Program Leader I (Part-Time)

Salary: $17.28 - $21.00 Hourly
Location : Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Part-time
Job Number: 2026-002MP
Department: Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Opening Date: 02/06/2026
Bargaining Unit: SEIU - PT


Description
The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.

The Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency is currently seeking staff for youth & adult sports, youth and teen programs, health & wellness programming, special events, aquatics, senior services programs, the nature center, and Santa Ana Zoo. All positions are part-time and incumbents may work up to 19 hours per week. Work hours and schedules vary according to program and participant needs. Successful candidates must be available to work shifts during various hours of the day, evenings, holidays, and weekends.


This recruitment is open until further notice and can close at any time. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Vacancies will be filled continuously and candidates may only hear from the department if selected for an interview. Bilingual pay is an additional $1.01/hour, if applicable.

***IT IS MANDATORY TO WORK THE CITY'S INDEPENDENCE DAY/4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION SCHEDULED EVERY YEAR ON JULY 4TH*** (May be applicable to certain divisions only)

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To


Under general supervision:

• Assists with the development and delivery of enrichment and recreational programs, which may include: sports, games, mini-excursions, competitive activities, contests and special events.
• Compiles and/or distributes program/activity descriptions, arts and crafts, program and/or game calendars, center class schedules, registration forms, volunteer. applications, and other program information.
• Requests all necessary supplies and materials.
• Provides general support and customer service.
• Supervises participants and activities at a recreation center, community center, senior center, park, or the Santa Ana Zoo.
• Monitors center/facility reservations and opens and closes facility. (May be applicable to certain divisions only)
• Collaborates with other part-time staff with the supervision of daily program activities.
• Prepares and distributes promotional materials for programs/centers.
• Compiles and submits monthly statistics, newsletters, and facility usage reports.
• Addresses emergency/accident issues related to patrons and facilities.
• Assists in planning, organizing, promoting and conducting educational activities and/or programs for participants.
• Assists with the implementation of educational activities.
• Compiles and maintains evaluation documentation on participants' progress.
• Participates cooperatively in work team activities.
• May perform other duties depending on nature of assignment.

. If assigned to Zoo, duties may also include:

• Works in animal interaction areas (goat yard, butterfly aviary, bird aviary).
• Works outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Addresses emergency/accident issues related to patrons and facilities.

Minimum Qualifications


Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of: Basic objective, methods, and techniques of assigned program area. Basic use of computers, which may include software from the Microsoft Office suite and the Internet.


Ability to: Learn, understand, instruct and conduct activities of assigned program. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and with diversified population groups having varied needs and expectations. Deal effectively and courteously with the public. Speak clearly and concisely. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Understand and carry out the responsibilities of assigned program area. Oversee and motivate volunteers and participants. Keep records and prepare reports and notices.

Special Requirements: Must have reliable transportation. Some assignments may require possession and retention of a valid Class C driver's license. If assigned to Recreation, must be able to lift, carry, push or pull items weighing up to 60 lbs.

Special Working Conditions: Must be willing and able to work irregular hours, including weekends and evenings. If assigned to Recreation, must be willing and able to work a varied schedule of assigned hours and holidays as needed, including mandatory work schedule for facility and citywide special events as needed.

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hmong, Korean, or Samoan is highly desirable.

Selection Process
All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online, as well as complete the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City online application.
Click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:
The Human Resources Department and Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency will review all applications and those candidates who possess the most pertinent qualifications will be invited for an oral interview by the hiring agency. If you have any questions regarding the position, please call the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Candidates given a job offer will be required to pass a medical exam and a background records check.
The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.
Part-Time employees accrue paid sick leave at the rate of one (1) hour of paid sick leave for every thirty (30) hours worked up to a maximum accrual of 6 days or 48 hours. Employees are eligible to use 3 days or 24 hours of accrued paid sick leave in a 12-month period. For additional information please visit the Department of Industrial Relations Website:
01


Do you possess a valid California Class C driver's license?

• Yes
• No, but I have reliable transportation.

02


Employees in this position assigned to Recreation must be able to lift, carry, push or pull items weighing up to 60 lbs with assistance. Do you understand this requirement?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you willing and able to work irregular hours, including evening, weekends, and holidays (including the City's Independence Day/4th of July celebration scheduled every year on July 4th) as needed?

• Yes
• No

04


Employees in this position assigned to Facilities must be willing and able to work up to 19 hours PER WEEK between the hours of: Thursday/Friday (5 pm -11:30 pm) and Saturday/Sunday (7 am - 11:30 pm). Are you willing and able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

05


Please indicate if you have work or volunteer 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
• Nature center
• Cultural arts (photography, painting, etc.)
• Zoo

06


Please select your program area(s) of interest:

• Athletics
• Special Events
• Senior Services
• Health & Wellness
• Communication & Marketing
• Community Outreach & Resources
• Teens & Older Youth
• School Programs
• Zoo

07


Are you interested in working with or around animals?

• Yes
• No

08


Please indicate if you are or were involved in any extracurricular activities, school programs, or sports. If none, type "N/A".
Required Question