Recreation Leader (Temporary - Summer Employment)

Full Job Description

Open continuously and is subject to close at any time. A first review of applications is scheduled for the week of February 9th.

THIS IS A TEMPORARY SEASONAL JOB TO SUPPORT THE SUMMER RECREATION DAY CAMP PROGRAM.

When the school year comes to an end, the City of Pasadena offers traditional Summer Day Camps, Enrichment Camps, Outdoor Neighborhood Park Camps, and a unique Arroyo Seco Adventure Camp.

The Traditional Summer Day Camps offer youth opportunities to get involved in group games, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, computers, science, and music.

These camps include Victory Park Camp, Villa Parke Camp, and Robinson Park Camp. All camps facilitate and array of activities, including science, art, sports, fitness, and dance.

The Outdoor Neighborhood Park Camps give campers an opportunity to enjoy arts & crafts, physical fitness games and challenges, dance, and enrichment activities.

The Arroyo Seco Adventures Camp offers participants an opportunity to learn about our local, natural resources in a fun and exciting way.

This outdoor camp pairs environmental education with traditional camp activities.

Participants go on nature lead walks learning about conservation of environmental resources, native plants and local wildlife.

Youth participate in archery, horseback riding and hiking, and practice their gardening and survival skills.

The Recreation Leader (Summer) under general supervision plans, organizes, and conducts a program of recreational activities at a park, or community center or large facility, or a specialized program.
The ideal candidate will possess experience in leading youth participants as they engage in general recreation, outdoor education, and adventure activities
in a group setting. To be successful in this position, individuals must be enthusiastic about interactive recreation programs and excited to work with youth.

For the Arroyo Seco Adventures Camp, some knowledge of natural habitats (plants, trees, and flowers), bodies of water, and gardening techniques are desirable. Individuals with outdoor experience in conducting guided educational hikes that expose participants to the surrounding wildlife and terrain are highly desirable. A background in biology and/or earth sciences is ideal.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Recreation Leader position is a temporary assignment for up to eight weeks depending on program needs. Work hours may vary (20-40 hours/week) depending on assignment.

Summer Day Camp staff must be available to work beginning Monday, June 8, 2026, through Friday, July 31, 2026. Dates subject to change depending on program need.

Requirements

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the Recreation Leader Summer job description.

• Leads recreation activities and provides oversight for an assigned group of youth participants.
• Monitors the interactions and participation of program participants; addresses disruptive and/or non-compliant behavior.
• Instructs in various games and interprets rules of play; seeks to increase the interest and participation of youth in various games and activities.
• Assists with checking in/out program participants.
• Assists in developing activities for an assigned subject or theme.
• Takes inventory of equipment and supplies; determines and arranges supplies and equipment needed for various activities.

• Physical strength and agility to lift up to 50 lbs., bend in all directions, squeeze with arms and hands, pull and lower up to 50 lbs.

• Provides supervision during field trips, outdoor activities, and swimming; takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety of participants.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Adaptability responds positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires.
• Customer Focusattends to the needs and expectations of customers.
• Group Facilitationenables constructive and productive group interaction.
• Oral Communicationengages effectively in dialogue.
• Professional & Technical Expertiseknowledge of rules and regulations governing organized recreational games and activities; equipment and supplies needed.
• Safety Focusshows vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.
• Self-Management shows personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability.
• Teamwork collaborates with others to achieve shared goals.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• At least 50 hours of experience as a volunteer and/or paid leader in recreation, physical education, or a related field.

Desired qualifications:

• Current enrollment in a college or university majoring in Recreation or a related field.
• Experience working with youth with disabilities and other special needs.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The selection process may consist of a combination training and experience evaluation, Subject Matter Expert review, interview panel, and department-level interviews.

VACANCY INFORMATION:

Summer vacancies occurring in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department may be filled as a result of this testing process.

A limited number of positions may be available for 14 and 15 year old's. The eligible list established may be used to fill vacancies that occur in the afterschool program.

PROBATIONARY WORK TEST PERIOD = At will (Summer Temporary Employment)

FLSA = Non-Exempt

Additional Information

Candidates are required to successfully complete a medical examination including drug screen and a criminal background live scan screen consistent with current state and federal law.

Physical strength and agility to lift up to 50 lbs., bend in all directions, squeeze with arms and hands, pull and lower up to 50 lbs.

Summer Day Camp staff must be available to work beginning Monday, June 8, 2026, through Friday, July 31, 2026. Dates subject to change depending on program need.