Recreation Summer Camp Coordinator; Recreation Leader III

Our Mission

The City of Palo Alto is recruiting for seasonal Summer Camp Coordinators for the 2026 Summer Camp program. The goal of the Community Services Department is to offer recreation programs that provide a range of activities to meet all the needs of the community and to sustain a positive quality of life!

Under the general supervision of the Youth and Teen Services Coordinator, the Camp Coordinator provides direction and supervision to all Site and Assistant Site Directors, Camp Counselors, and Counselors in Training (CITs) to ensure that the City Of Palo Alto guidelines, safety policies and procedures are being followed in Camp Palo Alto, Foothills Camps, and Mitchell Park Camps. Camp Coordinators will supervise, manage, and support camp staff during the summer season while working to ensure a fun and safe space for campers and camp staff.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Multiple positions are available. This recruitment may close at any time, including before the listed closing date, once all positions have been filled.

• Lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Camp Site and Assistant Site Directors in their performance.
• Create, implement and lead a variety of non-competitive activities such as arts and crafts, games, hikes, field trips, and possible overnight activities.
• Create and enforce rules and staff expectations.
• Collect and make weekly purchase requests for staff equipment and supply.
• Ensure camp operations are running smoothly by remaining in contact with camp staff.

• Work with camp families to answer any questions and resolve any issues.
• Maintain camp attendance and enrollment data.
• Lead in creation and implementation of In-Service Staff training.
• Lead in all training and staff meetings.
• Lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Camp Site and Assistant Site Directors in their performance.
• Work well with a diverse population of staff children in a variety of activities and situations.
• Responsible for ensuring the program meets the needs of the participants and CITs.
• Understand and be prepared to activate Emergency Action Plans; perform First Aid and CPR as necessary.
• Lead staff meetings.
• Maintain a high level of communication with parents, Camp Counselors, Recreation Supervisor, City staff and the general public.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.
• Display a high level of motivation, integrity, customer service, and professionalism.

• Commit to entire program dates, including in-service training and camp wrap-up
• Attend Directors In-Service Training
• Able to provide a negative tuberculosis test
• Pass background check.
• Experience in leadership roles in summer camp and/or youth programs

Position requires at least 2 years of experience and specialized skills or advanced certifications in a related field including:

• Summer Camps
• Teen Outreach Leaders / Recreation Leader
• Coaches
• Substitute teachers
• Sports Camp Leaders
• Sport Officials
• Pool Manager
• Gymnastic / Dance Instructor

This is a Limited Hourly non-benefited position, not to exceed 415 hours per fiscal year. Work hours will be determined upon assignment.

• Position Opens:
  February 27, 2026
• Final date to receive applications:
  March 27, 2026
• Tentative Interview Period:
  Week of March 09, 2026
• Summer Camp Staff Training:
  June 08, 2026 - June 12, 2026
• Summer Camps Begin:
  June 15, 2026

Please note:
The dates listed above are tentative and subject to change.

Our online application system is provided by Neo Gov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact Neo Gov's Live Applicant Support at  between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.