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City hires Ryan Wells as recreation facilities supervisor; staff outline JER hours, positions and hiring needs
Summary
Ryan Wells, the city’s new recreation facilities supervisor, began work at the James E. Russell facility in early June. Commissioners heard staffing needs, part‑time job details, volunteer-staffing ideas and plans for a late‑summer grand opening.
Sandpoint — The Parks and Recreation Commission on June 11 introduced Ryan Wells, the new recreation facilities supervisor, and received a staff update on hiring, hours and programming at the James E. Russell (JER) sports center.
Ryan Wells told the commission he was in his eighth day on the job and has been working on punch-list items, landscaping, programming and partnerships at the JER. “We are looking forward to getting a few things up and running, making sure we’re functioning well, and then having a very large grand opening,” Wells said, adding the city expects a late-summer grand opening date but had not set a firm date.
Staffing and operations
- Positions posted: Wells said the city had posted two part-time counter positions (minimum hire age 16), limited to a maximum of about 20 hours per week and up to $14 per hour, and a youth tennis instructor position. Wells asked commissioners to share the openings with possible candidates.
- Hours: Recent schedules aim for earlier openings in summer (targeting consistent 8 a.m. openings on some days) but current hours vary (examples given included some days 8 a.m.–8 p.m. and others 10 a.m.–8 p.m.). Staff added daily community-play time slots on Wednesday night, Friday night and weekends.
- Volunteers: Wells and staff are exploring a volunteer-staffing program (similar to a local gun-range model) that would allow extended hours while limiting added payroll costs.
- Programming: Wells emphasized the need for staff who can run instructional slots (intro clinics and level assessments) because counter staff cannot simultaneously staff the front desk and run lessons.
Why it matters: hiring and scheduling decisions shape how community members access programming at JER and whether the facility can broaden its user base. Staff said they want to improve membership retention and program offerings before any long-term capital decisions are made.
Ending: Commissioners welcomed Wells and asked staff to circulate job postings and a grand-opening date once it is finalized.
