Nucleus Volunteer - City of WatsonvilleAt — City of Watsonville Parks and Community Services Department

Jr. Rec is a community recreation program through the City of Watsonville, Parks and Community
Services Department dedicated to promoting wellness, inclusion, and community connection through
engaging recreational activities and events. As a Jr. Rec, you will play a key role in planning and
supporting programs that encourage active lifestyles, creativity, and social engagement for participants of all ages. Through hands-on experience, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the well-being of our community.

Our volunteers receive comprehensive orientation and ongoing mentorship to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to succeed in their role. You will have the opportunity to assist with event
coordination, facilitate recreational and educational activities, support youth and family programs, and
help with outreach and community engagement efforts.

Our goal is to support your professional development and help you build practical skills in program
planning, leadership, and community service. We are also happy to tailor the internship experience to
align with your personal goals and career growth within the field of parks and recreation.

For our Nucleus program, volunteers' responsiblities will include:

1. Flexible hours (Up to 12 hours/week), Tu Thu, 3:30pm 6:30pm, Fridays, 2pm-6pm, Sat, 11am-6pm
2. Foster a fun, safe, and educational experience
3. Assist with set up and clean up materials
4. Guide children through hands-on experiments and nature-based crafts, while supporting new learning opportunities
5. Ensure safety during activities, encourage participation, and assist workshop leaders with logistics and group coordination

2-3 Service Learner Spots

Learning Objectives and Goals:
By the end of the volunteer opportunity, volunteers will be able to:

• Apply program planning and instructional strategies to support diverse recreational, cultural, or fitness activities for participants of all ages
• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills when engaging with participants, parents, staff, and community partners
• Develop, lead, and evaluate a recreation or community event that promotes wellness, social connection, and community engagement
• Gain professional skills in leadership, teamwork, risk management, and customer service within a recreational or community setting
• Reflect on and articulate their role in promoting inclusion, accessibility, and community well-being through recreation and community services

Core Competency Development:
This role will help participants develop:

• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving:
  • Respond to dynamic event needs by adapting plans, resolving logistical challenges, and ensuring smooth program operations
• Teamwork/Collaboration:
  • Work closely with teammates, staff, and volunteers to coordinate events, set up spaces, and support program success
• Oral/Written Communication:
  • Welcome and guide parents, participants, and visitors while effectively communicating event details and safety information
• Professionalism/Work Ethic:
  • Fulfill assigned responsibilities with reliability and integrity, including setup, cleanup, and adherence to organizational policies
• Leadership:
  • Serve as a positive role model and ambassador for the organization, demonstrating initiative during programs and community outreach
• Global/Intercultural Fluency:
  • Engage respectfully with diverse participants and community members, promoting inclusivity and awareness in all activities

Eligibility:

• Able to read and write in English, Spanish is a bonus
• Open to all majors; no prior job experience required
• Seeking students who are confident with public speaking (class of up to 40 participants), self-motivated, and able to work independently
• Ideal for students pursuing education, psychology, social work, public service, biology, engineering, kinesiology, business administration or marketing