Per Diem Recreation Program Specialist - Summer Camp

Category Recreation

Region San Francisco/Peninsula

Job Type Part-Time

Close Date Until filled

$27.43-$32.72 Hourly

None

San Mateo is a city of more than 100,000 residents located in San Mateo County, California, on the San Francisco Peninsula. One of the City’s strengths is its diversity, both in the ethnic makeup and the physical development of the community. San Mateo has a vibrant business and retail environment with national and international businesses, two major shopping centers and an active downtown.

You would be joining over 500 people whose mission it is to serve the San Mateo community with a collaborative, innovative and professional spirit. We are looking for someone who embodies our shared values of respect, creativity, inclusivity, transparency, and integrity in their words and actions.

We invite applications for the position of:
Recreation Program Specialist

$27.43-$32.72/hour Open until filled

The City of San Mateo Parks and Recreation Department is looking for responsible, enthusiastic, and team-oriented individuals to join our Summer Camp Team!

The Position: Are you seeking a meaningful career serving youth in a diverse, multicultural community? Join our team and make a positive difference every day. This position will oversee the daily operations, ensuring high-quality services and a welcoming environment for participants. This role provides leadership and guidance to per-diem staff, serving as a coach and mentor to support their success. Strong attention to developmentally appropriate practices and safety compliance is essential to maintaining program excellence and accountability.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess a valid State of California driver’s license, with Early Childhood Education units preferred. They should have at least one year of paid leadership experience within a classroom, after-school program, or camp environment and a minimum of a high school diploma. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential, particularly when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

This position requires the ability to work independently while following direction from a coordinator, as well as the capacity to train, supervise, and collaborate effectively with staff, youth participants, and their families. Attention to detail is critical, including maintaining accurate records and submitting required documentation promptly. Candidates must be proficient in computer applications, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel, and successfully pass all required background checks upon hire.

A bilingual pay differential is available for candidates fluent in identified languages. Availability is required Monday through Friday from May through August, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Recreation Program Specialist Example Duties: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in the implementation of a 40-hour Summer Camp Training for per-diem staff.
• Collaborate with Recreation Specialists I, II, and III to plan and deliver daily camp activities that are developmentally appropriate for children aged 5-12.
• Lead recreation per-diem staff on behavior management strategies, best practices for working with youth, and daily camp routines such as sign-in/sign-out procedures, field trip management, incident/accident forms, and activity implementation.
• Occasional driving of City vehicles to support programmatic needs, including transporting youth participants on field trips.
• Provide regular and clear feedback to participants’ families regarding their child’s experience and progress.
• Manage camp supplies, T-shirt inventory, and first aid equipment.
• Support the Coordinator in weekly staff meetings to ensure smooth operations and team alignment.

Fine Print Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete all pre-employment requirements, including reference checks, a Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Live Scan fingerprint background check, and Tuberculosis (TB) clearance. The policy of the City of San Mateo is to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified…