Senior Recreation Specialist

City And Job Overview

The City of Garden Grove is now accepting online applications for the position of

SENIOR RECREATION SPECIALIST - PARK PATROL

Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Monday , July 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST

Click here to apply online: Join Our Team

Under general supervision, Senior Recreation Specialists are responsible for the more routine aspects of planning, promoting, organizing, coordinating, and leading community programs and recreation services for customers of all ages.

Senior Recreation Specialists assigned to Park Patrol provide leadership and operational oversight for the City's parks, sports facilities, and public recreation spaces. Incumbents patrol parks and sports areas throughout the City on foot and by vehicle, coordinate and direct Park Patrol staff, monitor park operations, respond to public concerns, and ensure facilities remain safe, functional, and accessible for community use. The ideal candidate for this position will: possess the ability to work and make decisions independently; communicate effectively and build positive relationships with park users, City staff, and public safety personnel; ensure parks, facilities and equipment are functional, safe, and ready for use; and utilize strong customer service and conflict-resolution skills to address issues, enforce park rules and regulations, and promote positive community engagement. Employees work year round, approximately 25 hours per week, must have a flexible schedule, and be able to work evenings and weekends. A valid California Class "C" driver's license and acceptable driving record is required for this position. Must be at least 18 years of age.

We currently have one (1) part-time benefited opening assigned to Park Patrol in the Community Services Department.

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill this vacancy and future vacancies throughout the City within the next six months. So, we encourage all those who are interested in the Senior Recreation Specialist position to apply.

Essential Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop, coordinate, and lead recreation and community programs;
• Provide direction to Recreation Specialists and Recreation Leaders;
• Serve as facility supervisor in absence of a Community Services Coordinator at various sites;
• Coordinate facility scheduling and usage;
• Train part-time and volunteer staff;
• Assist customers by answering questions (including providing information and assistance to the general public regarding Center programs and activities, resolving scheduling issues, planning facility set-up for events, and coordinating vendors);
• Maintain confidential records and prepare written and oral reports;
• Assist with and make recommendations regarding program development and administration;
• Monitor and inspect facilities and recreational areas for safety hazards and adherence to safety standards;
• Issue and maintain playground, athletic, and arts and crafts equipment and supplies, including conducting inventory and ordering replacements, as needed;
• Administer first aid when required;
• Prepare and distribute informational, marketing, and registration materials for programs and events and collect participant data;
• Ensure compliance with grant-funded programs through data collection and correspondence with City staff and program partners ;
• Work with City staff to provide support for community special events;
• Conduct community and staff meetings related to assigned programs;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited high school or successful completion of the General Education Development (G.E.D.) and one (1) year of experience planning, organizing and leading recreational, social, educational and community programs and events is required.

A Bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, social work or a related field from an accredited university is considered highly desirable.

Knowledge Of

Recreational, educational and health-related programs and activities for diverse age groups; rules and regulations governing competitive games and athletic activities; first-aid practices and techniques; basic facility management and building safety practices; gang dynamics and juvenile delinquency prevention techniques; and the operation of general office equipment including MS Office.

Ability To

Relate well to individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, incomes, and educational levels; meet and deal tactfully and effectively with City staff, program participants, community partners, and the public; maintain confidentiality in matters of agency operations, personnel, and clients; gather and maintain adequate operating records and other documentation; understand and follow written and oral instructions; work quickly and effectively under minimal supervision; exercise sound judgement within established guidelines; communicate in a clear, concise and effective manner both verbally and in writing; and perform general office duties including operate a computer.

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. Incumbents in this classification speak clearly, hear normal conversation, stand, walk, sit and see small details. For some assignments, incumbents must be able to lift items weighing up to 50 lb.

Work Environment

The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification work both inside and outside, in direct contact with public and in vast temperature changes. This classification may regularly and frequently work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

Other Requirements

• Bilingual Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean is highly desirable
• Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Possession and retention of a valid California Class C driver's license

Other Important Information

How To Apply

Online applications can be completed by visiting: Questions regarding this position may be sent via email to ***email_hidden***. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Online Application Packet Must Include

• a completed online application;
• a supplemental questionnaire

Job applications must be completely filled out; a resume cannot substitute for some of the information. Be sure to include any education, training or other relevant course work that would make you a particularly strong candidate.

Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The Selection Process May Consist Of

• Oral panel interview - tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at ***email_hidden*** at least one week prior to any test dates.

APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL ONLY. Applicants should check their email and spam mail for all notices.

If there are any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Human Resources Department at ***email_hidden***.

NEPOTISM POLICY

The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate’s application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identify/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

FOR PART-TIME BENEFITED EMPLOYEES

HOLIDAYS: Up to 62.5 hrs. per year, 1/2 of each holiday

Vacation

Accrues at the following rates:

• 40 hours upon completion of one (1) year
• 60 hours after one (1) year - 5 hours per month
• 66 hours after four (4) years - 5.5 hours per month
• 72 hours after nine (9) years - 6 hours per month
• 78 hours after eleven (11) years - 6.5 hours per month
• 84 hours after fourteen (14) years - 7 hours per month
• 93 hours after sixteen (16) years - 7.75 hours per month
• 105 hours after nineteen (19) years - 8.75 per month
• 123 hours after twenty-four (24) years - 10.25

HOLIDAYS : Up to 62.5 hrs. per year, 1/2 of each holiday.

SICK LEAVE: Accrues at the rate of four (4) hours with pay for each full calendar month of service.

INSURANCE: The City provides each eligible employee a monthly allocation that can be applied to the cost of medical insurance. All employee deductions for medical in excess of the City's allocation are done on a pre-tax basis. Part-time benefited employees may elect to enroll in a dental or vision plan.

Retirement

Tier I - Employees hired prior to January 1, 2013 are covered by the "2.5% at 55" single highest year option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute eight percent (8%) of salary to PERS on a tax-deferred basis.

Tier II - Employees hired and enrolled into PERS after January 1, 2013 are covered by the "2% at 62" 3-year average option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute half the normal cost to PERS on a tax-deferred basis.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees may contribute to a 457(b) account up to the maximum as determined by the IRS annually. There is no City contribution except for any remaining fringe benefit allocation monies.

FOR PART-TIME NON-BENEFITTED EMPLOYEES

RETIREMENT: Part-time employees participate in a deferred compensation package, which means that payroll retirement payments of 7 1/2% will be deducted from their pay and placed in a deferred compensation account, to be available after the employee leaves or retires. If the employee works in excess of 1,000 hours within a single fiscal year, the employee must then enroll in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), instead of continuing in the deferred compensation program, as above. If this occurs, employees contribute half of the normal cost into PERS.

SICK LEAVE : Employees receive sick leave time in accordance with the California Health Workplace Healthy Family Act (AB1522).

FOR BOTH PART-TIME NON-BENEFITED AND BENEFITED EMPLOYEES

BILINGUAL PAY: Employees may receive $2.50 per translation up to a maximum of $40 per pay period if designated by department head and certified by Human Resources to use bilingual verbal and translation abilities for languages such as Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, or other designated languages.

Please carefully read these instructions : Your responses to the supplemental questions below will be used to determine your qualifications for the position. You are required to answer ALL of the supplemental questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses to these questions are subject to verification and may be assessed in subsequent examination parts. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration may result in disqualification from this examination process.

• Yes - I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.
• No - I have read, understood, and do not agree to these terms. I wish to withdraw my application from this process.

Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

• Some high school
• High school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent
• Some college coursework
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Ph.D.
• None of the above

Please indicate if you have work experience in any of the following areas:

• Working with children and/or youth
• Sports or competitive activities
• Working with seniors
• Community centers or senior centers
• General recreation
• Education/educational activities
• Summer programs
• Special events/activities
• Cultural Arts
• Counseling/Crisis Intervention
• Facility Management
• None of the above

How many years of experience do you have planning, organizing and leading recreational, social, educational and community programs and events?

• I do not have experience in this area
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more

Please describe your experience planning, organizing and leading recreational, social, educational and community programs and events. Please write "N/A" if you do not have experience in this area.

How many years of supervisory or lead experience do you possess?

• I do not have experience in this area
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

Please briefly describe your supervisory or lead experience. Please limit your response to 100 words or less. If you have no experience, please type N/A.

Are you willing and able to accept a position that often works evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed?

• Yes
• No

Do you have a flexible schedule that allows you to work a varied scheduled when needed?

• Yes
• No

Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" driver license?

• Yes
• No

The ability to read, write or speak Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean is highly desirable, but not necessary to be successful in this position. Of the following languages, please check all the languages in which you are fluent. (Being fluent is defined as having the ability to read, speak, or write a foreign language effectively and with relative ease). Check all that apply.

• Spanish
• Vietnamese
• Korean
• None of the above
• Required Question