Recreation Program Specialist

If you are committed to public service, enjoy collaborating with others, share our values and have a desire to learn and grow, join The City of Calgary. City employees deliver the services, run the programs and operate the facilities which make a difference in our community. We support work-life balance, promote physical and psychological safety, and offer competitive wages, pensions, and benefits. Together we make Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life.

The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

As a Recreation Program Specialist, you will work as part of a talented and dedicated team to provide programs and services for citizens of Calgary that enrich their lives through physical activity, creativity, and wellness opportunities. Primary duties include:

• Research and analyze current trends; develop, design, implement, supervise, promote, and evaluate programs for customers in an assigned portfolio area; participate in program product teams and support quality assurance initiatives.
• Interview, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate program staff and volunteers.
• Address customer concerns, questions, requests, and suggestions related to programs and services.
• Foster relationships with the general public, customers, sport organizations, community partners, and other partners.
• Monitor program budget and generate procurement reports.
• Identify equipment/supply needs, ensure cleanliness of program spaces, provide safety checks of equipment, and coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs.

Qualifications

• A completed 2 year diploma in Kinesiology, Recreation, Education, Social Work, Physical Education, Physical Literacy, Fine/Performing Arts, or a related field and at least 3 years of experience including staff supervision, recreation program development and evaluation; OR
• A degree in Kinesiology, Recreation, Education, Social Work, Physical Education, Physical Literacy, Fine/Performing Arts, or a related field and at least 2 years of including staff supervision, recreation program development and evaluation.
• Current Intermediate First Aid certification (equivalent to Standard First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) level "C", and Automated External Defibrillator (AED)) is required.
• A valid Class 5 Driver's License (or provincial equivalent) and a personal vehicle for business use is required.
• Experience programming in fitness, sport, day camps, preschool and adaptive recreation are considered as assets.
• Success in this role requires the ability to engage people from diverse backgrounds, excellent collaboration and customer service skills, reliable judgement and adaptability.
• Ability to work well with minimum supervision and as an effective team member.
• Strong program administration, organization, and planning abilities, along with well-developed interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.

Pre-employment Requirements

• A security clearance will be conducted.
• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.

Position and Pay Information

• Business Unit: Recreation and Social Programs
• Union: CUPE Local 38
• Position Type: 2 Permanent and 1 Temporary (Up to 22 months)
• Compensation: Pay Grade 9 $41.49 - 55.51 per hour
• Hours of work: Standard 35 hour work week.
• Days of work: This position works a 5-day work week with 1 day off in a 3 week cycle.
• Location: 2000 Southland Drive SW
• Audience: Internal/External
• Apply By: November 12, 2026
• Job ID: 315530