Youth Basketball Referee - Winter Season

Have a passion for sports and follow the game of basketball? Looking for a seasonal job between January through March? Games are typically on the weekends with some evening weekday games if necessary. 4 -6 hour shifts.

Basketball games start January 2, 2027. Must be available for training in December.

Closing Date

Open until filled. Candidates that apply by November 01, 2026 will have first consideration.

Salary:

$22.09 - $24.14 per hour. Depending on experience.

To Apply

Complete the online application at https://desmoineswa.applicantpro.com/jobs/and attach a resume.

Nature of Work

The City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department is hiring referees for the upcoming Youth Basketball Season. The Youth Basketball program serves youth in Kindergarten through 6th grade. Basketball referees work under the supervision of the Program Coordinator and in tandem with the Coaches and Scorekeepers to coordinate a successful recreation program.

Schedule

These are extra-hire positions during the basketball season from January through March; the hours vary, are typically from 4 to 20 hours per week, and are dependent upon Des Moines Recreation Youth Basketball program needs.

Essential Job Functions

- Officiates youth basketball games in accordance with rules and procedures for each specific youth basketball division.

- Control games in a confident and appropriate manner.

- Ensure all participants comply with league rules.

- Make calls with confidence and knowledge of league rules.

- Assist in emergency procedures.

- Make sure teams have appropriate equipment, etc.

- Keep records including, but not limited to, incident/accident reports, time cards and communication with the Recreation Manager.

- Assists in putting away chairs, sanitizing, and cleaning up the gym as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

- Previous experience as a referee and working with children and/or teens preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Strong knowledge of the game of Basketball and the Des Moines Recreation Youth Basketball rules and program expectations specific to each youth basketball Division.

- Ability to work in tandem with other referees where appropriate and with scorekeepers and coaches to ensure the game is being managed and played according to league rules.

- Ability to recognize and correct safety hazards.

- Effective oral communication skills with players.

- Ability to maintain control of the game at all times.

- Ability to referee in an instructional manner with players of all ages.

- Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with participants, players, coaches and spectators.

- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds to put away chairs and clean up the gym.

- Ability to work a flexible schedule; hours are subject to change

Special Requirements

- Must be 16 years of age.

- Must obtain First Aid/CPR/AED Card prior to employment.

- Employment is contingent upon passing a criminal history background check.

- Because of the known effects of tobacco use, the City of Des Moines does not hire applicants who use tobacco products.

Work Environment and Physical Abilities

- Indoor work environment. The ability to travel to off-site program locations is required. The position requires the ability to speak and hear to exchange information, sit for extended periods of time, run, bend, stretch and lift up to 50 pounds.

Extra-Hire Employment

- The City defines an "extra-hire employee" as one who is appointed to a position that is not eligible for benefits except those mandated by law or regulations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

- The City of Des Moines is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and all qualified applicants, including all ethnic backgrounds and persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

- In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, an employer is obligated to make a reasonable accommodation only to the known limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability. In general, it is the responsibility of the applicant or employee with a disability to inform the employer that an accommodation is needed to participate in the application process, to perform essential job functions or to receive equal benefits and privileges of employment.

General Information

- The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance the workload.

- The City of Des Moines is a drug-free, tobacco-free workplace.

- The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.