end result. This could involve budget constraints, low participation rates, or adapting programs in light of unforeseen circumstances.

Outline your approach to promoting a new program through various channels, such as social media, local partnerships, and community events. Highlight your understanding of target audiences and how you would tailor your messaging to meet their interests.

Discuss the essential contributions of volunteers, highlighting how they enhance programs through their skills and community connections. Share any experiences that illustrate effective volunteer management and the positive impact volunteers can have.

Mention specific resources you use to stay informed, such as professional organizations, conferences, webinars, or academic journals. Your response should reflect your dedication to continuous learning and adapting best practices in your programming.