As-Needed Recreation Specialist

As-Needed Recreation Specialist

Salary

$18.86 - $27.57 Hourly

Location

1500 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara, CA

Job Type

As-Needed

Job Number

AN-686-26

Department

Parks & Recreation Department

Opening Date

03/16/2026

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NA

Weighting Plan

NA

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The Department: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 Position:

The Recreation Specialist is the highest classification in the Recreation Leader series. An incumbent in this class possesses technical expertise in a specialty such as cultural arts, physical fitness, drama, older adults, athletics, therapeutics, music, pre school, day camp, teen activities, and youth sports and is responsible for the planning, development, and supervision of a specialized activity phase of recreation programs . With general policy and departmental philosophy guidance from a supervisor, an incumbent exercises sound independent judgment in the performance of duties. The Recreation Specialist is distinguished from the Recreation Instructor in that the former has an emphasis on developing and supervising large groups of children in specialized recreation activities while the latter is responsible for developing class curriculum and teaching classroom activities.

As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS BESDIES 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 this position is $18.86 - $27.57.

Typical Duties

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 direction:

• Plans, initiates, organizes, and supervises an extensive program of recreation activities in an area of expertise
• Investigates, recommends, demonstrates, and explains techniques, procedures, materials, equipment and supplies used in the special activity program
• Prepares program instructions and materials ; develops projects for inclusion in the community wide recreation program
• Receives and reviews reports, suggestions, and complaints from staff and program participants
• Maintains records and accounts of attendance, inventory, financial charges and receipts, personnel, special events, accidents, and other matters requiring systematic recording
• May supervise and train lower-level personnel in the activities comprising the specialty
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• One thousand (1000) hours of experience in recreation leadership at the level of Recreation Leader III in general recreation programs such as day camp, sports, teens, older adults, and theater; and
• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application

Possible Substitutions

• Completion of sixty (60) semester units of coursework, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university, preferably with an emphasis in Recreation, Physical Education, or a related field may be substituted for the required experience

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Possession of the following is desirable:

• A valid California Class C drivers 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.

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

Considerable knowledge of:

• The technical fundamentals of a specialized recreation activity such as athletics, cultural arts, or music

Considerable ability to:

• Plan, organize, and lead a special recreation activity
• Analyze and adjust the special activity to suit participant recreation needs
• 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
• 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 City Application. The following are highly encouraged: 1)Cover Letter that states relevant experience as a Recreation Specialist, 2) Resume, and 3) Supplemental Questions. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the "Apply Now" feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. This position is continuous or open until filled: Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis for consideration to the position. 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 (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.

N/A

01

Please describe your experience, in a recreation setting, where you supervised large groups of children, programs and/or recreation staff.

02

What is your approach to behavioral management in a recreation setting for school-age children?

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Clara

Address 1500 Warburton Ave.

Santa Clara, California, 95050

Phone 408-615-2080

Website http://www.santaclaraca.gov