Federal
Recreation Specialist Community Recreation - Programmer
Commander, Navy Installations Command Β· Department of the Navy
About This Position
Support the Military's Quality of Life programs! The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department of Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) provides fitness, recreation, lodging and food and beverage programs for service members, their families, retired military and civilian employees. This position is assigned to the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Community Recreation Branch; Fleet Readiness; Commander, Navy Installations command (CNIC); NAS Whidbey Island.
Qualifications
Must have a four-year undergraduate degree in Recreation or related subject area and one year of professional experience OR though three years of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade equipping the incumbent with the skills to successfully perform the position's duties. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Planning, organizing, coordinating, supervising, or evaluating community, industrial, outdoor, institutional, or other recreational programs. Planning, establishing, or evaluating a recreational curriculum for junior college or higher academic levels. Instructing in the principles and techniques of recreational program planning and management. Serving in a leadership role in the programs and activities of local, regional, and/or national recreational organizations. Incumbent must possess practical knowledge of goals, philosophy, principles, techniques, and procedures used in managing, organizing, planning, administering facilities and conducting recreational activities. Must be able to utilize a computer and have basic knowledge of software such as Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Power Point, and Internet Explorer). Possesses strong communication skills and ability to communicate to all military personnel, advisory groups, DoD personnel, local community program representatives, and vendors. Have the ability to solve problems, make sound decisions and exercise good judgment with skill, tact and resourcefulness. The incumbent has considerable responsibility for and independence in planning and implementing diverse activities requiring initiative, innovation, and resourcefulness. Incumbent must be skilled and able to perform multiple job duties with limited direction or supervision. Must have general knowledge and skill in developing and executing operating budgets. Incumbent demonstrates knowledge of marketing and promotion techniques motivating and encouraging program participation. Have the ability to evaluate activities, programs, and services to meet patron and organizational goals, objectives, interests, and needs taking corrective action when necessary to meet goals.
Major Duties
Incumbent is responsible for the planning, coordinating, execution and evaluation of a comprehensive monthly calendar of reoccurring and non-reoccurring recreational activities, classes, events, trips, and programs. Recreation activities include but are not limited to special events, seasonal programs, and ongoing daily activities; including instructional classes, contests, trips and tournaments. Incumbent prepares for these programs by ordering the needed supplies, equipment, transportation, marketing support and making appropriate contacts and arrangements for the success of the programs. Arranges for space set up, audio-visual and other equipment and coordinates with managers when additional staff is needed to make a program successful. Prepares and provides a detailed program event plan for each activity, class, trip, and event to include detailed event notes, budget, staffing plan, after action report, etc. Decorates and sets up for activities/programs and ensures where activities are held are cleaned up both prior to and after events. Works closely with program management and marketing to promote programs that are being planned and implemented. Uses creative techniques to encourage/attract patrons to participate. Coordinates with the installation marketing representative/sponsorship coordinator identifying commercial sponsorship opportunities in support of the program. Incumbent captures metrics and evaluates programs. Evaluates effectiveness of program delivery based on user metrics, surveys, interactions with patrons and ICE comments. Uses data to make recommendations and modification to the program. Conducts focus groups in order to determine future programs. Prepares and submits required monthly reports and metrics for area of responsibility. Prepares, justifies and monitors the execution of the annual NAF and APF operating budget. Reviews financial reports, compares to budget and provides execution explanation for higher level review. Researches and prepares purchasing documents in support of equipment/program funding. Ensures all facilities and activities associated with the program meet established fire, safety, security and sanitation guidelines. Identifies and communicates repairs related to facility and equipment maintenance deficiencies to the appropriate representatives. Takes timely action to correct deficiencies through coordination with local agencies. Incumbent may be required to act in a lead capacity, training, directing and assigning work, preparing work schedules and assisting supervisor with timekeeping responsibilities for Recreation Assistants, Guides, and Motor Vehicle Operators. Provides necessary on the job training for staff as required and provides input to the manager on employee performance. Recruits, trains and manages volunteers, special interest groups and interns associated with programs in area of responsibility. Maintains documentation and ensures procedures are in place for managing special interest groups, volunteers and interns associated with the program. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education
Must have a four-year undergraduate degree in Recreation or related subject area* and one year of professional experience OR three years of specialized subject experience equivalent to the next lower grade. *Related field includes Outdoor Recreation, Recreation and Parks Leadership, Wild Land Management, Natural Resources Recreation, Youth Recreation, Public, Urban, or Community Recreation, special populations recreation (e.g. senior citizens, institutional, etc.), or Physical Education. ** If claiming education in place of specialized experience you must upload your transcripts at the time of application in order to be considered for this position **
How You Will Be Evaluated
All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement, and will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine the level of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of KSAs will be used for each resume. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.
Additional Information
Salary is dependent on experience and/or education. Some positions have special requirements. Selectee may be required to complete a one (1) year probationary period. Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required. We utilize E-Verify to confirm selectee's eligibility to work in the United States. This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 60 days of issuance of selection certificate. For positions requiring travel more than twice per year, selectee may be required to obtain and maintain in good standing a Government-issued Travel Card for official government travel purposes. Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.
How to Apply
TTo be considered for this vacancy you must apply and complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. When building or uploading your resume, please note there is a two-page limit. The system will restrict any attempts to submit a longer document. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/04/2026 to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12886337. It is your responsibility to ensure your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=ApplicantTo verify or check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account. Once logged in, the Welcome screen lists your applications, your application status and the date it was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status DON is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, reprisal, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor. The DON provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who believe they may require reasonable accommodation(s) should email their request to [email protected] to ensure proper consideration is given.
Required Documents
The following documents are required at the time of application: ReΜsumeΜ: Resume limited to 2 pages showing relevant experience (cover letter optional). For more guidance about the 2-page limit on resumes, visit here: Resume Requirements. Proof of education/training: if applicable, provide a copy of your awarded/conferred college transcript(s), if degree hasn't been conferred provide copy of HS Diploma, GED, or equivalent If claiming Department of Defense (DOD) Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Business Based Action (BBA) priority consideration: provide a copy of the notice of separation If claiming Military Spouse Preference: provide a copy of the sponsor's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and a marriage certificate at the time of application If a current or former Federal Employee: provide a copy of your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50 Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRNW Installations. This applies to everyone, including the following: but not all inclusive: Vendors Dependents aged 18 and older Service Providers Veterans with service-connected disabilities Contractors Visitors (includes visitors in same vehicle with CAC holder) Transportation services (taxi, limo, ride share) Agent, Assist, Aid, Care Giver Letters Au Pairs, Child Care Providers What are acceptable alternative forms of identification for base access? If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you can use one of the following: U.S. passport or passport card Military ID card (Common Access Card or CAC, DoD retired ID card) Permanent resident card (Green Card) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) Other forms of identification accepted by the Department of Homeland Security How can I obtain a REAL ID-compliant license? To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you'll need to visit your state's driver's license agency with the following documents: Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport) Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card) Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bills, bank statements) Please follow the link below for more information in regards to READ ID for base access:https://cnrma.cnic.navy.mil/Operations-and-Management/Base-Access/REAL-ID-Act/The following documents are required at the time of application:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Recreation Specialist Community Recreation - Programmer position at Commander, Navy Installations Command?
The salary range for this position is $27 - $30/hr. This is a NF-3 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Recreation Specialist Community Recreation - Programmer job located?
This position is located in Oak Harbor, Washington. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Must have a four-year undergraduate degree in Recreation or related subject area and one year of professional experience OR though three years of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade equipping the incumbent with the skills to successfully perform the position's duties. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: P...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 4, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does NF-3 mean?
NF-3 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.