Recreation Specialist

The City of Costa Mesa's Parks and Community Services Department is committed to enhancing the community through the delivery of innovative recreational programs; quality parks and facilities; and services that promote social, physical and emotional well-being. We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Recreation Specialist to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for community engagement and a strong background in planning and delivering quality recreational programs and activities.

There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy assigned to Youth Programming (Teen Program).

SALARY: Current: $61,308 - $82,164 annually
Effective April 2026: $62,520 - $83,808 annually

WHY WORK FOR COSTA MESA: The City of Costa Mesa, with the motto "City of the Arts", is one of California's most eclectic and vibrant cities. Located just one mile from the Pacific Ocean and in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is a great place to live, work and play. The City offers exceptional employee benefits, opportunities for training and development, and prides itself on its Core Values of Integrity, Sustainability, Compassion, Innovation, Inclusion and Collaboration.

Under general direction of the Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Supervisor or Senior Recreation Supervisor, this position assists the Recreation Coordinator in the day-to-day operations of a community center or other recreation facility or program. The Recreation Specialist plans, promotes, coordinates, implements and evaluates specialized recreation programs such as aquatics, adult and youth fitness, early childhood education, senior center, special events and other specialized recreation programs.

Work also involves supervising part-time staff and volunteers in various program areas, and other related duties as required.

• Coordinate, schedule, and supervise staff and activities for multiple after school teen centers for youth between 7th and 12th grade
• Supervise and plan a fee-based teen camp and year-round excursions for youth entering 7th through 12th grade
• Plan six themed special events for teenagers annually

If you have a passion for working with youth and coordinating special events, this may be the perfect opportunity for you!

Applications must be completed and submitted online. This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close without prior notice, therefore prompt application is encouraged.

First application review date:
Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Applicants are requested to provide specific information regarding their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Do not include "see attached resume" in your responses, as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process.

Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Additional documents will not be reviewed during the application evaluation process. If selected to proceed further in the recruitment process, an opportunity to provide work samples, letters of recommendation, etc. will be appropriate during the interview process.

Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to the following components: application review and evaluation, written examination or exercise, physical examination, practical exercise and interview evaluation. Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process.

The eligibility list will be in effect for one (1) year, unless exhausted sooner. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future part-time or full-time vacancies in the current assignment as well as other program assignments, or in lower level vacancies.

All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check, and post-offer medical evaluation. Based upon current and/or future assignments, an employee may be subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable and post-accident drug and alcohol testing pursuant to the Department of Transportation Regulations.

Note:

The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.

These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work…