Fresh Listing

Posted: April 6, 2026 (0 days ago)

This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.

Recreation Leader (General Services Department)

City of Detroit

General Services

Fresh

Location

Salary

$34,200 - $34,200

per year

Closes

May 18, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading fun group activities like sports, games, and crafts at city playgrounds, recreation centers, and gyms to engage kids and community members.

It requires organizing events, ensuring safety, and working with volunteers to create welcoming environments.

A good fit would be someone energetic and outgoing with experience in group activities, who enjoys working with people and can handle basic admin tasks.

Key Requirements

  • At least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED
  • Preferred: Two years of college coursework and two years of experience in organized recreational activities
  • Complete basic First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of hire
  • Obtain a valid food handler’s card if needed
  • Knowledge of recreational activity objectives, rules, and equipment
  • Basic Microsoft Office skills for record-keeping and reports
  • Ability to lead groups, ensure safety, and communicate effectively

Full Job Description

GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT - RECREATION DIVISION

RECREATION LEADER

Under general supervision, organizes and directs the recreational activities at a playground or play center or assists in directing such activities at a recreation center.

Requirements

  1. Organizes and directs free play and planned group activities at recreation centers or other recreation facilities, playgrounds, playfields, school facilities and gymnasiums.
  2. Organizes and provides instructions for a variety of group games and activities including, but not limited to, softball, basketball, volleyball, double-dutch, sewing, storytelling, dancing, aerobics, and handicrafts.
  3. Lead a minimum of two directed programs per session.
  4. Directs seasonal recreation personnel, volunteers, enrichment providers, or vendors to assist in conducting recreational activities.
  5. Interprets rules and encourages participation in recreational activities and games.
  6. Arranges social functions with community groups.
  7. Ensures that recreational equipment and apparatus are safe, properly utilized, stored/maintained, and deter inappropriate behavior.
  8. Ensures that groups and/or individuals have valid permits for the use of recreational facilities.
  9. Maintains records and reports of activities.
  10. Attends staff meetings and training sessions.
  11. Monitors recreational activities to ensure adherence to rules and safety procedures.
  12. Administers basic first aid and CPR, if required.
  13. May be responsible for the opening and/or closing of facility in absence of management.
  14. Create a welcoming and safe environment.
  15. Communicate program information, expectations and rules to community members, participants and team members. If needed direct questions or concerns to appropriate people/supervisors.
  16. Set up and break down of activities and events which includes moving tables and chairs and other equipment.
  17. Assist with meal service to children and seniors as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications (required):
  • At least 18 years of age with High School graduation or G.E.D.
Qualifications (preferred):
  • Completion of two years of college coursework, and two years of experience in conducting organized recreational activities required.
Licensing and Certifications
  • Individuals entering this class are required to complete a training course in basic First Aid and CPR within 90 days of hire.
  • Must be eligible and able to obtain a valid food handler’s card.
Equivalency
  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Additional Information

Evaluation Plan
  • Interview: 70%
  • Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
  • Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
Additional points may be awarded for:
  • Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
  • Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

LRD:09/25/2025


Knowledge of:
  • Objectives and purposes of organized recreational activities.
  • Rules and basic use of equipment associated with group games.
  • First aid methods.
  • Basic MS Office skills

Skilled in:
  • Organizing and directing recreational activities and games.
  • Administering basic first aid and CPR.
  • Leading and instructing groups in athletic and other recreational activities.
  • Physical agility.

Ability to:
  • Engage individual and group participants in recreation events and activities.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Interact effectively with departmental personnel and the general public with tact and diplomacy.
  • Disseminate accurate information regarding programs and events in an effective and professional manner.
  • Display initiative and resourcefulness in promoting interest in recreational activities.

Physical Demands
  • This job may involve lifting tables, chairs and other objects needed to properly execute the event. It also involves participating in games and activities with children, adults, and groups. The intensity level of activity can vary from low to high depending on activity.
Work Environment
  • Work is performed within a recreation center or municipal park including playgrounds, swimming pools, gymnasiums and other city facilities and outside areas. Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal conditions.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.


The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class.

Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position.

The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on NEOGOV: 4/6/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/6/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-detroit-5295560