Contact: For questions about this position or how to apply, please contact Shawnda McBeth at shawnda.turner@sfgov.org.
Application Opening: January 30, 2026 Application Deadline: Apply Immediately. Application filing will be open at least through February 13, 2026 and will close any time thereafter.
Compensation: $26.2750 - $35.3875/Hour + Room and Board
Appointment Type: This position is a temporary exempt, as-needed appointment. This position is seasonal and will not result in a permanent civil service position. Employees serve at the will of the Appointing Officer.
If you are interested in a temporary as needed appointment/position as a Recreation Leader in San Francisco, please go back to the Citys recruitment page and look for Recreation Leader - San Francisco.
NOTE: Applicants must complete the supplemental questionnaire found in the "Steps to Apply" section of this job announcement in addition to submitting an application. Only applicants who submit both an application AND supplemental questionnaire will be considered for participation in the departments selection process.
About Us
Amid a dynamic and ever-evolving urban landscape, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department stewards one of the premier urban park systems in America. In 2017, San Francisco became the first city in the nation where all residents have access to a park within a 10-minute walk, a direct result of the Department's commitment to increasing and improving parkland in the city Learn More.
Considered by San Franciscans to be one of the City's most popular and effective public agencies, our Department currently manages more than 230 parks, playgrounds and open spaces throughout San Francisco, including two outside city limits-Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High Sierras. The system includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, sports fields and numerous small-to-medium-sized clubhouses that offer a variety of sports- and arts-related recreation programs for people of all ages. Included in the Department's responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the San Francisco Zoo and Lake Merced.
More than 2,000 talented individuals are part of our team, from gardeners, foresters, and recreation leaders to park rangers, custodians, electricians, painters and more. Our core mission, as it has been throughout our history, is to provide opportunities for San Francisco residents and visitors alike to gather, play, learn, relax, and enjoy nature in the city.
About Camp Mather
Each summer, the Recreation and Park Department operates Camp Mather, a rustic family campground located near Yosemite National Park, about 3 hours east of San Francisco. Each week, approximately 500 campers enjoy a week-long stay filled with a wide range of recreation activities such as a supervised swimming pool, a scenic lake for water activities, guided hiking excursions, organized recreation programs, and evening campfire entertainment. Guests stay in cozy cabins, and enjoy 3 delicious meals each day, served cafeteria-style with a full salad bar and exceptional service. Learn more about Camp Mather on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2S_JZ4kKr5I.
Role Description
POSITION DESCRIPTION: The three Recreation Leader Levels are summarized below:
Under supervision of Recreation staff, Recreation Leader I performs facility monitoring work, light office tasks, customer service duties, and occasional janitorial tasks; assists with program delivery based upon interest and skills, etc. The Camp Mather assignment will work in the office and assist with Recreation activities (childrens activities, camp fire, etc).
Recreation Leader II delivers exciting recreation programs and activities in group settings. Programs may range from Arts, Sports to Expanded Learning. At Camp Mather, this may include office administration, camp recreation and Challenge (Ropes) Course (see below).
The Camp Mather Challenge (Ropes) course staff facilitates guest participation on both high and low ropes course elements. The staff member will assist or provide guidance and instruction to camp patrons on multiple aspects (safety, equipment, course element progress, overcoming challenges, building confidence, and personal development). Staff members will work with participants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Work environment is outdoors with inclement weather conditions. Staff work approximately 40 hours over the course of 6 days per week. Work includes all aspects of preparing, maintaining, and operating a high ropes challenge course. Note - due to operational circumstances, most of the Challenge Course assignments will be only at the Recreation Leader II level. Training on this course will be conducted in the middle of May.
Recreation Leader III is responsible for the delivery of all Certified recreation, leisure and sport programs and activities where we believe a certificate/advanced expertise is necessary. Distinguishing Feature: The Recreation Leader I performs program assistance and facility monitoring, while Leaders II and III are responsible for direct instruction of recreation, leisure and sport programs and activities. Recreation Leaders III provides program instruction at the higher level of skill/expertise as deemed necessary by the Department.
Common and Essential Job Duties: May also be responsible for the set up and take down of facility tables and chairs and occasional janitorial tasks, perform other related duties as required, etc.
2026 Camp Mather Dates:
May 16, 2026: Arrival at camp. Sunday and Monday are mandatory workdays - the one days off will be scheduled during the remainder of the week. September 11, 2026: Conclusion of camp assignment
Policies and Expectations of Staff
Employees are expected to follow the policies as described in the 2026 Camp Mather Workplace Policies. Failure to follow these policies may result in termination.
Work Conditions at Camp Mather
Housing and Meals: During employment, FREE meals and housing is provided to camp employees. Camp staff live in shared housing with 1-2 other camp staff.
Nature of Work: Includes working both indoors and outdoors, exposure to sun, snow, rain, high/low temperatures, and potential wildfire smoke, and will regularly encounter bugs and insects.
Work Schedule: Work schedule to be determined. Shifts include weekends and evenings. Overtime may be required.
Work Location: Camp Mather is located in the High Sierra near Yosemite National Park about 3 hours east of San Francisco. The nearest town (Groveland) is located 50 mins away.
Transportation: Camp Mather employees are responsible for securing their own transportation to and from Camp Mather. Parking is available for personal vehicles. Public transportation and Rideshare Apps (Uber/Lyft) are limited and are not a reliable source because of our remote location.
Cell Phone & Internet: Camp Mather has VERY limited cellular and internet/Wi-Fi services available on its grounds.
How to Qualify
Every candidate must already possess:
A High School Diploma/GED (verified by either an official/unofficial institutional transcript or diploma/certificate) AND have minimum hours of experience for each level outlined below:
Recreation Leader I $26.2750/hr.
Recreation Leader II $26.5750/hr.
Recreation Leader III $35.3875/hr.
*If hired, the Department will determine your level of Recreation Leader based on our operational need, your experience/potential and your verification of your qualifying experience. The amount of hours that you do obtain will not be the sole measure.
License and Certification: at a future point, all employees must possess a certification for First Aid/CPR.
Verification of Education and Experience:
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications. Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/.
Note: Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
What else should I know?
Steps to Apply:
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:
*Please note that only applicants who submit both an application AND supplemental questionnaire will be considered for participation in the departments selection process.
Complete the required supplemental questionnaire: forms.office.com/g/860t7yX9XV.
Only applications with a submitted supplemental questionnaire will be reviewed for consideration in the departments selection process.
Complete your application with as much detail as possible in the experience section. Please be sure to include all relevant training and experience in your application. It is essential that you provide complete information. A resume will not substitute for a completed application. If you write "see resume" on your application, your application may be rejected.
Request written verification of qualifying recreation experience. Please note that the written documentation must meet the Citys written verification requirements: it must include your name, agency/employer, dates and/or approximate hours of involvement (volunteer time counts) and a brief description of duties performed. The verification must be signed or authorized by an individual with that agency/employer. We do not accept letters of recommendation. We will also accept emailed verification from official agency email addresses (@sfgov.org). Please submit verification documents to Shawnda McBeth