BY ADAM ATKINSONNorth Country This Week

POTSDAM -- The village of Potsdam is seeking candidates for a recreation leader to help run summer programs at Pine Street Arena.

The position would not replace the Village Recreation Director's position currently held by Trey Smutz, Village Mayor Alexandra Jacobs Wilke told North Country This Week. Smutz is still on unpaid administrative leave, confirmed Wilke.

According to the job description for the recreation leader posted on the village website, the qualified candidate would oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of a variety of recreational programs for the village this summer.

The job would begin in April and conclude in August.

"An advertisement has been posted for a part time recreation leader position to help enhance our summer recreation program," Village Administrator Isabelle Gates-Shult reported to the Village Board of Trustees at their regular meeting March 17.

"So this initiative is the result of several discussions with our recreation committee to improve the overall experience of the participants," the administrator said. "So we hope to get some candidates for that."

Gates-Shult said that the village would also soon be recruiting lifeguards and playground leaders for the summer rec program at Pine Street.

"So if you know anyone or you worked with us last year and you'd like to return for another season, you can reach out to the village directly and express your interest. And we have had several people already express interest, so we will be reaching out to those who inquired shortly," she said.

The qualified candidate hired by the village for the recreation leader job would be in charge of day-to-day operations of the summer recreation program, plan indoor and outdoor activities that are age appropriate, maintain required group ratios for the safety of those attending, manage summer camp equipment inventories, maintain a "positive" work environment for those employed at Sandstoner Park for the summer, hire and supervise summer rec staff, oversee summer recreation accounts, and maintain all necessary paperwork and daily records.

The recreation leader would also be charged with planning and coordination duties, and promotion and organization of all summer programs.

To be considered, candidates need an associates degree, or two years full-time experience in conducting recreation activities.

The salary will be $20-$25 an hour depending on qualifications or experience.

To apply, submit your resume, cover letter, and any certifications to the village administrator at igates-shult@vi.potsdam.ny.us.

The deadline to apply is March 28.

To view more about the job visit https://vi.potsdam.ny.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Recreation-Leader-Job-Ad.pdf .