Recreation Supervisor

Recreation Supervisor

Salary

$86,544.00 - $121,776.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

27-029

Department

Parks & Recreation

Opening Date

10/29/2026

Closing Date

11/5/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Recreation Supervisor to lead a diverse portfolio of youth and teen-focused programs that enrich the lives of young people and strengthen community connections. This position plays a vital role in planning, developing, promoting, and supervising high-quality recreation services, with primary responsibility for management of the Santa Cruz Teen Center, oversight of seasonal summer camp operations, and the coordination of the community gardens program.

Working closely with staff, community partners, families, and volunteers, the Recreation Supervisor fosters safe, inclusive, and engaging environments where youth and teens can build skills, explore interests, develop leadership, and create meaningful connections to their community. The Recreation Supervisor provides leadership in program development, staff supervision, outreach, budgeting, and community engagement to ensure programs remain relevant, accessible, and impactful.

Why Join Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation?

For over 150 years, Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation has been a cornerstone of community life, connecting residents of every age through parks, open spaces, recreation programs, cultural activities, and welcoming gathering places. Rooted in a mission to provide quality public spaces and experiences that build a healthy community, foster equity, and enhance the environment, the department serves as a trusted steward of some of the City's most cherished public resources.

Each year, our parks, programs, and facilities welcome more than 2.7 million visitors and provide recreation opportunities to over 110,000 participants. This work spans 32 neighborhood parks, 6 community parks, a public pool, community center, teen center, senior center, the Municipal Wharf, and a major concert venue-the Civic Auditorium-each offering unique ways for people to connect, learn, play, and grow.

From youth programs and summer camps to community events, environmental stewardship, and neighborhood engagement, Parks and Recreation helps shape the vibrant, inclusive character of Santa Cruz. Joining our team means becoming part of a department with a proud legacy of public service, collaboration, and innovation-and contributing to experiences that inspire lifelong recreation, personal growth, and the next generation of community leaders.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular, Full Time, Part Time, Limited Term, and Temporary Recreation Supervisor vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Recruitment #27-029

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 11/05/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:

• Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.

• Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 11/09: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 11/13/26.

• Week of 11/16: Interviews will be scheduled for top candidates, tentatively scheduled for 11/19 and/or 11/20. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under direction, plans, organizes, promotes, and supervises recreational programs, activities, and events within assigned programmatic areas or the operations, maintenance, and programs of a public facility; performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This classification is distinguished from the next lower-level classification of Recreation Coordinator which is the support classification responsible for assisting with organizing and implementing programs and activities related to the area of assignment. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Recreation Superintendent which manages the Citys recreation operations, including the planning, development, promotion, and evaluation of recreational programs.

Typical Duties

(May include but are not limited to those duties listed below).

• Coordinates recreational events, programs, and activities; develops new programs and events; evaluates program proposals submitted by instructors and/or sponsors and contractors; plans and schedules program and event timing and logistics.
• Develops individual program budgets and annual section budgets; recommends appropriate fee levels; forecasts revenues and program costs; monitors expenditures and revenues throughout the fiscal year.
• Solicits and hires, or contracts with, instructors, promoters and sponsors, performers, and technicians; recruits and hires temporary program coordinators, leaders, aides, and volunteers; trains, schedules, directs and evaluates regular and temporary staff.
• Monitors compliance agreements and ensures compliance.
• Locates and schedules facilities for programs and events; obtains required permits; coordinates logistics with participants, other outside agencies, organizations and community groups and other City departments as needed.
• Develops and implements marketing plans; designs promotional and social media campaigns for programs; writes and distributes promotional material including press releases, public service announcements, advertisements, and flyers; designs and orders special promotional materials such as t-shirts, posters, buttons, etc.; conducts promotional meetings with and makes promotional presentations to specials interest groups.
• Develops and implements donation campaigns, performs grant work.
• Prepares and schedules staff and safety training.
• Purchases and maintains supplies and equipment for programs and events.
• Receives and responds to questions, suggestions, complaints, and problems from the public; resolves problems as appropriate.
• Compiles regular reports on program performance; evaluates program effectiveness in terms of both qualitative and quantitative criteria; prepares written evaluations of program results as required; makes written and verbal recommendations on significant program changes.
• Writes various letters, memos, reports, agendas, and proposals as required; maintains records on projects, activities and/or issues; supervises the collection of funds.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with community groups, event promoters, other agencies and organizations, staff, and members of the public.
• Develops, implements, and monitors procedures and policies for assigned programs.
• Conducts informal assessments and surveys to determine recreational needs and interests of the community.
• May plan and supervise the maintenance and repair of facilities, grounds, and equipment.
• Attends commission, departmental and public meetings and provides staff reports and support as necessary; may prepare agenda and minutes; and may act as liaison for partner organizations, such as Friends of Parks and Recreation (FOPAR).
• Solicits and contracts with event participants including community groups, food and beverage vendors, artisans, staff, and volunteers.
• Orders and sets prices for promotional items to be sold at events.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboards. Additionally, the position requires far and near vision when reading and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. Depending on the area of assignment, the nature of the work may require the incumbent to work outdoors, work at heights, lift, carry and push equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds and work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities are the following:

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in recreation, sociology, public administration, or a related field; and
• Two (2) years of responsible administrative experience in coordinating community programs or events and,
• One (1) year of supervisory responsibility.

OR

• High School Graduation or tested equivalent and,
• Five (5) years of responsible administration experience in coordinating community programs or events and,
• One (1) year of supervisory responsibility.

Knowledge:

• Principles and practices of planning, promoting, coordinating, and supervising recreation programs and events.
• Basic techniques of needs assessment and program evaluation.
• Budget development and control.
• Contract development, negotiations, and administration.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service.
• Marketing, media, and advertising.
• Effective coaching, mentoring, and training techniques, and evaluation of staff.
• Facility operations, maintenance, safety, and long-range planning.

Skills:

• Strong organizational skills to effectively coordinate and schedule programs and events and logistics with individuals and groups.
• Project management in the coordination of multiple projects and events.
• Computer proficiency, use of relevant software and technology.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral and presentation and communication skills.

Abilities:

• Coordinate multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Effectively utilize computers and relevant software and technology.
• Understand, interpret, and apply regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Research relevant information and data.
• Develop and maintain administrative procedures, records, and budgets.
• Effectively hire, train, supervise and evaluate staff.
• Establish, maintain, promote, and foster positive and effective working relationships with a wide variety of individuals and organizations.
• Develop creative and effective promotional materials.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license.
• If assigned to Aquatics, possession of a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO) credential within six (6) months of hire.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the above, the following qualifications are desirable in specific assignments:

Community Events & Classes

• Knowledge of interests, trends, and needs for recreational programming, activities, and classes.

Youth and Teen Programs

• Knowledge of specialized recreational interests, trends and needs of youth and teen communities.
• Knowledge of teen community engagement practices, programming, and social empowerment.

Civic Auditorium

• Knowledge of ticket systems, procedures, and software applications.
• Knowledge of event booking and contracts.

Community Center

• Knowledge of producing and promoting community events.
• Knowledge of inter-generational programming.

Sports and Beaches

• Knowledge of the principles and practices used in designing and implementing adult and youth sports programs.
• Knowledge of the rules and equipment used in various sports.

Aquatics

• Knowledge of pool and aquatics operations, including maintenance and pool chemistry.

Career Ladder

• Director of Parks and Recreation
• Recreation Superintendent
• Recreation Supervisor
• Recreation Coordinator

SALARY - The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. See the Supervisory Memorandum of Understanding on the City website for details on pay rates and practices.

APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 11 days/year

Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year

INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage. Participating members make an additional $35 contribution per pay period towards health care benefits.

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage.

Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.

RETIREMENT

All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 11.25% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Bilingual Pay

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Passes

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)

In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month

Shift Differential

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

The information included in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

If you possess a Bachelors degree or above from an accredited college or university with a major in recreation, sociology, public administration, or a related field, please indicate your field of study and the name of the accredited college or university from which you graduated. If your degree is in a related field to recreation, sociology, or public administration, please describe how your field of study applies to the Recreation Supervisor position. If you do not possess this degree, please write "N/A."

04

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California drivers license. Please select your current license status:

• I have a valid California drivers license.
• I have a valid drivers license issued by another state. I understand that I will be required to obtain a California drivers license prior to appointment, as a condition of employment, if selected for this position.
• I do not currently possess a valid drivers license. I understand that I do not meet the requirement for this position and that this response will eliminate my application from consideration.

05

Please select the option that best describes how many years of responsible administrative experience in coordinating community programs or events that you have. The experience selected here must be reflected in the Work Experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

• Less than 2 years.
• At least 2 years, but less than 3 years.
• At least 3 years, but less than 4 years.
• At least 4 years, but less than 5 years.
• At least 5 years, but less than 6 years.
• 6 years or more.

06

Based on your answer above, please describe your responsible administrative experience in coordinating community programs or events, such as budget development, contract development and administration, and planning, promoting, coordinating, and supervising recreation programs and events. Please be thorough with your response as answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

07

Please detail your knowledge and/or experience with contract oversight, specifically within development, negotiation, and administration. Please be thorough with your response as answers to this question may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

08

Please select the option that best describes how many years of supervisory responsibility that you have. The experience selected here must be reflected in the Work Experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

• Less than 1 year.
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years.
• At least 2 years, but less than 3 years.
• 3 years or more.

09

Based on your answer above, please describe your supervisory experience, such as evaluating staff, and coaching, mentoring, and training experience. Please be thorough with your response as answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

10

Successful completion of the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership Development program is accepted in lieu of one (1) year of supervisory experience. Have you successfully and fully completed the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership program?

• Yes
• No
• Not applicable

11

This position requires a willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. I understand and accept this requirement. (NOTE: A "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration).

• Yes
• No

12

Desirable Qualification: While not required, the current vacancy of Youth & Teen Programs has a desired qualification of knowledge of specialized recreational interests, trends, and needs of youth and teen communities, such as community engagement practices, programming, and social empowerment. If you possess this knowledge, please thoroughly detail your knowledge here. If you do not possess this knowledge, please answer "N/A."

13

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Recreation Supervisor vacancies during the life of the list. Please select which Recreation Supervisor assignment(s) you are interested in. Please select all that apply. Note: This question is for assignment preference only and will not be used to evaluate your qualifications.

• Youth & Teen Programs (Current Vacancy)
• Aquatics
• Civic Auditorium
• London Nelson Community Center
• Community Events & Classes
• Sports & Beaches

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Cruz

Address 809 Center St.

Room 6

Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Phone 831-420-5040

Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com