Recreation Leader; Part-Time - Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services; PRNS

are you ready to join a team that is “building community through fun?" are you ready to make a difference?

the city of san josé’s department of parks, recreation and neighborhood services (prns) is looking for people who want to make san josé a better place to live. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active san josé. Activatesj, prns’ latest strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity, and public life.

the department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which include 40 community centers, 10 regional parks, 200 plus neighborhood parks, happy hollow park & zoo, 290 playgrounds, and 65 miles of trail, programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public’s trust.

Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning.

for more information, please visit activatesj.org.

the recreation leader classification is covered by the pay floor rate and hourly pay is at $30.48 for part-time, unbenefited employees. This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation.

interviews are tentatively scheduled to take place march 2026.

the parks, recreation and neighborhood services (prns) department is currently accepting applications for recreation leader positions for seasonal (and potentially ongoing) programming.

recreation leaders are an intricate part of our operations, requiring the highest level of customer service, reliability, teamwork and interpersonal skills, and communication skills. These positions are part-time, unbenefited with a maximum limit of 1,040 hours per calendar year.

schedules will vary seasonally, and recreation leaders will be placed in assignments based on their availability. There is no guarantee of hours or longevity, and staff may be unassigned. Availability is needed from june 2026 - august 2026 during program operation hours on weekdays and weekends, holidays, and some evening hours may be required.

recreation leaders fill many positions within the department and are tasked with multiple responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• conducting both indoor and outdoor recreation activities for youth, adults, older adults, and/or individuals with disabilities.
• training and leading community services aides and volunteers. Monitoring safety of facilities and activity participants.
• managing front desk at community centers by assisting customers, answering phones, and providing some office support, such as database entry.
• supporting operations at specialty facilities such as happy hollow park & zoo, including guest services, ride and attraction support, educational programming, and special events in a family-oriented amusement park and zoo setting.
• providing facility coverage for site rentals, fitness rooms, teen centers, parking booths, etc. Preparing publicity materials, such as calendars, flyers, brochures, etc.
• assisting in recruiting and coordinating volunteer/community events.

the hiring managers overseeing each program have discretion in determining the work location and schedules for each recreation leader assignment.

for more information about potential work assignment locations/programs, please visit: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-info

completion of high school, general education development (ged) certificate, or california proficiency certificate

no minimum requirement

none

those applicants in their last semester of high school are permitted to apply but will be required to provide proof of graduation prior to obtaining a work assignment.

state law requires all employees working with youth to provide medical verification of negative tuberculosis test results within the last two years.

candidates will be required to undergo a background check,…