Recreation Program Assistant (Sport & Outdoor Recreation)

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Recreation Program Assistant supports the planning, coordination, delivery, and supervision of sport and outdoor recreation programs, events, and community activations across a variety of municipal facilities, parks, fields, trails, and community spaces. The role assists in delivering a broad range of recreation services, and general interest activities for the community.

The incumbent works both independently and as part of a broader recreation team, exercising sound judgment and initiative within established guidelines. This position provides on-site leadership and operational support to instructors, program staff, and volunteers, and helps ensure programs are safe, organized, responsive, and well-supported. The role also contributes to staff onboarding and training, program readiness, customer service, and day-to-day administrative support.

This position requires practical knowledge of sport and outdoor recreation programming, including participant supervision, safe program set-up, inclusive recreation practices, and outdoor safety best practices. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to adapt to changing conditions, and a commitment to positive participant experiences. A valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence is required, along with the ability to travel between sites and transport program supplies and equipment as needed.

What You’ll Do:
Supports the planning, scheduling, and delivery of sport and outdoor recreation programs, events, and community activations.
Provides on-site support and guidance to instructors, staff, and volunteers.
Assists with staff and volunteer onboarding, training, selection, and evaluation.
Prepares program materials, equipment, and supplies to ensure program readiness.
Assists with program set-up, take-down, and day-to-day operational support.
Responds to participant and public inquiries and supports positive customer service.
Monitors program activities and provides feedback on logistics and delivery needs.
Promotes safe participation by enforcing rules and applying outdoor and recreation safety practices.
Provides minor first aid and escalates complex safety or operational issues as required.
Checks facilities, outdoor spaces, and equipment for safety, security, and maintenance concerns.
Assists with supply ordering, equipment inventory, and basic budget monitoring.
Prepares and maintains program records, reports, correspondence, and promotional materials.
Reviews basic marketing and website content related to programs and events.
Travels between sites and transports supplies and equipment as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Sound knowledge of the social, cultural, sport, fitness, youth and general interest and recreational needs in the Community.
Sound knowledge community recreation principles, practices and objectives.
Working knowledge of the fundamentals of program leadership and recreational instruction.
Working knowledge of the rules, regulations, procedures and policies governing the work and of modern office methods and procedures.
Ability to plan, develop and coordinate programs and activities and to provide leadership and instruction on same subject to a superior’s direction and approval within established program frameworks.
Ability to assist a superior in coordinating and administering the operations of a centre.
Ability to recruit, train and provide onsite supervision to volunteers and contract instructors.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community members, community leaders, community partners and internal contacts.
Ability to prepare and maintain correspondence, records, reports, publicity and promotional material; perform related clerical tasks as required; and to review and edit marketing materials and websites.
Ability to supervise and/or participate in various recreational and social activities.
Skill in the safe and proper use of a variety of equipment used in the programs.

DESIREABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Completion of a two-year program in recreation at a recognized community college and sound related community recreation experience; plus some supervisory or leadership experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES
Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia – Class 5
Standard First Aid Certificate and CPRC.

HOURS OF WORK:
Schedule B Note C & J Evenings and weekends required

EQUITY STATEMENT

At the City of Maple Ridge, we are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive culture that actively values and embraces diversity. We strive to attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce that is broadly reflective of the community we proudly serve. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process by contacting .

WHAT WE OFFER YOU:

The City of Maple Ridge is a great place to work with competitive compensation packages that include the Municipal Pension Plan, a strong employee wellness program and the opportunity for professional career growth and professional development. If you want to help shape a growing community in a municipality that strives for service excellence, then this is the position for you.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration will be contacted.