Recreation Coordinator - Special Events

City of Lacey, WA

$75K — $89K *
Lacey, WA 98503In-Person
Hospitality & Recreation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Administration or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Two (2) years of recreation program planning experience if holding an Associate's degree.
  • Four (4) years of recreation program planning experience if holding a High School Diploma or GED.
  • Must maintain a valid Washington State driver's license or provide own transportation.
  • First Aid and CPR Certification required or ability to obtain before programs begin.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in planning and implementing year-round recreation events.
  • Organize facilities, supplies, and equipment for recreational programs.
  • Prepare policies for program areas, including events and facilities.
  • Evaluate programs and facilities through surveys and staff performance reviews.
  • Supervise, direct, and schedule part-time staff and volunteers.
  • Monitor and maintain park facilities as needed.
  • Promote programs and events effectively to ensure community engagement.

Benefits

  • 100% employer-paid medical insurance for employees and 90% for dependents.
  • Comprehensive dental and vision plans with low copays.
  • Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability, and AD&D coverage.
  • 96 hours of vacation and 11 paid holidays per year.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continuing education and career development.
Full Job Description
Salary: $6,303.27 - $7,492.61 Monthly
Location : 420 College Street SE, Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:
Department: Parks, Culture & Recreation
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

BASIC PURPOSE
Reporting to the Recreation Supervisor, and under general direction, the Recreation Coordinator assists in planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating the City of Lacey recreational programs, facilities and events. This position is also responsible for duties which include, but are not limited to, monitoring and maintaining park facilities; publicizing programs and events; and supervising a variety of temporary staff and volunteers.

During summertime this position will work evenings to accommodate the event schedule, which can be up to three (3) to four (4) evening events per week.

Please note:The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time.

First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for August 27, 2026.


Second round interviews are tentatively scheduled for September 10, 2026.

*This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.*

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
These duties include but are not limited to the following:
  • Assists with the organization and implementation of year-round recreation events or facilities programs under the direction of Recreation Supervisor. Researches new programs and interests and improves existing programs or events in order to meet community needs.
  • Arranges appropriate facility, supplies, and equipment for recreational programs, events or rentals.
  • Assists with preparing policies for program area (programs, events and/or facilities).
  • Evaluates quality of programs, staff, and facilities through participant surveys, personal

site visits, and staff performance evaluations.
  • Supervises, directs, and schedules part-time staff, volunteers, and interns. Responsible for hiring temporary staff and volunteers that reflect the mission and goals of the City, conducting performance evaluations as needed and setting consistent expectations based on the assigned duties.
  • Monitors and maintains facilities as needed and assigned.
  • Publicizes programs, events and facility information in a clear, timely, and accurate manner. Ensures favorable public response to programming communications and stable or increasing program participation. Assists with researching marketing and program area trends and efficiencies (programs, events and/or facilities).
  • Assists other Parks, Culture and Recreation staff during peak program registration periods so that all customers are helped quickly and efficiently.
  • Maintains records such as program events or facility revenues and expenditures, registration and attendance records, and staff schedules and timesheets.
  • Performs similar and incidental duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Administration or related field.
OR
An Associate's Degree in Recreation Administration or related field AND two (2) years of experience in recreation program planning.

OR
A High School Diploma or GED AND four (4) years of experience in recreation program planning.
*May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute for the above requirements.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S)
  • Must pass a thorough background investigation and successfully complete pre-employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation
  • Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures and techniques.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the City and the City's insurance carrier OR must be able to provide own transportation to and from job, meetings, and related job sites.
  • Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
  • Must have a valid First Aid and CPR Certification or have the ability to obtain before programs begin.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
  • Methods and techniques used to evaluate service, policy, and program effectiveness.
  • Techniques, principles, methods, and practices of budget preparation and monitoring, grant writing, solicitation, and monitoring.
  • Recreation Administration, programs and event planning.

Skill In:
  • Researching, preparing, and writing effective documents, reports, press releases, and presentations for a variety of audiences using an assortment of communication methods and multi-media technology.
  • Greeting the public with the conveyed message of willingness to "help" and explains all program information readily and thoroughly.
  • Taking the time to ensure the message is easily understood.
  • Conveying a positive and professional image of the City and the Parks, Culture and Recreation Department.
  • Advertising for recreational programs and events in a creative, clear, and accurate manner.

Ability to:
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationship with the public, diverse community groups, City employees, and professional peers.
  • Plan, organize, and manage a diverse recreational program and develop short- and long-range plans for the City's recreational program in assigned area.
  • Effectively lead part-time and seasonal employees, and volunteers and contractors so that departmental policies are followed; volunteers and contractors are performing at a high level; and few complaints are received regarding service.
  • Effectively publicize recreational programs and events in a creative, clear, and accurate manner.
  • Develop and monitor a Parks, Culture and Recreation budget in assigned area that is responsive to available revenues and public interests.
  • Lead, mentor and coach part-time employees in a manner consistent with the policies and practices of the City.
  • Look for opportunities to build trust and be willing to provide reasons why; follow up on answers and research more data if needed; demonstrate a willingness to be helpful and to accommodate another's needs.
  • Demonstrate good verbal and non-verbal behavior to show an open, accepting attitude.
  • Greeting the public with the conveyed message of willingness to "help" and explains all program information readily and thoroughly.
  • Portraying an image of knowledge, confidence, professionalism, fairness, and caring.
  • Maintaining a clean and professional appearance.

The City of Lacey understands the importance of benefits and offers a competitive and full benefits package for all regular full-time employees.

Generally, represented employees may receive some, or all, of the benefits listed below, based on their union contracts. Those employees should consult their union agreements for specific information about their benefits, which can be found on the City web page This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 618-L.

Medical Insurance Benefits:
  • Medical - Choice of Regence BlueShield (PPO) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO) plans offered through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Trust.
The employer pays 100% of employee's monthly premiums and 90% of qualified dependent/domestic partner's premiums.
  • Vision - VSP with low co-pays
  • Dental - Choice of Willamette or Delta Dental plans and orthodontia coverage.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Program that provides resources to employees, their immediate family (including dependent children) and anyone living in the employee's household. The EAP can provide help with matters such as stress/anxiety, parenting, grief, workplace issues, legal services, financial services, and more.
Life Insurance & Long Term Disability & Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Employer paid life insurance plan
  • Employer paid long term disability plan
  • Employer paid accidental death and dismemberment plan
Leave Benefits:
  • 96 Hours of Vacation on Accrual Basis (increasing with years of service)
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • 2 Floating Holidays
  • 8 Hours Sick Leave Accrued per Month
  • Jury Duty/Military Leave
  • Bereavement Leave

*All benefits and accruals are outlined in the collective bargaining agreement found here:

Investment and Retirement Programs:
  • State retirement pension plan - Includes employer paid contributions to the State of Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
  • 457 Deferred Compensation (voluntary)- two options MissionSquare and DRS
  • Social Security benefit (for Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) covered staff) - Our Employee Benefits include employer paid contributions to Social Security and Employees pay the employee portion of Social Security tax.
  • HRA/VEBA plan- A designated monthly amount (a City and/or employee contribution) is paid into a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account. An HRA is a type of health plan savings account for your family's medical care expenses and premiums, which can be accessed during employment with the City or saved and used at separation or retirement.
  • 1% Benefit - Employer provides a 1% contribution of your monthly salary pre-tax towards two options; 1) applied to insurance premium amount owed for dependent coverage or invested into a 457 deferred compensation account; OR a cash disbursement amount applied to your check monthly but the amount is taxed.
Voluntary Benefits:
  • Optional plans for additional life insurance, disability, and accident coverage
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan - employees can contribute pre-tax contributions toward IRS allowed, qualifying medical and/or daycare expenses.
Wellness Program:
  • The City has a robust employee Wellness program that offers a variety of resources and activities for employee well-being.
Flexible Working Arrangements:
  • In recognition of Commute Trip reduction efforts, the City of Lacey provides flexible and alternative work schedules for many of our workforce positions.
  • City Hall is within minutes driving from I-5 Exit 108, and within walking/biking distance from Park and Ride Transit Martin Way Location and the Chehalis Western Trail.
Tuition Reimbursement:
  • The City promotes a learning environment and encourages opportunities for employees to continue to grow in their positions and careers. The City offers tuition reimbursement (as outline in City Personnel Policies) for eligible employees.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF):
  • Employees are also eligible to apply to The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This program is a United States government program that was created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 to provide indebted professionals a way out of their federal student loan debt burden by working full-time in public service.
*Note: Regular part-time employees may be eligible for pro-rated benefits (medical/dental/vision) depending on the hours of work assigned to the position. Their spouses and dependents are not eligible for health insurance coverage.
01

INSTRUCTIONS: Please read the following instructions before you proceed in responding to the supplemental questions below. Answers to the supplemental questions will be evaluated by subject matter experts. You must answer each question in its entirety for it to be considered as a complete answer. You must also answer the remainder of these questions as truthfully and as accurately as possible.Please do not refer to your resume or other attached documents, or copy and paste information from your resume or other attached documents, in lieu of answering any questions or completing the application. Your responses must be typed in the space provided for each question. Your responses may be assessed in subsequent examinations, and any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration may result in disqualification from the examination process and possible elimination from future employment opportunities with the City of Lacey. As part of the interview process, you may be invited to come in and perform a work assessment prior to interviews related to the duties of this position. Please note that the work experience section must be completed.Please indicate "yes" to show that you have read these instructions and understand that your application may be considered incomplete if any of the above criteria are not met.
  • Yes
  • No

02

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Are you at least 18 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No

03

A high school diploma or G.E.D. is required at the time of application. Do you have a high school diploma or G.E.D.?
  • Yes
  • No

04

Please select the option that best describes how you meet the required qualifications for this position:
  • BA
  • AA + two (2) years of experience
  • HS + four (4) years of experience

05

This position will be working primarily with special events. What do

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