Recreation Specialist (Program Assistant)

Job Description

Job Description

GROW AND THRIVE

Do you want to serve your community? Are you a team player? Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment? If you said yes to any and all of these, then we want you to be a part of the San Bruno Senior Services Team!

WHAT WE OFFER

• Flexible work schedules
• Position for all levels of experience
• Fast-paced, fun work environment

GENERAL INFO

Under general supervision, the Recreation Specialist assigned as Program Assistant supports the planning, coordination, implementation, promotion, and evaluation of recreation and enrichment programs at the San Bruno Senior Center. Working in support of the Program Coordinator, the Program Assistant helps move programs from concept to completion by coordinating program details, preparing materials and spaces, communicating with instructors, volunteers, participants, and vendors, maintaining accurate records, and providing on-site program support.

The position exercises sound judgment within established policies and procedures, delivers responsive customer service, and helps maintain a safe, organized, inclusive, and welcoming environment for older adults and other community members. This position does not have formal supervisory authority. Performs other duties as assigned.

This assignment is distinguished from front desk and facility attendant functions by its primary focus on recreation program support and implementation. The Program Assistant works under the direction of the Program Coordinator or other assigned supervisor regularly, completes defined program tasks independently, but does not hold responsibility for division-wide program strategy, personnel supervision, contract approval, budget authority, or final policy decisions.

UNIVERSAL POSITION DUTIES (Illustrative purposes only)

• Organize, inventory, and maintain facility materials and equipment. 
• Assist in organizing and supervising recreational programs in any one or more of the following areas: children, adults, senior citizens, and participants with special needs at playgrounds, community centers, and other recreational areas. 
• Open, close, and secure facilities, including locking gates and setting alarms. 
• Set up and tear down tables, chairs, and equipment according to event/program requirements. 
• Perform light maintenance and cleaning tasks to ensure facility safety and upkeep. 
• Enforce policies, maintain discipline, and provide customer service to patrons. 
• Monitor and report facility issues and potential hazards. 
• Assist with special events and activities as needed. 
• Respond to and resolve patron inquiries and complaints. 
• Participate in safety training and emergency procedures. 
• Monitor facility rentals and provide customer service as needed. 
• Lift and move, routinely and regularly, up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lifting and/or moving over 60 pounds. Duties also include repetitive pushing; pulling; crawling; climbing; and prolonged periods of standing, lifting above the shoulders, working off a ladder, manual dexterity, and maintaining good vision and hearing. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PROGRAM ASSISTANT (Illustrative purposes only)  

• Assist the Program Coordinator with organizing, implementing, and evaluating programs.
• Coordinate assigned program details with entertainers, vendors, volunteers, community partners, participants, and City staff.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Program Coordinator by preparing, reviewing, organizing and maintaining program materials and logistics documents, including room layouts, rosters, handouts, surveys, signage, and day-of schedules. Demonstrate an understanding of program requirements by ensuring materials are accurate, organized, and ready for successful implementation.
• Provide on-site program support, including preparing activity areas, setting up supplies and equipment, welcoming participants and instructors, monitoring activities, and assisting with cleanup.
• Draft program descriptions, flyers, newsletter content, email notices, and other outreach materials using established City standards and approval processes.
• Maintain accurate registration, attendance, waitlist, volunteer, and program records and assist with routine reports and participation summaries.
• Monitor program operations, participant needs, and safety conditions; address routine concerns and promptly refer sensitive or unresolved matters to supervisory staff.
• Support volunteers by communicating assignments, providing task direction, and answering routine questions without exercising formal supervisory authority.
• Provide courteous and inclusive customer service and help maintain a safe, organized, accessible, and welcoming environment.
• Assist with facility operations, special events, registrations, point-of-sale transactions, and other program or departmental needs as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• Two years of customer service or service in the recreation industry experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to organize multiple assignments, communicate effectively, maintain accurate records, use standard office and registration software, and work independently within established procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with older adults, volunteers, instructors, coworkers, community partners, and members of the public.

Special Requirements

• Ability to obtain a current First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Ability to obtain a current California Food Handler Card.
• Ability to obtain a current Driver’s License and clean driving record is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Work in outside weather conditions, potentially being exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic and/or caustic chemicals.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, and moderately loud when in the field.
• Ability to work variable hours, including mornings, late evenings, holidays, and weekends.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Frequent walking, sitting, talking, or hearing.
• Use of hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms to climb or balance. 
• Routinely and regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move over 60 pounds.

HOW TO APPLY 

Applications must be submitted online at BambooHR by 5pm on September 2, 2026.  You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before the recruitment is closed. Please review the supplemental questions to determine the materials required for a complete application. Failure to provide all requested information in the supplemental application will result in your submission being deemed incomplete and removed from further consideration.

• First application review will be ongoing through the week of September 2, 2026
• Interviews may be held the starting the week of August 24, 2026

The City of San Bruno utilizes a merit-based selection system. Such a system is competitive and based on broad outreach efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to take part in a process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness, and ability of competitors to perform duties of the position. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT 
The City of San Bruno is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and as such does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, gender, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin in its employment actions, decisions, policies and practices.  If you require special accommodations, please contact us to discuss your needs.