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Current Job Opportunities

Current Regular Job Listings

Complete the application(PDF, 214KB) and drop it off at 323 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Regular (non-temporary) positions will require an online application.

Temporary positions are non-benefited. Temporary positions are of limited duration and are not linked to regular positions of the same name. Temporary positions are limited to a total of 999 hours in a fiscal year. Not all of the above positions are currently available, but we will accept applications to keep on file for up to two years.

 

Temporary Recruitment Opportunities

DAY CAMP RECREATION LEADER I

REPORTS TO: Recreation Leader IV & Summer Camps Coordinator

DESIGNATION: Temporary, Seasonal

TRAINING/PROGRAM DATES: June 1 - June 5, 2026/June 8 – July 31, 2026

STARTING PAY RATE: $18.6981 per hour

HOURS: Approximately 20 hours per week

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Entry level position. Must be 15½ years old by June 8, 2026.

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis until positions are filled.

RETURN TO: Parks & Recreation Office, 323 Church Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060, Attn: Robert Acosta

INTERVIEW: Qualifying applications received by February 20, 2026, will be interviewed in the first round which will be held the week of February 23, 2026. After this date interviews will be held until positions are filled.

The City of Santa Cruz in an equal opportunity employer.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

Under direction of the Recreation Leader IV and Summer Camps Coordinator, assumes assigned responsibilities for assisting with the planning, organizing and supervising of various activities in summer day camp program.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

· Lead and conduct recreation activities - including arts & crafts, games, sports, songs and field trips.

· Assist with the preparation, scheduling and planning of daily, weekly, and monthly activities.

· Assist with the implementation of program plans.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Possess leadership skills in several areas of recreation activities.

· Reliable and conscientious with children, parents and adults.

· Ability to lead and participate in recreation games and sports.

· Ability to express ideas to groups.

· Willingness to work irregular schedule.

· Willingness to learn new skills.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

· Possession and continued maintenance of current certifications in both First Aid and Adult/Child/Infant CPR.

· Proof of certification must be presented by the week of June 1, 2026. *NO EXCEPTIONS*

· Proof of negative tuberculosis test or clear chest X-ray must be presented by the week of June 1, 2026.

· Attend All-Staff training June 1 – 5, 2026

· Attend All-Staff meetings (Wednesday evenings, 6:30 p.m.)

· Must wear program uniform while working, provided by the department.

· Must wear closed-heeled, closed-toed shoes.

· Fingerprint clearance of all employees is required prior to beginning work.

DAY CAMP RECREATION LEADER II

REPORTS TO: Recreation Leader IV & Summer Camps Coordinator

DESIGNATION: Temporary, Seasonal

TRAINING/PROGRAM DATES: June 1 - June 5, 2026/June 8 – July 31, 2026

STARTING PAY RATE: $20.4577 per hour

HOURS: Approximately 20–35 hours per week

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Three (3) seasons/semesters of volunteer or one (1) season/semester of paid experience working with children in a recreation or education setting. Must be age 16 by June 8, 2026.

RETURN TO: Parks & Recreation Office, 323 Church Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060, Attn: Robert Acosta

INTERVIEW: Qualifying applications received by February 20, 2026, will be interviewed in the first round which will be held the week of February 23, 2026. After this date interviews will be held until positions are filled.

The City of Santa Cruz in an equal opportunity employer.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

Under direction of the Recreation Leader IV and Summer Camps Coordinator, assumes assigned responsibilities for assisting with the planning, organizing and supervising of various activities in summer day camp program.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

· Lead and conduct recreation activities - including arts & crafts, games, sports, songs and field trips.

· Assist with the preparation, scheduling and planning of daily, weekly, and monthly activities.

· Assist with the implementation of program plans.

· Act as a mentor in the Junior Leader Mentoring Program

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Possess leadership skills in several areas of recreation activities.

· Reliable and conscientious with children, parents and adults.

· Ability to lead and participate in recreation games and sports.

· Ability to express ideas to groups.

· Willingness & ability to set example for Recreation I & Junior Leaders

· Willingness to address discipline issues with children.

· Willingness to work irregular schedule.

· Willing to learn new skills.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

· Possession and continued maintenance of current certifications in both First Aid and Adult/Child/Infant CPR.

· Proof of certification must be presented by the week of June 1, 2026. *NO EXCEPTIONS*

· Proof of negative tuberculosis test or clear chest X-ray must be presented by the week of June 1, 2026.

· Attend All-Staff training the week of June 1, 2026

· Attend All-Staff meetings (Wednesday evenings, 6:30 p.m.)

· Must wear program uniform while working, provided by the department.

· Must wear closed-heeled, closed-toed shoes.

· Fingerprint clearance of all employees is required prior to beginning work.

DAY CAMP RECREATION LEADER III

REPORTS TO: Recreation Leader IV, Summer Camps Coordinator, Recreation Assistant & Recreation Supervisor

DESIGNATION: Temporary, Seasonal

TRAINING/PROGRAM DATES: June 1 - 5, 2026/June 8 – July 31, 2026

STARTING PAY RATE: $22.3442 per hour

HOURS: 30-40 hours per week

MINIMUM AGE/EXPERIENCE: Three (3) seasons/semesters of paid experience working with children in a recreation or education setting. One (1) season/semester experience leading staff. Must be 18 years old at time of hire.

RETURN TO: Parks & Recreation Office, 323 Church Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060, Attn: Robert Acosta

INTERVIEW: Qualifying applications received by February 20, 2026, will be interviewed in the first round which will be held the week of February 23, 2026. After this date interviews will be held until positions are filled.

The City of Santa Cruz in an equal opportunity employer.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under supervision of the Recreation Leader IV, Summer Camps Coordinator, Recreation Coordinator and Recreation Supervisor, plan, organize, implement and lead an assigned children’s summer day camp program.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

· Plan, prepare and organize daily, weekly and seasonal activities.

· Assist in the training and coordinating of recreation staff and volunteers assigned to facility or activity.

· Lead various activities- including games, sports, crafts, songs, and field trips.

· In the absence of Recreation IV manage site specific email, social media & scheduling programs.

· Assist in the preparation of monthly reports, program evaluation forms, and incident/accident reports as directed by Site Supervisor.

· Monitor condition of equipment, supplies and facilities; open and close facilities when necessary.

· Lead and delegate duties to Recreation Leaders I & II and Junior Leader Volunteers under direction of the Site Supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge and Abilities:

· Working knowledge of a variety of age/ability-appropriate children’s games and activities.

· Understand and give verbal/written instructions.

· Independently initiate and complete work activities.

· Effectively motivate and lead a number of children and staff at once.

· Enforce and explain program policies and procedures.

· Interact effectively and professionally with a wide variety of individuals.

· Respond calmly and effectively to emergency situations.

· Assist in the planning and coordinating of short and long-range activities.

· Willingness to work irregular schedule.

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

· Possession and continued maintenance of current certifications in both First Aid and Adult/Child/Infant CPR.

· Proof of certification must be presented by the week of June 1, 2026. *NO EXCEPTIONS*

· Proof of negative tuberculosis test or clear chest X-ray must be presented by the week of June 1, 2026.

· Attend All-Staff training June 1 – 5, 2026

· Attend All-Staff meetings (Wednesday evenings, 6:30 p.m.)

· Must wear program uniform while working, provided by the department.

· Must wear closed-heeled, closed-toed shoes.

· Fingerprint clearance of all employees is required prior to beginning work.

DAY CAMP RECREATION LEADER IV

REPORTS TO: Summer Camps Coordinator, Recreation Assistant & Recreation Supervisor

SUPERVISES: Recreation Leaders I, II & III and Junior Leader Volunteers

DESIGNATION: Temporary, Seasonal

TRAINING & PROGRAM DATES: Site Supervisor Training TBD/June 1 – 5, 2026 (All Staff Training)/June 8 – July 31, 2026 (Program Dates)

STARTING PAY RANGE: $24.4731 per hour

HOURS: 35 – 40 hours per week

MINIMUM AGE/EXPERIENCE: Must be 18 years old at time of hire. Three (3) seasons/semesters of paid experience working with children in a recreation or education setting. Two (2) seasons/semesters experience supervising staff.

RETURN TO: Parks & Recreation Office, 323 Church Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060, Attn: Robert Acosta

INTERVIEW: Qualifying applications received by February 20, 2026, will be interviewed in the first round which will be held the week of February 23, 2026. After this date interviews will be held until positions are filled.

The City of Santa Cruz is an equal opportunity employer.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under supervision of the Summer Camps Coordinator, Recreation Assistant and Recreation Supervisor, plan, organize, implement and lead an assigned children’s summer day camp program.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

· Plan, prepare and organize daily, weekly and seasonal activities.

· Train, schedule and coordinate recreation staff and volunteers assigned to facility or activity.

· Lead various activities- including games, sports, crafts, songs, and field trips.

· Manage site specific email, social media & scheduling programs.

· Prepare monthly reports, program evaluation forms, and incident/accident reports.

· Supervise staff, volunteers and children on Santa Cruz Metro & chartered bus trips.

· Ensures the safety of staff, volunteers and children while representing the Department while off-site.

· Supervise the maintenance of equipment, supplies and facilities; open and close facilities when necessary; coordinate facility and activity needs with school/park personnel.

· Supervise and delegate duties to Recreation Leaders I, II & III and Junior Leader Volunteers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge and Abilities:

· Working knowledge of a variety of age/ability-appropriate children’s games and activities.

· Understand and give verbal/written instructions.

· Independently initiate and complete work activities.

· Effectively motivate and supervise a number of children and staff at once.

· Enforce and explain divisional policies and procedures.

· Interact effectively and professionally with a wide variety of individuals.

· Respond calmly and effectively to emergency situations.

· Maintain accurate attendance and budget records.

· Plan and coordinate short and long-range activities.

· Willingness to work irregular schedule.

· High school graduation or G.E.D.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

· Possession and continued maintenance of certification in both First Aid and Adult/Child/Infant CPR.

· Proof of certification must be presented by the week of June 1, 2026 *NO EXCEPTIONS*

· Proof of negative tuberculosis test or clear chest x-ray results must be presented by the week of June 1, 2026.

· Attend All-Staff Training June 1 – 5, 2026

· Attend weekly staff meetings (Wednesday evenings, 6:30 p.m.)

· Wear program uniform provided by department.

· Wear closed-heeled, closed-toed shoes.

· Fingerprint clearance of all employees required prior to beginning work.

SUMMER TEEN INTERN

REPORTS TO: Recreation Leader V, Recreation Coordinator, Various Department Staff

DESIGNATION: Temporary, Seasonal

TRAINING DATES: June 10, 2026

PROGRAM DATES: June 15 - August 10, 2026

WAGES/HOURS: $18.6981; up to 20 hours per week

FINAL FILING DATE: May 8, 2026

RETURN TO: Parks & Recreation Office, 323 Church Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060

Attn: Teen Summer Intern Program

INTERVIEW DATES: Week of May 11, 2026

The City of Santa Cruz is an equal opportunity employer.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

Under direction of the Recreation Leader V and Recreation Coordinator, assumes assigned responsibilities in various departments within the City of Santa Cruz. Will learn duties and work in their areas assigned.

Intern positions MAY BE available in the following departments or areas:

· Parks & Recreation Department

· Fire Department

· City Clerk’s Office

· City Manager’s Office

· Library

· Public Works

· Information Technology

· Planning/Community Development

· Economic Development

· Water Department

· Finance

· Human Resources

· Sports Department

· Special Events

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Must be at least 15.5 years of age at time of hire (5/31/26).

· Must be attending high school or college level courses in the Fall of 2026

· Reliable and conscientious

· Willing to learn new skills

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

· Attend All-Staff training (paid) June 10, 2026

· Attend Intern Staff Meetings every other Thursday (6/25, 7/9, 7/23, 8/6)

· May be required to attend Department Meetings as well

· Must wear appropriate attire (as required by individual work site)

· Some positions may require fingerprint clearance or proof of valid Driver’s License