Recreation Programmer I (Adapted Recreation)

Requisition ID: 47421 

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function
This Recreation Programmer I – Access and Inclusion is responsible for assisting a supervisor in the development, coordination and implementation of adapted and accessible recreation programs and events for people with disabilities. The Recreation Programmer I is a position that works Citywide across departments and facilities to support the creation and expansion of programs that meet the needs of persons with disabilities, their families and networks. They actively uses their experience and expertise to help reduce barriers to participation. 

The Recreation Programmer I is required to plan, organize, evaluate, and report on assigned recreation programs, activities, and special events to ensure successful participation by people of all abilities. In addition, the Recreation Programmer I develops specific strategies to allow for the successful participation of people with disabilities into recreation programs across the city and provide training to staff on Disability Acceptance and Awareness. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists a superior in identifying and reporting on community recreation needs, with a specific focus on programs that support participation for persons with disabilities, their families and networks
• Makes recommendations on the development, implementation and discontinuation of recreation programs and events.
• Assumes responsibility for coordinating and directing routine recreational programs for persons with disabilities, and supporting the successful participation of people with disabilities into recreation programs across the city
• Provides information regarding the community recreation program to interested groups and individuals.
• Leads or instructs the public in various adapted recreation activities, including existing and new programs
• Participates in recruiting, instructing and directing group leaders, part-time staff and volunteers; and oversees the work of other full-time and part-time staff involved in approved recreation programs.
• In consultation with a superior, supports the development and leadership of staff training on Disability Acceptance and Awareness
• In consultation with a superior, arranges for and schedules space within the assigned facilities or area.
• Monitors programs, keeps statistical records and prepares narrative evaluation of programs.
• Maintains a variety of routine operating and administrative records and assists in overseeing collection of and accounting for admissions and fees.
• Initiates requisitions for materials and equipment for the approval of a superior and makes recommendations for the disposal of unsafe, worn or obsolete equipment.
• Prepares publicity material for the promotion of special programs and events.
• Enforces rules and regulations and deals consistently and tactfully with groups or individuals who fail to observe these.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience

• Completion of post-secondary diploma or degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related discipline and some related experience in adapted recreation including working with individuals who have developmental and/or physical disabilities in a community setting or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience training and leading staff teams an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of the philosophy and objectives of a planned community recreation program.
• Working knowledge of best practices for accessible, adapted, and supported recreation programming
• Working knowledge of resources (positive support strategies, staff, equipment, and facilities) required for adapted/accessible programs and services
• Some knowledge of the policies of the Board of Parks and Recreation as applied to community recreation
• Some knowledge of the fundamentals of program leadership and recreational instruction
• Knowledge and ability to work with MS Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• High level interpersonal and verbal communication skills including skills in influencing people, conflict resolution, problem solving, critical incident management, negotiation and working effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to recruit, instruct, assign and review the work of recreational personnel as it relates to persons with disabilities and/or behavioural challenges
• Ability to maintain statistical, financial and clerical records and write reports
• Skill in the use of recreational equipment and the performance of various recreational activities.

A Police Record Check is a requirement of this position.  A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.

Drivers License and Record Checks

• A current and valid Class 5 BC Driver's License required.
• The license must not include any restrictions that would affect the ability to legally and safely carry out job responsibilities.
• Local area travel is a requirement of this position and must meet the operational requirements of the Parks Board.

Candidates must attach the following records and satisfy the City’s driving requirements to be considered for this role:

• Copy of your five-year ICBC Commercial Driver’s Abstract (N Print) directly from ICBC dated within 14 days of this posting
• Copy of your five-year ICBC Driver’s Claims History directly from ICBC within 14 days of this posting
• If you have less than five years driving experience in BC, a request must be made for out of province/country abstract and claims history

Business Unit/Department: Board of Parks & Recreation (1400)   

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Parks  

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: November, 2026 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-018: $35.09 to $41.31 per hour

Application Close: November 8, 2026

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).More about unceded traditional territories

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.