Senior Recreation Specialist

SENIOR RECREATION SPECIALIST

Final date to receive applications for this recruitment is Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

to apply online:
Join Our Team.

Under general supervision, Senior Recreation Specialists are responsible for the more routine aspects of planning, promoting, organizing, coordinating, and leading community programs and recreation services for customers of all ages. Senior Recreation Specialists can be assigned to the Recreation Services or Human Services divisions of the Community Services Department.

The Human Services Division operates the Buena Clinton Youth & Family Center, the Magnolia Park Family Resource Center, and the H. Louis Lake Senior Center which provide free to low cost programs and services to the residents of Garden Grove. Programs include activities, educational classes, counseling and support groups, volunteer opportunities, and wellness programs.

The Recreation Services Division operates the Atlantis Play Center, Magnolia Park Pool, Gary Hall Pool, Woodbury Park Pool, and the Garden Grove Sports & Recreation Center, providing low cost recreation programs to the local community. Programs include seasonal recreational activities, swim lessons and aquatics programs, day camp, playground amenities and reservations, and sports.

We currently have one (1) part-time benefited opening in the Recreation Services Division. Incumbents work at the Garden Grove Sports & Recreation Center approximately 25 hours per week and assist with the City-operated youth basketball program; train and direct the work of up to 12 part-time staff; coordinate facility scheduling and usage; and provide excellent customer service to all clients and facility users.

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill this vacancy and future vacancies throughout the City within the next six months. So, we encourage all those who are interested in the Senior Recreation Specialist position to apply.

• Develop, coordinate, and lead recreation and community programs.
• Provide direction to Recreation Specialists and Recreation Leaders.
• Serve as facility supervisor in absence of a Community Services Coordinator at various sites.
• Coordinate facility scheduling and usage.
• Train part-time and volunteer staff.
• Assist customers by answering questions (including providing information and assistance to the general public regarding Center programs and activities, resolving scheduling issues, planning facility set-up for events, and coordinating vendors).
• Maintain confidential records and prepare written and oral reports.
• Assist with and make recommendations regarding program development and administration.
• Monitor and inspect facilities and recreational areas for safety hazards and adherence to safety standards.
• Issue and maintain playground, athletic, and arts and crafts equipment and supplies, including conducting inventory and ordering replacements, as needed.
• Administer first aid when required.
• Collect and track payments for fee based programs and prepare monetary reports for reconciliation.
• Prepare and distribute informational, marketing, and registration materials for programs and events and collect participant data.
• Ensure compliance with grant-funded programs through data collection and correspondence with City staff and program partners.
• Work with City staff to provide support for community special events.
• Conduct community and staff meetings related to assigned programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited high school or successful completion of the General Education Development (G.E.D.) and one (1) year of experience planning, organizing and leading recreational, social, educational and community programs and events is required.

A Bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, social work or a related field from an accredited university is considered highly desirable.

Recreational, educational and health-related programs and activities for diverse age groups; rules and regulations governing competitive games and athletic activities; first-aid practices and techniques; basic facility management and building safety practices; gang dynamics and juvenile delinquency prevention techniques; and the operation of general office equipment including MS Office.

Relate well to individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, incomes, and educational levels; meet and deal tactfully and effectively with City staff, program participants, community partners, and the public; maintain confidentiality in matters of agency operations, personnel, and clients; gather and maintain adequate operating records and other documentation; understand and follow written and oral instructions; work quickly and effectively under minimal supervision;

exercise sound judgement within established guidelines; communicate in a clear, concise and effective manner both verbally and in writing; and perform…