Recreation Program Coordinator
Salary
$65,256.00 - $87,444.00 Annually
Location
City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
2026-00531 (GO)
Department
Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Opening Date
06/09/2026
Closing Date
6/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
SEIU
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 Recreation Program Coordinator performs responsible recreation work in planning and supervising assigned phases of recreational, educational, and prevention activities or programs for children or adults.
The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current and/or future vacancies in any section of Parks, Recreation and Community Service Agency.
Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To
Plans and coordinates, or assists with the planning and coordination of a wide variety of recreational, educational and prevention activities conducted at a number of sites, including tutoring, arts and crafts, games and sports, special events, excursions, park naturalist programs, teen programming, leisure classes, parent and family activities and city-wide aquatics. Consults and collaborates with residents, community groups and schools to determine local needs, and to plan programs, and to conduct on-going evaluation and continuous improvement of program activities. Assists with research on programs and resources and with the development of program materials and activities. Trains staff to implement such activities. Assists with the grant application process and in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and strategic plans to serve the community in a well-coordinated manner. Assists with developing and monitoring program budgets. Makes public presentations at professional conferences and public meetings. Assists with the recruitment and training of subordinate staff and assigns, guides, monitors, and corrects the work of assigned personnel. Collects activity and attendance records and prepares reports describing and evaluating programs. Maintains supplies, equipment and materials and issues them to program sites. Performs other related functions as required.
Minimum Qualifications
One year of experience in the design and coordination of recreational, educational, and prevention programs and events, including leadership of children or adults in group activities, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: objectives and methods of recreational, educational and prevention programs and effective strategies, including youth and adult educational and sport programs, parent and family services, leisure classes, and aquatics; first aid methods and safety precautions; group dynamics; budget monitoring.
Some skill in: several of the activities found in recreational, educational and prevention programs; developing and monitoring leisure class programs.
Ability to: design, develop, implement and coordinate a wide variety of recreational, educational and prevention programs and events especially for teens, parents and families, and at-risk youths; identify leisure class opportunities and work with instructors to increase/improve the leisure class program; organize, direct and lead groups of children or adults in group activities; set and attain goals and objectives; direct, train and supervise the work of subordinates; express ideas effectively orally and in writing; develop documentation and evaluation tools; collaborate with other agency sections and non-city organizations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, instructors, and other city employees.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
Possession and retention of a valid California Class C Drivers License is a condition of employment.
SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Willingness and ability to work any shift, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
HIGHLY DESIRABLE:
Bilingual in English and Spanish and or Vietnamese.
Selection Process
All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, 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: Online Employment Application Guide.
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for July 14, 2026) (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.
Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list. Candidates must achieve a passing score in every component of the selection process in order to be placed on the eligible list. The Human Resources Department may waive one or more examination components. When one weighted examination component is waived, the remaining section will receive a weight of 100%.
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.
Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!
Summary of Benefits
(under SEIU)
NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the Citys website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.
01
How many years of experience in coordinating recreational, educational, and prevention programs and events, including leadership of children or adults, do you currently have?
02
Please describe your experience in event planning of community events. Please be as thorough as possible (your experience stated on your application must support this response). If none, type N/A.
03
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
04
Possession and retention of a valid California Class "C" drivers license is a requirement of this position. Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" drivers license and understand this requirement? Note for out-of-state applicants: Currently possessing the equivalent of a California Class "C" drivers license from another state would temporarily suffice this requirement and must obtain a Class "C" drivers license in the State of California prior to a job offer with the City of Santa Ana.
05
Are you willing and able to work any shift, including evenings, weekends and holidays?
Required Question
Employer City of Santa Ana
Address Human Resources, M-24
PO Box 1988
Santa Ana, California, 92702
Phone 714-647-5340
Website http://www.santa-ana.org