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Are you ready to join a team that is “Building Community Through Fun?” Are you ready to make a difference?

The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San José a better place to live. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. ActivateSJ, PRNS’ latest strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity, and public life.
 
The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which include 48 community centers, 10 regional parks, 200 plus neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds and over 60 miles of trails, programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public’s trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning.

For more information, please visit activatesj.org.

Position Duties:

The Department is recruiting for part-time, unbenefited Lifeguard and Instructor Lifeguard positions in the Recreation Services Division (RS) for the Citywide Aquatics programming.

The Lifeguard classification is covered by the Minimum Wage Police and pay starts at $17.95 hourly.

The Instructor Lifeguard classification is covered by the Pay Floor Rate and pay starts at $29.45 hourly.

These positions may be required to work variable shifts between the hours of 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Monday – Saturday during the dates of June 16, 2025 - August 8, 2025. Additionally, a MANDATORY training for both Lifeguard and Instructor Lifeguard positions will take place starting the week of June 9, 2025 - June 13, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. These positions are part-time, unbenefited with a limit of less than 20 hours per week or less than 1,040 hours per year. There is no guarantee of hours or longevity. All programs adhere to Santa Clara County, Public Health guidelines to ensure the health and well-being of staff. Face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment are provided. Staff may assist with daily health screenings, cleaning, and sanitization in City programs following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. 

Note: Candidates are not required to possess the Lifeguard Training certificate at the time of completing the application or to interview for the position. If selected for the position of Lifeguard, the Citywide Aquatics program will offer Lifeguard Training certification classes, if needed. If selected for the position of Instructor Lifeguard, the Citywide Aquatics program will be offering Lifeguard Training and American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor's (WSI) certification classes, if needed. The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification age requirement is at least 15 years old and the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification age requirement is at least 16 years old. 

If selected to move forward in the conditional offer process, the Lifeguard certification pre course swimming skills test that consists of the following:

• a 300-yard swim using front crawl or breaststroke.
• a 2-minute tread using legs only
• the ability to retrieve a 10-lb dive weight from 7 ft deep, to the surface and swim 20 yds with the weight, using legs only and exit the pool without using a ladder within 100 seconds. 

Lifeguard:  Lifeguards supervise the conduct of swimmers to maintain safety in the swimming pool. Lifeguards also enforce swimming pool rules and may participate in swim instruction programs; observe swimmers in swimming pools; provide warnings to those who violate the safety rules of the pool and expelling them, if necessary, because of willful disobedience of the rules; rescues swimmers who are in distress; and administers artificial respiration when necessary, according to the prescribed method. Lifeguards may also train and direct the work of lower-level workers as assigned and participate in pool maintenance. Possession of a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training’s Authorization Certificate is REQUIRED for the position of Lifeguard. 

Instructor Lifeguard:  In addition to the duties identified for Lifeguards, Instructor Lifeguards also organize and conduct swimming instruction classes for beginners, intermediate, or advanced swimmers at a swimming pool. Duties will include teaching swimming to children, adult individuals, and groups. Instructor Lifeguards may officiate at competitive swim meets. Instructor Lifeguards must also be able to instruct in the techniques of swimming and lifesaving. Possession of a current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor’s Authorization Certificate (WSI) is REQUIRED for the position of Instructor Lifeguard. 

Lifeguard and Instructor Lifeguards may be placed at any of the City pools. Currently, the City of San José is hiring for four pools at the following locations:

Camden Community Center: 3369 Union Ave., San José, CA 95124 

Fair Swim Center: 1350 Bacchus Dr., San José, CA 95122

Mayfair Community Center: 2039 Kammerer Ave., San José, CA 95116

Rotary Ryland Pool: 421 North First St., San José, CA 95111

Please click the Job PDF button below to view the full job announcement.

Please click the Job PDF button below to view the full job announcement.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.

The Department:
The Parks Division provides planning, development, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of City parks and open spaces. 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 Cemetery Division maintains 33,000 internment sites in a peaceful public park. 

The Position:
Recreation Leader I
The Recreation Leader I is an entry level classification in the Recreation Leader series designed for high school students whose skill level in several broad types of recreational activities is sufficient to assume responsibility for an entire recreation program or area. Under immediate supervision, an incumbent is responsible for the promotion, organization, and leadership of a variety of recreation activities.   The Recreation Leader I is distinguished from the Recreation Leader II in that the latter is designed for college level students.

The Recreation Leader II will supervise children, youth, teens, and other program participants in many facilities, including but not limited to the Reed & Grant Sports Park, Youth Soccer Park, Youth Activity Center & Teen Center, and Community Recreation Center. In this role, the successful incumbents will help conduct health and safety checks, open/closing facilities, serve as Disaster Service Worker while adhering to COVID-19 protocols.  Recreation Leader IIThe Recreation Leader II is an intermediate-level classification in the Recreation Leader series.  This classification is designed for high school graduates whose skill level in several broad types of recreational activities and is sufficient to assume responsibility for an entire recreation program or area. Under general supervision, an incumbent is responsible for the promotion, organization, and leadership of a variety of recreation activities. This class is distinguished from the Recreation Leader III in that the latter holds responsibility for planning and developing recreation activities. 
 Recreation Leader IIIThe Recreation Leader III is an advanced-level classification in the Recreation Leader series designed for college students who are skilled in several broad types of recreational activities.  Under general supervision,  an incumbent in this classification is responsible for the planning, organization, development, and leadership of a specific recreation activity or group of several closely related activities in specialty areas such as athletics/sports, aquatics, drama, arts and crafts, music, dance, therapeutics, nature, and camping . The Recreation Leader III may oversee the work of lower-level personnel and may lead and/or conduct clinics, programs, seminars, and similar gatherings in the specialty area.   The Recreation Leader III is distinguished from the Recreation Specialist in that the latter  exercises a higher degree of independence and holds greater overall program responsibility. 

 

 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS 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 GUARENTEE 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. 

 

Typical Duties

Recreation Leader I
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 immediate supervision:

• Leads and conducts diversified recreation activities such as arts and crafts, low organized games, team games, sports, and dramatics,• Assists in organizing, promoting, and directing special event activities such as athletic events, Halloween Party, Easter Egg Hunt, and Art and Wine Festival• Ensures proper safety precautions are observed in assigned activities and free play• Administers first aid as required• Reports to supervisors orally and in writing on activities, groups or individuals, plans and problems• Applies Department policies and recommends changes as required;  recommends action and carries out policies in dealing with specific groups• Prepares athletic field; opens, closes, and secures activity facilities• Receives and oversees the use of equipment and materials; cares for and maintains equipment• Keeps official activity scores, times, and records• Announces events using public address equipment• Performs other related duties as assigned
Recreation Leader II
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 general supervision:

•  Leads and conducts diversified recreation activities such as arts and crafts, low organized games, team games sports and dramatics
• Assists in organizing, promoting and directing special event activities such as Halloween Party, Easter Egg Hunt or Art and Wine Festival
• Ensures proper safety precautions are observed in assigned activities and free play
• Administers first aid as required
• Reports to supervisors orally and in writing on activities, groups or individuals, plans and problems
• Prepares athletic field
• Opens, closes, and secures activity facilities
• Recommends action and carries out policies in dealing with specific groups
• Issues, receives and oversees the use of equipment and materials
• Cares for and maintains equipment
• Performs other related duties as assigned 

Recreation Leader III
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 general supervision:

• Promotes recreation programs and activities in a specialty area; explains rules and regulations
• Organizes and leads groups in the particular recreation activities making up the specialty area
• Consults with recreation staff to coordinate the specialty area with the overall recreation program; incorporates the recreation specialty into a Department-approved total philosophy of recreation; interprets philosophy to participants and the public
• Advises and assists other recreation leadership staff members involved with the specialty activity to meet the specific needs and interests of the people involved
• Demonstrates and explains techniques, procedures, materials, equipment, and supplies used in the activity field
• Keeps records and accounts of attendance, inventory, financial charges and receipts, personnel, special events, accidents, and other matters requiring systematic recording
• Reports to supervisors on groups or individuals, plans, and problems; recommends action and carries out departmental policies in leading the special activity
• Issues, receives, and oversees the use of equipment by individuals and groups in the activity; recommends the acquisition or disposal of such equipment and materials
• Ensures all appropriate safety precautions are observed in the activity
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

 

Minimum Qualifications

Recreation Leader I

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements

• Education equivalent to completion of the tenth grade; and
• No experience required; and
• Must be at least 16 years of age at time of application

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
• In accordance with State of California law, a valid California Work Permit is required at time of appointment for candidates under the age of 18 who have not graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate of proficiency

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with State of California law
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

 

Recreation Leader II

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
 Minimum Requirements: 

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
• No experience required; and
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
 Possession of the following is desirable:

• A valid California Class C driver's license
• A valid American Red Cross First Aid certificate 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with State of California law
• In-service training and orientation may be required prior to performance of full job duties
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

 

Recreation Leader III

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
 Minimum Requirements:

• Completion of forty-five (45) semester units of coursework, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university, preferably with an emphasis in Recreation, Physical Education or a related field; or
• Six hundred (600) hours of recreation leadership experience equivalent to the level of Recreation Leader II with the City of Santa Clara; and
• Must be at least 18 years of age at time of application

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
 Possession of the following is desirable:

• A valid California Class C driver's license
• A valid American Red Cross First Aid certificate 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted 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.   Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview will be required prior to appointment.
 
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

Recreation Leader I 
Knowledge of:

• Techniques, rules, and equipment used in a variety of recreational activities and games• Recreation hazards and safety precautions
Ability to:• Lead and conduct several broad types of recreation activities• Learn and apply activity rules and regulations•  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including children• Provide and follow oral and written instructions• Physically lead and coordinate assigned recreation activities• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals• Exercise tact and maintain poise in resolving disputes and differences arising with the public and employees• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing 

Recreation Leader II

Knowledge of:• Techniques, rules, and equipment used in a variety of recreational activities and games• Recreation hazards and safety precautions
Ability to:• Lead and conduct several broad types of recreation activities• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including children• Provide and follow oral and written instructions• Physically lead and coordinate assigned recreation activities• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals• Exercise tact and maintain poise in resolving disputes and differences arising with the public and employees• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing 

Recreation Leader III

Knowledge of:• Techniques, rules, and equipment used in a variety of recreational activities and games• Recreation hazards and safety precautions
Considerable ability to:• Demonstrate proficiency in a specialty recreation activity• Promote, organize, lead and conduct a specialty recreation activity for participants of all skill levels• Instruct and coach participants in a specialty activity• Physically lead and coordinate assigned recreation activities• 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• Exercise tact and maintain poise in resolving disputes and differences arising with the public and employees• 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 1) City Application. 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: 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.

Position Highlights:

1. Work in a flexible, adaptable, and customer-focused environment.
2. Join a supportive and collaborative team.

Excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic theatre complex at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center.  The City is currently accepting applications for several part-time, hourly Staff Ambassador (Usher) positions in the Cultural and Community Services Department.

Primary responsibilities:

• Assist with locating seats, ticket-taking and patron relations
• Provide clear, pleasant, and courteous communication to patrons, promoters, and co-workers
• Resolve patron complaints
• Assist school children in loading/unloading in/out of buses and theatre complex
• May assist in the training of volunteer usher staff

PART-TIME RECREATION LEADER II/III
Recreation Division – Adaptive Program

Program hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from approximately 2:30 pm – 5:15 pm; additional evening and weekend hours as needed.

Level II - $16.97/hour     -   Level III - $18.04 – $21.24/hour
 
The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Join our team!


ABOUT THE POSITION
The City of Gilroy is recruiting for part-time Recreation Leaders II/III assigned to the Adaptive Program. The main goal of the City of Gilroy’s Recreation Division is to offer excellent recreation programs that provide community members with a wide range of opportunities to celebrate life and community through people, parks, programs, and special events which are delivered by a team of employees dedicated to offering quality recreational, social, and cultural services to all Gilroy residents. 
 
Under direct supervision of a Recreation Supervisor, the Recreation Leader II/III will assist, plan, organize, and lead the physical, recreational, and social activities of assigned recreation programs. Program area focus is Adaptive (Special Needs), but you might be asked to support another recreation area.

 When assigned to the Adaptive Program, the leader will have an opportunity to have hands-on experience working with a special needs population.  Disabilities of participants vary in range from non-communicative to diminished motor skills to severe autism.  The position will report to an experienced staff member.  As related experience is gained as noted in the job qualifications and requirements, and with the recommendation in the employee’s performance evaluation, Recreation Leaders can advance from Recreation Leader II to Recreation Leader III.  As the employee advances through the job series the employee will take on more responsibility and more challenging work assignments.

THE TEAM AND THE WORK
The Recreation Division is easy-going, supportive, and passionate about our work.  We practice what we preach and are versatile and able to support any recreation related program at any given moment.  We work collaboratively with the community to provide positive alternative programs to support and enhance the quality of life for all members of the community.
 

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 OR DEPARTMENTS 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 GUARENTEE 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. 

 

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 driver's license
• A valid American Red Cross First Aid certificate

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted 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 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.