Recreation Leader - San Francisco; Seasonal Day Camps - Arts, Sports, Community

Overview

About Us:

Amid a dynamic and ever-evolving urban landscape, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department stewards one of the premier urban park systems in America. In 2017, San Francisco became the first city in the nation where all residents have access to a park within a 10-minute walk, a direct result of the Department’s commitment to increasing and improving parkland in the city Learn More.

Our Department currently manages more than 230 parks, playgrounds and open spaces throughout San Francisco, including two outside city limits—Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High Sierras. The system includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, sports fields and clubhouses offering a variety of sports- and arts-related recreation programs for people of all ages. Included in the Department’s responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the San Francisco Zoo and Lake Merced.

More than 2,000 talented individuals are part of our team, from gardeners, foresters, and recreation leaders to park rangers, custodians, electricians, painters and more. Our core mission is to provide opportunities for San Francisco residents and visitors alike to gather, play, learn, relax, and enjoy nature in the city.

Come join us as Recreation Leaders who will either provide quality programming or assist with events/programs (including seasonal Day Camp programs) at our various facilities throughout the City. You will become a team member of a group of dedicated recreational professionals who seek to INSPIRE SF residents and visitors to Get Out and Play!

There are three levels of the Recreation Leader position. All levels are under the supervision of Recreation and Park Operation Staff. Distinguishing features and essential duties are described below.

• Recreation Leader I:
  Assists with program delivery based upon interest and skills; performs facility monitoring work, etc.
• Recreation Leader II
  :
  Delivers exciting recreation programs and activities in group settings. Programs may range from arts to sports to expanded learning.
• Recreation Leader III
  :
  Responsible for the delivery of all certified recreation, leisure and sport programs and activities where a certificate/advanced expertise is necessary.

Note:

Seven assignment areas exist:

• Community Services Programming (Early Childhood Recreation, Out of School Time programs, Teen programs, Adults 55 and Up, Health and Wellness, Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Services)
• Cultural Arts Programming (Visual, Performing and Digital Arts)
• Aquatics Programming (swim lessons, Water Exercise, Waterfront Sports)
• Sports & Athletic Programming (baseball, softball, basketball, boxing, flag football, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field, volleyball)
• Outdoor Recreation Programming (skateboarding, archery, rock climbing, ropes courses, outdoor and nature-based programming)
• Peace Parks & Pathways (teen-focused programming, safe-space activations, employment opportunities, belonging and wellbeing programs)
• Supports Services and Permits & Reservations (office tasks, customer service, complex facility events)

Essential duties across all levels may include set up and take down of facility tables and chairs, occasional janitorial tasks, and other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED by the first week of June 2026 (verified by transcript or diploma)

AND hours of qualifying experience for each level:

• Recreation Leader I — 500 hours of qualifying recreation experience delivering instruction/programs
• Recreation Leader II — 1,000 hours of direct experience delivering recreation, cultural or athletic instruction/programs
• Recreation Leader III — 1,000 hours of direct experience delivering recreation, cultural or athletic instruction/programs and hold a certificate in the specific area of expertise (substitutions subject to approval); or related qualifications as determined by the department. Roles may be rare and require approval by top Recreation Management. The department will determine level based on operational need, experience and verification of…