Youth, Teen, and Family Community Recreation Programmer I

Important Notice: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is hiring a Youth, Teen, and Family Community Recreation Programmer I to plan, implement, coordinate and manage recreational programming for Arlington youth ages 5-18 including camps, after school programs, special events, and late-night programming. Among other youth programs, this position will primarily focus on out-of-school time (OST) programming for teenagers and summer camp programs for elementary age youth. The position will collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners to create a safe, inclusive, and fun environment while ensuring programs meet the needs and interests of participants. This role requires creativity, strong leadership skills, and a passion for working with youth.

Specific duties include:

• Collaborating with unit leadership to establish and maintain a comprehensive Communication and Outreach Plan, including making recommendations for program improvements;
• Supervising permanent and temporary staff, including providing on-site orientation, scheduling, timekeeping, and coaching;
• Collecting, analyzing and utilizing data to evaluate and improve comprehensive programming;
• Identifying and securing location and resources to ensure successful implementation of out of school time youth & teen recreation programming at various Arlington County sites;
• Facilitating and on-site supervision of 2-3 monthly late evening and/or weekend programs;
• Documenting, reviewing, and tracking program expenditures while adhering to purchasing procedures and funds handling;
• Maintaining equipment and supplies inventories, including ordering supplies and reporting equipment repairs;
• Creating and updating marketing materials and web content in compliance with DPR marketing standards; 
• Coordinating and liaising with community groups, inter-agency personnel, advisory boards as well as with participants and parents; and 
• Performing other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will have the following:

• Proven ability to create new programs & maintain current programs appropriate to the needs of participants, budgetary practices and cost recovery principles applied in the public sector; 

• Reading comprehension, writing, proactive problem-solving skills to read technical materials, compose letters or narrative reports; 

• Good character and integrity; 

• Positive communication skills; 

• Reliable transportation; and

• Ability to complete tasks for multiple programs and services concurrently, take initiative, and work successfully in a team environment.

Minimums Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Leisure studies, education, or a directly related field; and 
• Some experience managing youth recreation programs and activities, or experience working with youth ages 5-18 in a recreation/education setting.

Substitution: Additional education may be substituted for experience. Additional experience may be substituted for education.
 
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following: 

• Administering youth & teen recreation programs (ages 5-18) including managing teen out of school time and youth summer camp programs;
• Working with individuals with disabilities and in diverse communities;
• Supervising the work of others; and
• Working in a community recreation setting.

Special Requirements

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. 

Driver’s License: Must possess a valid driver license, or the applicant must have the ability to perform duties at locations other than the primary worksite. If the applicant has a license, they must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Must be available to work after hours and in emergency situations, based on assignment. This position performs activities inside and outside. 

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions.

Additional Information:

Work hours: Full-time 40 hours per week, including late evening and weekend work. Actual schedule is based on the needs of program assignments. Situational telework may be available with supervisor approval and depending on programming season priorities.

The pay range listed above is effective July 1, 2026.

The position is based at Lubber Run Community Center but involves travel within Arlington to other County facilities and the greater metropolitan area to various activities.
 

The official job title is DPR Programmer I (NB). 
 

This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Click here to learn more about our commitment.
 

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