Camp Putah Recreation Leader

Position: Camp Putah Recreation Leader (2026)

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RECREATION LEADER – CAMP COUNSELOR: CAMP PUTAH (Community Services Specialist II)

Wages: $17.39/hour

Status: Temporary part time (no benefits, paid for all hours worked)

Minimum Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or high school graduate.

Program Description: Camp Putah is a beloved nature education camp which has operated in Davis for over 50 years! Camp Putah is held at the Riparian Reserve along a creek near the University Airport. It is a 5-day program for 7 to 12 year old youth emphasizing outdoor education and nature exploration. Each day camp staff and participants bike from Central Park to UC Davis’ Riparian Reserve where they engage in various activities including canoeing, archery, crafts, hiking and nature education with an overnight camp program on Thursday.

Must be proficient in bicycling and must own a bike that will be used weekly. Will bike upwards of 10 miles per day with coworkers, volunteers and campers.

Hours: Camp runs for at least eight weeks from June 20 – August 21, 2026. Candidates must be available Monday - Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 7:00 am through Friday at 2:00 p.m. for the weekly overnight.

Mandatory training is Saturday, June 6, 2026. Additional training will be held prior to summer. Must be available Monday, June 15 – Thursday, June 18 for on-site training.

Duties: Under the supervision of the Camp Manager and Camp Putah Senior Leaders, the Recreation Leader position assists in the implementation of daily operations for Camp Putah.

Typical Responsibilities

• Be a positive role model to elementary and middle school aged children as well as high school aged volunteers
• Build positive relationships with campers helping them strengthen life skills and create fun lasting memories
• Initiate and lead activities including canoeing, archery, hikes, crafts, games and bicycling in a rural, outdoor setting
• Ensure the safety and supervision of campers, equipment and facilities
• Keep work environments clean and organized
• Communicate with campers parents regarding camper behavior, injuries and other relevant camp information
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and other City staff
• Assist in the training, supervision and coaching of camp volunteers
• Renders first aid as necessary
• Attends weekly staff meetings as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or have education equivalent to completion of high school
• Current certification in Standard First Aid and CPR before the start of program
• Experience working in a day camp setting with large groups of youth
• Knowledge of nature study, arts and crafts, camping and outdoor recreation skills
• Knowledge of best practices in youth development, including behavior management and positive role modeling
• Ability to demonstrate strong skills in leadership and team building
• Ability to provide strong internal and external customer service
• Ability to communicate effectively with camper parents, children, camp staff, and other City employees
• Ability to display good judgment, problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to bike up to ten (10) miles per day
• Must be able to complete a list of other required online trainings prior to the start of the program, including but not limited to:
  Concussion Training, Blood Borne Pathogens, Mandated Reporter, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Heat Illness, Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination.

Final date to receive applications: March 9, 2026 or until filled. Applicants will be screened according to qualifications and experience and invited via email to an in-person interview.

To Apply: A City of Davis online employment application must be submitted to be considered for these positions.

To apply , please go online yofdavis.org.

PLEASE NOTE: All applicants will be notified via email.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Staff should be prepared to work outdoors, in various environmental conditions each week. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable…