Recreation Leader; Temporary - Summer

Open continuously and is subject to close at any time. A first review of applications is scheduled for the week of February 9th.

When the school year comes to an end, the City of Pasadena offers traditional Summer Day Camps, Enrichment Camps, Outdoor Neighborhood Park Camps, and a unique Arroyo Seco Adventure Camp.

The Traditional Summer Day Camps offer youth opportunities to get involved in group games, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, computers, science, and music. These camps include Victory Park Camp, Villa Parke Camp, and Robinson Park Camp. All camps facilitate an array of activities, including science, art, sports, fitness, and dance. The Outdoor Neighborhood Park Camps give campers an opportunity to enjoy arts & crafts, physical fitness games and challenges, dance, and enrichment activities.

The Arroyo Seco Adventures Camp offers participants an opportunity to learn about our local, natural resources in a fun and exciting way. This outdoor camp pairs environmental education with traditional camp activities. Participants go on nature lead walks learning about conservation of environmental resources, native plants and local wildlife. Youth participate in archery, horseback riding and hiking, and practice their gardening and survival skills.

The Recreation Leader (Summer) under general supervision plans, organizes, and conducts a program of recreational activities at a park, or community center or large facility, or a specialized program.

Ideal candidate will possess experience in leading youth participants as they engage in general recreation, outdoor education, and adventure activities in a group setting. To be successful in this position, individuals must be enthusiastic about interactive recreation programs and excited to work with youth.

For the Arroyo Seco Adventures Camp, some knowledge of natural habitats (plants, trees, and flowers), bodies of water, and gardening techniques are desirable. Individuals with outdoor experience in conducting guided educational hikes that expose participants to the surrounding wildlife and terrain are highly desirable. A background in biology and/or earth sciences is ideal.

Recreation Leader position is a temporary assignment for up to eight weeks depending on program needs. Work hours may vary (20-40 hours/week) depending on assignment. Summer Day Camp staff must be available to work beginning Monday, June 8, 2026, through Friday, July 31, 2026. Dates subject to change depending on program need.

• Leads recreation activities and provides oversight for an assigned group of youth participants.
• Monitors the interactions and participation of program participants; addresses disruptive and/or non-compliant behavior.
• Instructs in various games and interprets rules of play; seeks to increase the interest and participation of youth in various games and activities.
• Assists with checking in/out program participants.
• Assists in developing activities for an assigned subject or theme.
• Takes inventory of equipment and supplies; determines and arranges supplies and equipment needed for various activities.
• Physical strength and agility to lift up to 50 lbs., bend in all directions, squeeze with arms and hands, pull and lower up to 50 lbs.
• Provides supervision during field trips, outdoor activities, and swimming; takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety of participants.

• Adaptability responds positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires.
• Customer Focus attends to the needs and expectations of customers.
• Group Facilitation enables constructive and productive group interaction.
• Oral Communication engages effectively in dialogue.
• Professional & Technical Expertise knowledge of rules and regulations governing organized recreational games and activities; equipment and supplies needed.
• Safety Focus shows vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.
• Self-Management shows personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability.
• Teamwork collaborates with others to achieve shared goals.