Recreation Leader

About the Organization Covering over 1,800 square miles, Desert Recreation District (DRD) provides recreational services to more than 380,000 residents throughout the Greater Coachella Valley. We work with municipalities in a collective effort to assure equitable service delivery to every community regardless of economic means. The District boundary has expanded in recent years to provide barrier‑free, safe service to more unincorporated areas of the Coachella Valley and municipalities not previously served. DRD is responsible for over 30 recreational facilities that include community and fitness centers, sports fields, swimming pools, a golf course and driving range, and various parks and open spaces. In addition, DRD creates and delivers quality programs, services and classes; and, facilitates leisure opportunities through partnerships that encourage residents to engage in healthy lifestyles and wellness activities. In the past year we have offered over 2,800 classes and programs, and more than 200 special events. Please note: Desert Recreation District does not participate in CalPERS retirement system. EOE Statement ***DISCLAIMER: The District reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received. We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment offers made by the District are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre‑employment process which may include, but are not limited to: drug screening, comprehensive background check, criminal history check, employment verification, education verification and physical. Full‑Time/Part‑Time: Part‑Time Exempt/Non‑Exempt: Non‑Exempt Hourly/Salary Range: $18.18 - $22.71 Close Date Description DEFINITION: Under general supervision, provides support in conducting recreation activities in connection with a specific recreation or leisure program, service, activity, or function; leads, teaches, and conducts diversified recreation activities at various recreational facilities; continuously supervises and monitors participants to ensure their safety and well‑being; performs a variety of clerical duties in support of program operations; and performs related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing program support duties for the District’s recreation and leisure programs which includes leading groups of youth, teens, and/or adults in structured activities. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Leads, teaches, and conducts diversified recreation activities at various recreational facilities, including parks, schools, and the recreation center. Supervises and schedules established programs of recreational activities for children and adults. Follows structured curriculum and facilitates daily recreational and enrichment activities which include but are not limited to games, sports, art, music and crafts for program participants. Assists with the preparation and operation of recreation/sports camps or other large programs and events; provides oversight and conducts classes/activities for program participants under the guidance and direction of a Senior Recreation Leader. Implements and monitors District procedures with respect to participant safety. Resolves program issues within established guidelines; suggests program improvements. Inspects program areas and equipment and recommends maintenance and repair as needed. Transports, issues, receives, and controls the use of recreational equipment and supplies; monitors equipment inventories and recommends procurement of items as needed. Performs general office duties, including basic cashiering, answering the telephone, greeting patrons, light typing, data entry, copying, and filing; prepares flyers, calendars, and other routine publicity; prepares routine reports of participation and activities. Assists in the encouragement of participation and good sportsmanship. Responds to patrons’ needs for assistance or information. Maintains recreational facilities, storage sites, and other work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment and materials at the close of the workday and performing basic custodial duties; may assist with opening, closing, and securing buildings for events. Administers first aid and CPR as necessary. Maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used. Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Performs other related duties as assigned. Desert Recreation District Perks at Work: Paid Vacation Time* Paid Sick Time Discounted Desert Recreation District Gym Membership ($1 for year) Discounted DRD Programs/Facilities Rentals (Up to 75% off) View email address on click.appcast.io (Discounts to theme parks, movies, concerts, sporting events, hotels, etc.) Candidate Referral Program Financial Fit (FinFit) Educational Resources Paid CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Training Position Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of: Operations, services and activities of assigned program. General office and business administrative practices. Methods and techniques of implementing program activities. Age‑appropriate program content. Instructional methods and techniques. Care and proper use of recreational equipment and supplies. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility. Basic principles and procedures of record keeping. District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols, including basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff. The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed. Ability to: Oversee the operations and activities of assigned program. Lead and conduct assigned program classes or activities. Interpret, and apply facility use policies and procedures. Conduct age‑appropriate activities. Monitor program participants on a continuous basis to ensure safety and well‑being, discipline, and order. Understand, interpret, and apply all applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. Provide courteous assistance to program participants, parents, patrons, and the general public. Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure manner. Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Experience: One (1) year of experience facilitating a recreation or after‑school program. Licenses and Certifications Possession of, or ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of hire, valid certifications in First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for adult, child and infant, to be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. When working in an external environment, position requires sitting, standing, walking on slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stopping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. This position is currently accepting applications. Other Jobs Within 60 Miles Facilities Attendant in La Quinta, CA Posted on: 3/16/2026 Pool Site Manager - Summer Seasonal in Cathedral City, CA Posted on: 1/15/2026 Lifeguard/Swim Instructor - Summer Seasonal in Cathedral City, CA Posted on: 1/26/2026 Pool Site Manager - Summer Seasonal in Coachella, CA Posted on: 1/16/2026 Lifeguard/Swim Instructor - Summer Seasonal in Coachella, CA Posted on: 1/26/2026 Paraeducator - Seasonal Summer School in Various Program Locations Within Our Service Area, CA Posted on: 2/23/2026 Recreation Leader - Seasonal Summer Camp in Palm Desert, CA Posted on: 2/19/2026 Senior Recreation Leader - Seasonal Summer Camp in Palm Desert, CA Posted on: 2/19/2026 Recreation Leader - Seasonal Summer Camp in Indio, CA Posted on: 2/12/2026 Recreation Leader in Mecca, CA Posted on: 2/12/2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr Witt/Kieffer