Description
About the Department
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, 203 neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds and almost 63 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
Recreation Leader positions are available at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. These positions are part-time unbenefited, with a limit of 20 hours per week or a maximum of 1,040 hours per calendar year. Schedules will vary seasonally. Weekdays, weekends, holidays, and some evening hours may be required.
This classification is covered by the Pay Floor Rate and pays $30.48 hourly for part-time unbenefited employees. This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation.
***INTERVIEWS ARE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED for December 2025
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a 16-acre amusement park and AZA-accredited zoo. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is open year-round, catering to families with children. With eight amusement park rides, various endangered species, and one of the oldest classical puppet theaters in California, as well as many other playgrounds and attractions, Happy Hollow emphasizes play and imagination in a natural conservation setting.
While all Recreation Leaders at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo may be required to perform other duties of a similar nature or level, these are the assignments that are currently available:
- ENTERTAINMENT: This assignment includes assisting with the fabrication of puppets, scenery and props; delivering improvisational performances; providing mascot escorts around the park and at offsite events; interacting with guests; and coordinating special events. Other responsibilities include performing routine maintenance tasks and performing daily safety checks in public areas. Includes learning puppetry skills for puppet shows, mastering the art of being a mascot and embodying various face characters.
- GUEST SERVICES: This assignment is responsible for providing guest support through ticket collection, membership verification at turnstiles, and providing park information regarding rides, attractions, and special events. Will be required to learn functions of selling tickets and memberships; and provide exceptional customer service to all Members and guests.
- PICNIC BASKET & CATERING: This assignment is responsible for providing courteous guest service, assisting with taking and preparing food orders, operating food equipment (i.e. slicers, fryers, grills), and processing food and beverage sales. Other tasks include performing various cleaning and sanitation duties within the kitchen, dining room, and stockrooms, as well as the serving and preparation areas.
- REVENUE: This assignment assists in various financial-related tasks necessary for Happy Hollow to operate in accordance with City policies. This includes the accurate counting of cash and coins and preparing daily money distributions. Works closely with the Celebrations & Face painting, Guest Services, Picnic Basket & Catering, and Zoo Education teams. Attention to detail and problem solving are required.
- RIDES & ATTRACTIONS: This assignment is responsible for the cleanliness and safety of ride operations, including conducting daily ride and attraction inspections as well as operating the rides. May be required to assist with special events.
- ZOO EDUCATION: This assignment helps with educational program preparation and presentation at Happy Hollow as well as offsite. This includes week-long camps, educational assemblies, and events. Supervising children and performing administrative tasks are required. Some animal handling is possible.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Completion of high school, General Education Development (GED) Certificate, or California Proficiency Certificate
Experience: No Minimum Requirement
Acceptable substitution: None
Special Qualification: Those applicants in their last semester of high school are permitted to apply but will be required to provide proof of graduation prior to obtaining a work assignment.
Required Licensing (such as driver’s license, certifications, etc.)
- A valid First Aid certificate is required and must be maintained. Must provide proof of a valid certificate or will need to obtain a certificate within one (1) year of hire. This requirement does not apply to seasonal hires.
- A valid CPR certificate is required and must be maintained. Must provide proof of a valid certificate or will need to obtain a certificate within six (6) months of hire. This requirement does not apply to seasonal hires.
Medical Verification: State law requires all employees working with youth to provide medical verification of negative tuberculosis test results within the last two years.
Background Check: Candidates will be required to undergo a background check, including a criminal history records check, before being considered for a position.
How to Apply
To view the full announcement for this exciting opportunity with the City of San Jose and to apply online, please visit the City of San Jose's careers page by clicking the following URL link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanjoseca