Recreation Program Instructor

Job Description Addendum

Recreation Program Instructor Youth Tennis Program

Program Overview

The Youth Tennis Instructor serves as the lead coach and program facilitator for the departments introductory tennis program for children ages 47 and 812. This program focuses on building fundamental tennis skills coordination and a love for the game in a fun safe and developmentally appropriate environment.

This addendum outlines specific responsibilities expectations and qualifications unique to the Youth Tennis Program and supplements the general Recreation Program Instructor job description.

Program Dates and Compensation

• Season: Rotating

Hours will include scheduled practices staff coordination and limited administrative preparation time.

Essential Duties Tennis Specific

In addition to the duties outlined in the Recreation Program Instructor job description the Tennis Program instructor shall:

Program Development & Instruction

• Develop and implement structured age-appropriate lesson plans for youth ages 47 and 812.
• Introduce and teach fundamental tennis skills including:
  • Grip and basic stroke development (forehand backhand)
  • Hand-eye coordination and movement skills
  • Serving basics (age-appropriate progression)
  • Rallying and simple point play concepts

• Use modified equipment (e.g. smaller racquets low-compression balls shorter courts) to support skill development.
• Organize participants by age and ability level and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Emphasize fun participation effort and sportsmanship over competition.
• Incorporate games and activities that promote coordination balance and engagement.
• Prepare lesson plans in advance and ensure efficient active use of class time.

Supervision & Safety

• Provide direct supervision of participants at all times during program activities.
• Ensure proper warm-up and cool-down activities appropriate for young children.
• Inspect courts and equipment prior to use to ensure a safe playing environment.
• Follow all department safety and risk management protocols.
• Maintain appropriate instructor-to-participant ratios and control of the group.

Program Coordination

• Assist with organizing informal match play or end-of-session activities.
• Communicate basic program structure and expectations to parents/guardians.
• Ensure a smooth flow of activities and transitions during each session.

Communication & Administration

• Serve as a primary point of contact for participants and families during program hours.
• Maintain accurate attendance records.
• Communicate program updates weather cancellations and schedule changes as needed.
• Provide feedback to department staff regarding program success and areas for improvement.

Knowledge Tennis Specific

• Basic rules and structure of tennis especially at the introductory/youth level.
• Age-appropriate teaching methods for children ages 412.
• Fundamental tennis techniques and progressions.
• Safety practices for youth sports and outdoor recreation.

Skills Tennis Specific

• Ability to demonstrate and teach basic tennis skills in a simple engaging way.
• Strong classroom/group management skills for young children.
• Effective communication with both children and parents/guardians.
• Creativity in designing fun active drills and games.

Abilities Tennis Specific

• Maintain a positive energetic and patient teaching approach.
• Adapt instruction to varying attention spans and ability levels.
• Manage a small group in an outdoor setting safely and effectively.
• Physically demonstrate basic tennis movements and activities.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the general qualifications listed in the Recreation Program Instructor job description:

• Previous experience teaching or coaching youth tennis preferred.
• Experience working with children ages 412 strongly preferred.
• Background in physical education youth development or sports instruction preferred.
• Familiarity with beginner tennis progressions (e.g. red/orange ball formats) is a plus.

Work Environment

• Outdoor work environment during summer months.
• Exposure to sun heat and changing weather conditions.
• Typically includes evening or morning program times.

Performance Expectations

The Youth Tennis Instructor is expected to:

• Embody the mission statement/Core Values of Pueblo West Parks and Recreation.
• Foster a fun inclusive and encouraging learning environment.
• Prioritize safety engagement and positive first experiences with tennis.
• Demonstrate patience and enthusiasm when working with young children.
• Represent Pueblo West Parks and Recreation professionally at all times.
• Maintain strong communication with staff participants and families.

Job Summary

The Recreation Program Instructor is responsible for planning organizing and leading safe inclusive and engaging recreation programs for participants of various ages and ability levels. Programs may include youth and adult sports fitness classes enrichment programs cultural engagement activities special interest classes and community events. Instructors serve as representatives of Pueblo West Parks and Recreation and are expected to model professionalism positive leadership and excellent customer service while fostering a welcoming environment for all participants.

Essential Job Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential functions as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following representative duties knowledge and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Plan organize and lead assigned recreation programs in accordance with department standards and objectives.
• Provide instruction supervision and guidance to participants in a safe and supportive manner.
• Adapt activities to accommodate various skill levels ages and abilities.
• Ensure participant safety by enforcing program rules monitoring facilities and equipment and following risk management procedures.
• Set up and clean up program spaces equipment and materials before and after activities.
• Maintain attendance records incident reports and other required documentation.
• Communicate effectively with participants parents/guardians and department staff.
• Provide positive behavior management and conflict resolution when necessary.
• Assist with program promotion evaluations and feedback collection.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and complete required reports.
• Attend staff meetings and required trainings.
• Support special events and other department programs as assigned.

Knowledge

• Basic principles of recreation programming and instruction.
• Age-appropriate teaching and coaching techniques.
• Safety practices and risk management procedures.
• Customer service principles and community engagement practices.

Skills

• Leading group activities in an organized and energetic manner.
• Communicating clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing.
• Managing time effectively and maintaining organized program materials.
• De-escalating conflicts and managing group behavior.

Abilities

• Build positive relationships with participants parents and coworkers.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate leadership enthusiasm and professionalism.
• Adapt quickly to changing situations or participant needs.
• Physically demonstrate activities when required (may include running lifting bending standing for extended periods).
• Work in indoor and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions.

Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education training and experience that provides the above knowledge abilities and skills may be substituted.)

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 years old (16 may be considered for select programs).
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience working with youth adults or community groups preferred.
• Experience in specific program area (sports fitness arts cultural programming etc.) preferred.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe).
• Ability to pass a background check and a drug screen which includes marijuana as a disqualifier.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a part-time seasonal or as-needed position. Hours vary depending on program assignments and may include:

• Weekday afternoons and evenings
• Weekends
• Occasional holidays
• Seasonal programming (spring summer fall winter)

Schedules are determined based on program needs and instructor availability.

Physical Demands

• Must be physically able to engage with children at their level including sitting on the floor standing walking bending and occasionally lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to lead and participate in physical games and activities both indoors and outdoors.

Other Duties

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Pueblo West Metropolitan District is an Equal Opportunity Employer