POSITION: Recreation Coordinator
DEPARTMENT: Child and Family Supports
REPORTS TO: Child and Family Supports Manager
WAGE RANGE: $32 -36 / Hourly based on experience and qualification
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Recreation Coordinator supports SȾÁUTW First Nation by planning, coordinating, delivering, and evaluating inclusive recreation, wellness, sport, cultural, and community-based activities for children, youth, families, adults, and Elders. This position promotes physical wellness, social connection, cultural participation, youth engagement, family involvement, and community belonging through safe, accessible, family-centered, and culturally respectful recreation opportunities.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Recreation Coordinator works collaboratively with Child and Family Supports staff, community members, Elders, youth, families, volunteers, and external partners to develop regular programming, seasonal activities, special events, drop-in opportunities, and community initiatives that encourage participation across age groups and strengthen child, youth, family, and community wellness.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Planning and Delivery
· Develop, implement, coordinate, and evaluate year-round recreation, sport, wellness, cultural, and community-based programs for children, youth, adults, Elders, and families.
· Develop annual recreation calendars, seasonal activity schedules, and program plans that respond to community interests, cultural traditions, wellness priorities, participation needs, and available resources.
· Coordinate activities such as sports leagues, fitness classes, youth drop-in programs, after-school and summer programs, camps, workshops, land-based recreation, cultural outings, family events, seasonal activities, and wellness initiatives.
· Monitor participation levels, gather feedback, and adjust programming to strengthen relevance, accessibility, and community engagement.
· Ensure programs are inclusive, age-appropriate, culturally respectful, and aligned with the values and priorities of SȾÁUTW First Nation.
Participant Support, Youth Engagement, and Family Recreation
· Facilitate safe, welcoming, and engaging recreation activities that promote healthy lifestyles, social connection, teamwork, leadership development, and positive peer relationships.
· Support youth leadership, mentorship, skill-building, volunteer opportunities, and positive recreational alternatives through structured and informal programming.
· Promote family participation and intergenerational involvement in recreation activities, cultural programs, and community events.
· Provide guidance, supervision, and support to participants during programs, events, outings, and activities.
· Respond appropriately to participant needs, safety concerns, behavioural issues, and emerging situations in a calm, respectful, and trauma-informed manner.
Community Engagement, Volunteers, and Partnerships
· Build positive and respectful relationships with community members, families, Elders, youth, staff, volunteers, and partner organizations to identify recreation needs, opportunities, and barriers to participation.
· Facilitate community engagement sessions, surveys, informal feedback opportunities, and participant follow-up to inform future programming and service improvements.
· Support volunteer recruitment, orientation, coordination, recognition, and retention for recreation programs and events.
· Build and maintain partnerships with schools, neighbouring First Nations, municipalities, sports organizations, service providers, coaches, facilitators, and community agencies.
· Coordinate collaborative recreation opportunities that expand access to programs, resources, activities, and services for community members.
Events, Cultural Activities, and Traditional Recreation
· Plan and coordinate community celebrations, tournaments, family events, wellness fairs, cultural gatherings, seasonal celebrations, camps, outings, and special initiatives.
· Incorporate traditional teachings, language, cultural activities, land-based learning, and intergenerational opportunities into recreation programming where appropriate.
· Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, cultural staff, and community partners to support culturally grounded recreation and wellness activities.
· Coordinate event logistics, including venue bookings, facility use, equipment, permits, transportation, catering, supplies, set-up, clean-up, volunteer assignments, and participant communication.
· Support community-wide events in collaboration with other departments and ensure activities are organized, safe, welcoming, and culturally respectful.
Facilities, Equipment, and Safety Coordination
· Coordinate the use of recreation facilities, community halls, parks, outdoor spaces, program areas, vehicles, and equipment in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
· Maintain recreation equipment, supplies, and inventories in a safe, clean, organized, and cost-conscious manner.
· Identify equipment, facility, maintenance, and resource needs and report concerns to the appropriate department or supervisor.
· Conduct risk assessments for recreation activities, outings, and events and ensure appropriate supervision ratios, emergency procedures, and participant safety measures are in place.
· Ensure recreation programs comply with applicable organizational policies, safety standards, incident reporting processes, confidentiality requirements, and program procedures.
Budget, Administration, Reporting, and Evaluation
· Assist with the development, monitoring, and administration of recreation program budgets, expenditures, purchase requests, and supply or equipment orders in accordance with approved procurement processes.
· Maintain accurate participant registrations, attendance records, waivers, incident reports, supply lists, program statistics, financial records, and other required documentation.
· Research funding opportunities and support grant applications, reporting requirements, and partnership documentation for recreation initiatives.
· Track program participation, performance measures, outcomes, challenges, and successes to support monthly, quarterly, annual, and funder-related reporting.
· Evaluate program outcomes using community feedback and participation data and recommend improvements to strengthen recreation services.
Communication, Promotion, and Professional Responsibilities
· Develop and maintain recreation calendars, community notices, flyers, promotional materials, newsletter content, and social media requests to increase program awareness and participation.
· Respond professionally to community inquiries regarding recreation programs, services, schedules, registrations, and events.
· Practice culturally safe, trauma-informed, inclusive, confidential, and respectful approaches in all interactions.
· Uphold the values, traditions, and strategic priorities of SȾÁUTW First Nation in all aspects of recreation planning and delivery.
· Participate in staff meetings, training, planning sessions, and professional development opportunities, and contribute to a positive, collaborative, and respectful team environment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position works in a combination of office, community, recreation, outdoor, school, and event-based settings. The role requires frequent interaction with children, youth, adults, Elders, families, staff, volunteers, and external partners. Local travel may be required to support programs, events, outings, facility bookings, supply pick-up, and participant transportation where approved.
The Recreation Coordinator may be required to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or seasonal program periods, to support community events and recreation activities. The position may involve standing for extended periods, lifting and moving recreation supplies or equipment, setting up program spaces, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. The role requires strong attention to safety, confidentiality, respectful communication, and sound judgment when responding to participant needs or program-related issues.
CORE COMPETENCIES
· Strong planning, coordination, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple programs, schedules, events, and priorities.
· Ability to build positive, respectful, and trusting relationships with children, youth, Elders, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
· Cultural humility and respect for Indigenous traditions, community protocols, and culturally grounded approaches to recreation and wellness.
· Strong facilitation and leadership skills, including the ability to create safe, inclusive, and engaging group environments.
· Effective communication skills, including the ability to provide clear instructions, promote programs, prepare written updates, and respond professionally to community inquiries.
· Sound judgment, problem-solving ability, and conflict-resolution skills in dynamic program and event settings.
· Commitment to confidentiality, professional boundaries, participant safety, and ethical practice.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively while demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and accountability.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education
· Diploma, certificate, or related training in recreation, community development, sport and leisure studies, youth work, social services, Indigenous studies, education, or a related field.
· An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience
· Experience planning, coordinating, and delivering recreation, sport, youth, wellness, cultural, or community-based programs.
· Experience working with children, youth, families, Elders, or community members in a recreation, education, social service, or community setting.
· Experience coordinating activities, events, volunteers, schedules, supplies, registrations, transportation, or program logistics.
· Experience working in or with Indigenous communities is considered a strong asset.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
· Demonstrated ability to design, coordinate, deliver, and adapt recreation programs that support children, youth, families, Elders, and community members with diverse interests, needs, and abilities.
· Strong understanding of child, youth, and family-centered service delivery, including the importance of safe, inclusive, culturally respectful, and trauma-informed recreation environments.
· Practical experience supporting group activities, community events, camps, workshops, sports, wellness initiatives, land-based activities, or cultural recreation opportunities.
· Ability to engage participants, encourage positive behaviour, support youth leadership, and foster respectful relationships with families, volunteers, staff, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and partners.
· Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to promote programs, respond to inquiries, prepare notices, and communicate clearly with participants and families.
· Strong administrative and organizational skills, including scheduling, registration, recordkeeping, attendance tracking, supply coordination, basic budget support, and preparation of program updates or reports.
· Proficiency with standard office software, email, calendars, and basic digital communication tools used for program planning, reporting, and promotion.
· Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and respond calmly to changing program needs or unexpected situations.
· Commitment to confidentiality, participant safety, cultural humility, teamwork, accountability, and the overall well-being of SȾÁUTW First Nation children, youth, families, and community members.
PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES
· Valid Class 5 driver’s licence and access to reliable transportation.
· Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification, or willingness to obtain within a reasonable timeframe.
· Clear criminal record check, including vulnerable sector screening, is required for work involving children, youth, Elders, or vulnerable community members.
· FoodSafe Level 1 certification, or willingness to obtain, where food handling is required for programs or events.
· Coaching certification, recreation leadership training, youth leadership training, or sport coaching certification is considered an asset.
· Training in trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, child and youth development, land-based learning, Indigenous wellness programming, conflict resolution, de-escalation, emergency preparedness, or risk management is considered an asset.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
· Knowledge of recreation programming, community wellness, youth engagement, sport activities, event coordination, inclusive program delivery, and family-centered supports.
· Ability to plan and facilitate safe, engaging, age-appropriate, and culturally respectful activities for participants with diverse interests and ability levels.
· Ability to adapt programming to reflect community needs, participation trends, seasonal priorities, and available resources.
· Ability to identify safety risks, follow emergency procedures, maintain appropriate supervision practices, and respond appropriately to incidents or participant concerns.
· Ability to maintain accurate attendance records, registration forms, waivers, incident documentation, program statistics, reports, and basic budget or purchasing information.
· Understanding of confidentiality, participant safety, professional boundaries, and respectful information-sharing practices.
· Understanding of culturally safe, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and community-centered approaches to working with Indigenous children, youth, families, Elders, and community members.
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to encourage participation, support positive behaviour, and maintain respectful program environments.
· Commitment to supporting healthy lifestyles, cultural participation, social connection, family wellness, and the overall well-being of SȾÁUTW First Nation members.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé outlining their qualifications and interest in the position. Please submit all applications attention to SȾÁUTW First Nations Director of Child and Family Services Rose Sam via email to: [email protected]
SȾÁUTW First Nation is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community it serves. In accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants, including Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit candidates.
All applicants are encouraged to self-identify in their application if they choose. Hiring decisions will be made based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs, while supporting SȾÁUTW First Nation’s commitment to Indigenous employment and self-determination.
OTHER FACTORS
Culture/Language
Respect for and working knowledge of the WSÁNEĆ culture and SENĆOŦEN language is required.
Personal Attributes
maintains strict confidentiality in performing their duties and demonstrates the following personal attributes: Respect, Empathy, Strength, Pride and Equality.
Our benefits package includes:
· Medical insurance
· Dental insurance
· Vision insurance
· Long-term disability insurance
· Life insurance
DEADLINE: July 28,2026
Pay: $32.00-$36.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
