As-Needed - Recreation Leader I/II/III

Salary: $18.70 - $27.57 Hourly
Location : 1500 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: As-Needed
Job Number: AN-681/682/683-26
Department: Parks & Recreation Department
Opening Date: 03/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NA
Weighting Plan: NA


Description

The Department:
The Parks Division provides planning, development, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of City parks and open spaces. The Recreation Division provides classes and programs for all ages and abilities. We aim to promote the use of safe, clean, and attractive facilities for enjoyment and quality of life for all ages and abilities. The Cemetery Division maintains 33,000 internment sites in a peaceful public park.

The Position:
Recreation Leader I
The Recreation Leader I is an entry level classification in the Recreation Leader series designed for high school students whose skill level in several broad types of recreational activities is sufficient to assume responsibility for an entire recreation program or area. Under immediate supervision, an incumbent is responsible for the promotion, organization, and leadership of a variety of recreation activities. The Recreation Leader I is distinguished from the Recreation Leader II in that the latter is designed for college level students.

The Recreation Leader II will supervise children, youth, teens, and other program participants in many facilities, including but not limited to the Reed & Grant Sports Park, Youth Soccer Park, Youth Activity Center & Teen Center, and Community Recreation Center. In this role, the successful incumbents will help conduct health and safety checks, open/closing facilities, may serve as Disaster Service Workers.
Recreation Leader II

The Recreation Leader II is an intermediate-level classification in the Recreation Leader series. This classification is designed for high school graduates whose skill level in several broad types of recreational activities and is sufficient to assume responsibility for an entire recreation program or area. Under general supervision, an incumbent is responsible for the promotion, organization, and leadership of a variety of recreation activities. This class is distinguished from the Recreation Leader III in that the latter holds responsibility for planning and developing recreation activities.
Recreation Leader III
The Recreation Leader III is an advanced-level classification in the Recreation Leader series designed for college students who are skilled in several broad types of recreational activities. Under general supervision, an incumbent in this classification is responsible for the planning, organization, development, and leadership of a specific recreation activity or group of several closely related activities in specialty areas such as athletics/sports, aquatics, drama, arts and crafts, music, dance, therapeutics, nature, and camping . The Recreation Leader III may oversee the work of lower-level personnel and may lead and/or conduct clinics, programs, seminars, and similar gatherings in the specialty area. The Recreation Leader III is distinguished from the Recreation Specialist in that the latter exercises a higher degree of independence and holds greater overall program responsibility.
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONSBESDIES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT.MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.

The hourly rate for the positions are:
- Recreation Leader I - $18.70 - $21.56
- Recreation Leader II - $19.28 - $25.10
- Recreation Leader III - $20.65 - $27.57
Typical Duties

Recreation Leader I
Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.
Under immediate supervision:
• Leads and conducts diversified recreation activities such as arts and crafts, low organized games, team games, sports, and dramatics,
• Assists in organizing, promoting, and directing special event activities such as athletic events, Halloween Party, Easter Egg Hunt, and Art and Wine Festival
• Ensures proper safety precautions are observed in assigned activities and free play
• Administers first aid as required
• Reports to supervisors orally and in writing on activities, groups or individuals, plans and problems
• Applies Department policies and recommends changes as required; recommends action and carries out policies in dealing with specific groups
• Prepares athletic field; opens, closes, and secures activity facilities
• Receives and oversees the use of equipment and materials; cares for and maintains equipment
• Keeps official activity scores, times, and records
• Announces events using public address equipment
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Recreation Leader II
Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.
Under general supervision:

• Leads and conducts diversified recreation activities such as arts and crafts, low organized games, team games sports and dramatics
• Assists in organizing, promoting and directing special event activities such as Halloween Party, Easter Egg Hunt or Art and Wine Festival
• Ensures proper safety precautions are observed in assigned activities and free play
• Administers first aid as required
• Reports to supervisors orally and in writing on activities, groups or individuals, plans and problems
• Prepares athletic field
• Opens, closes, and secures activity facilities
• Recommends action and carries out policies in dealing with specific groups
• Issues, receives and oversees the use of equipment and materials
• Cares for and maintains equipment
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Recreation Leader III
Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.
Under general supervision:

• Promotes recreation programs and activities in a specialty area; explains rules and regulations
• Organizes and leads groups in the particular recreation activities making up the specialty area
• Consults with recreation staff to coordinate the specialty area with the overall recreation program; incorporates the recreation specialty into a Department-approved total philosophy of recreation; interprets philosophy to participants and the public
• Advises and assists other recreation leadership staff members involved with the specialty activity to meet the specific needs and interests of the people involved
• Demonstrates and explains techniques, procedures, materials, equipment, and supplies used in the activity field
• Keeps records and accounts of attendance, inventory, financial charges and receipts, personnel, special events, accidents, and other matters requiring systematic recording
• Reports to supervisors on groups or individuals, plans, and problems; recommends action and carries out departmental policies in leading the special activity
• Issues, receives, and oversees the use of equipment by individuals and groups in the activity; recommends the acquisition or disposal of such equipment and materials
• Ensures all appropriate safety precautions are observed in the activity
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Recreation Leader I

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements
• Education equivalent to completion of the tenth grade; and
• No experience required; and
• Must be at least 16 years of age at time of application

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
• In accordance with State of California law, a valid California Work Permit is required at time of appointment for candidates under the age of 18 who have not graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate of proficiency

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with State of California law
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment
Recreation Leader II

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• No experience required; and
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of the following is desirable:

• A valid California Class C driver's license
• A valid American Red Cross First Aid certificate

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with State of California law
• In-service training and orientation may be required prior to performance of full job duties
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

Recreation Leader III

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements:

• Completion of forty-five (45) semester units of coursework, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university, preferably with an emphasis in Recreation, Physical Education or a related field; or
• Six hundred (600) hours of recreation leadership experience equivalent to the level of Recreation Leader II with the City of Santa Clara; and
• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of the following is desirable:

• A valid California Class C driver's license
• A valid American Red Cross First Aid certificate

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted and complete TB testing in accordance with State of California law
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee admittance into the examination process. Only the most qualified candidates who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will be invited to test. Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Recreation Leader I
Knowledge of:
• Techniques, rules, and equipment used in a variety of recreational activities and games
• Recreation hazards and safety precautions

Ability to:
• Lead and conduct several broad types of recreation activities
• Learn and apply activity rules and regulations
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including children
• Provide and follow oral and written instructions
• Physically lead and coordinate assigned recreation activities
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Exercise tact and maintain poise in resolving disputes and differences arising with the public and employees
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Recreation Leader II

Knowledge of:
• Techniques, rules, and equipment used in a variety of recreational activities and games
• Recreation hazards and safety precautions

Ability to:
• Lead and conduct several broad types of recreation activities
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including children
• Provide and follow oral and written instructions
• Physically lead and coordinate assigned recreation activities
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Exercise tact and maintain poise in resolving disputes and differences arising with the public and employees
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Recreation Leader III
Knowledge of:
• Techniques, rules, and equipment used in a variety of recreational activities and games
• Recreation hazards and safety precautions

Considerable ability to:
• Demonstrate proficiency in a specialty recreation activity
• Promote, organize, lead and conduct a specialty recreation activity for participants of all skill levels
• Instruct and coach participants in a specialty activity
• Physically lead and coordinate assigned recreation activities
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including children
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Exercise tact and maintain poise in resolving disputes and differences arising with the public and employees
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

Physical ability to:
• Assist participants in and out of wheelchairs
• Restrain and/or lift program participants
Additional Information:
You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write "see resume or personnel file.") To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) City Application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the "Apply Now" feature on the job announcement at This position is continuous or open until filled: If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before the position is closed.


The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io or
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Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for each position to move forward for consideration. Please indicate which position(s) you are applying for:

• Recreation Leader I
• Recreation Leader II
• Recreation Leader III

Required Question