Recreation Leader - San Francisco (including 2025 Seasonal Day Camps - Arts, Sports, Community Services (Neighborhood Camps), Waterfront (3279 TEX As-Needed)

Company Description

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.  San Francisco recently became the first city in the United States for which 100% of its residents live within a ten-minute walk of a park.  Considered by San Franciscans to be one of the City’s most popular and effective public agencies, our Department manages and maintains more than 225 parks, playgrounds, and open spaces in San Francisco, including two outside of city limits: Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High Sierras. Our 4,100- acre system includes 24 recreation centers, 9 swimming pools, 5 golf courses and numerous athletic facilities, including sports courts, ball diamonds, soccer fields and gymnasiums. Included in the department’s responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the Palace of Fine Arts, and TPC Harding Park golf course.

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, as it has been throughout our history, is to provide opportunities for San Francisco residents and visitors alike to gather, play, learn, relax, and enjoy nature in the city.

Race and Social Equity Statement
We believe that parks and open space in San Francisco provides the opportunity to model equitable access for all.  With this belief, San Francisco became the first city in the United States for which 100% of its residents live within a ten-minute walk of a park. The Recreation and Park Department’s goal is to close the gaps and improve equity and access to quality parks and open space, and recreation activities for historically marginalized communities.  

We envision a department that proactively infuses racial and social equity in its internal operations.  With a multi-disciplinary team of talented individuals - gardeners, recreation leaders, park rangers, custodians, craft shop personnel, park and recreation managers and more, the department is committed to doing its part to provide equitable access to parks and programs for all the communities we serve to enjoy, as well as foster a work environment where our differences are celebrated, and everyone has what they need to thrive regardless of their race, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or country of origin.

Job Description

Come join us as we are seeking qualified individuals 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! 

SF Summer Day Camps run from June to August and operate on a Monday to Friday basis. Work shifts are various, between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

For information on our Recreation Programming please visit the below link:

SF Recreation & Park Day Camps

Typically, Recreation Leaders assist or lead Day Camps program throughout the day in various activities ranging from hiking, storytelling, traditional skits and songs, art activities and field games. We are seeking individuals who have experience in leading games, songs, and other cultural fun activities. Each Recreation Leader will mentor camp counselors and 1 to 2 youth assistants aged 14+.

NOTE – if you are hired, you will be required to attend the Recreation & Parks New Employee Orientation which covers Department procedures and policies as well as a Unit Orientation before starting work.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: There are three levels of the Recreation Leader position. All levels are under the supervision of Recreation and Park Operation Staff.  A description of the levels are summarized 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 we believe a certificate/advanced expertise is necessary. 

Distinguishing Feature: The Recreation Leader I performs program assistance and facility monitoring, while Recreation Leaders II and III are responsible for direct instruction of recreation, leisure and sport progr