Recreation Specialist - Tourism & Festivals

This position is responsible for creating, planning and executing special events for the City of O’Fallon. 

GENERAL DUTIES                                                                  

• Recruits and coordinates a variety of vendors, speakers, entertainers, and service providers for assigned festival events.
• Execute creative and operational logistics in collaboration with internal city departments, incorporating volunteer support when appropriate.
• Plan, develop, implement, and attends festival events and programs, providing onsite oversight to ensure successful execution.
• Serves in Manager‑on‑Duty rotations for assigned multi‑day events.
• Maintains accurate and timely records for special events, including budgets, reports, databases, worksheets, and evaluations.
• Assists with the preparation, monitoring, and administration of assigned event budgets.
• Processes and implements entertainment contracts and vendor applications for all events.
• Provides supervision and direction to part‑time staff and volunteers during event preparation and execution.
• Coordinates volunteer needs and assignments in partnership with Volunteer Services.
• Orders and procures supplies and equipment required for specific programs and events.
• Prepares bid specifications for event‑related supplies and assists with bid development for capital equipment as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned to support the overall success of events and programs.

  POSITION SPECIFICS                                                                                    

• Food Services & Site Logistics
• Coordinates the selection, onboarding, and contracting of food vendors for all events.
• Supports event operations through logistics planning, MOD responsibilities, and coordination with suppliers for assigned events.
• Oversees onsite logistical functions for the O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest, including event layout, vendor placement, supplier communication, and parade‑related support.
• Handles hiring, scheduling, and daily oversight of full‑time and part‑time staff assigned to Celebration of Lights.
• Serves as the onsite operations lead for Celebration of Lights, ensuring smooth nightly operations and adherence to event plans.
• Performs all duties associated with serving as the recording secretary for the Cultural Arts Commission, including documentation and meeting support.

  KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION                             

• Knowledge of festival and event management principles
• Knowledge of city solicitation policies
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices
• Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and contract management
• Knowledge of modern office principles and practices
• Knowledge of computer and job-related software programs
• Skill in supervision of personnel
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions
• Skill in the preparation of clear and precise administrative reports
• Strong public relations, oral and written communication skills.

  SUPERVISORY CONTROLS                                                           

The Tourism and Festivals Manager assign work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.    

  GUIDELINES

         Guidelines include city ordinances, policies and procedures as well as department standards and policies. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

  CONTACTS                                                                                                                                                      

         Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, volunteers, talent and production agencies, business owners and managers, marketing agencies, non-profit organizations, event professionals, destination management companies, vendors, and members of the general public.

         Contacts are typically to provide services; to give or exchange information; to resolve problems; or to motivate or influence people.

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT                                                                          The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while standing, walking, bending, crouching or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.

       The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold, heat or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY                                                        This position has occasional supervision over other part time personnel, interns, and volunteers.

Apply Here: https://ofallon.applicantpro.com/jobs/