Recreation Leader - Downey, CA

NOTE: This recruitment is open until the needs of the Department are met and may close without prior notice. · Applications received by 05:30 p.m., February 13, 2026, will be reviewed to be considered for an interview at the City of Downey's Job Fair on March 7, 2026. Application ...

Job description

NOTE: This recruitment is open until the needs of the Department are met and may close without prior notice.
Applications received by 05:30 p.m., February 13, 2026, will be reviewed to be considered for an interview at the City of Downey's Job Fair on March 7, 2026. Applications received after 05:30 p.m., February 13, 2026, will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted as needed.
This position is for both year-round and summer season. Summer season runs June 08 - September 6, 2026.
Working Hours
Flexible work hours for approximately 20 hours per week. Working hours may require irregular hours, various shifts, evening, weekends, holidays, mandatory special events and/or on-call status.

For the openings in the areas of Facilities, Programs or Sports - Sundays and Holidays are required.

CURRENT VACANCIES
:
The current vacancies are in the areas as follows:

Aquatic Center:
Cash handling, maintaining accurate records, facility upkeep, class check-in and prepares reports (Seasonal).

Parks and Facilities:
Supervises, cleans and maintains buildings and grounds. Assists in preparing facility for groups; Prepares and supervises athletic fields and/or events. Must have weekend availability (year-round).

Programs:
Plans and organizes activities for summer, holiday and after school park programs; Activities include crafts, sports, games, contests, excursions and special events.

Gymnasium/Sports:
Responsibilities include the maintenance and preparation of baseball, soccer, and softball fields, conducting and leading youth sports camps, clinics, and leagues. May act as official scorekeeper and timekeeper for athletic events; and may supervise athletic fields.

Camps:
Plans and organizes activities for youth 6-12 years of age in a day camp setting. Conducts crafts, indoor and outdoor recreation activities, and supervision on field trips. Works during Downey Unified School District breaks: Winter break, spring break, summer, and other holidays.

Office/Front Counter/Community & Senior Center:
Customer service, registration, cash handling, maintaining accurate records, and prepares reports. Additionally at the Community & Senior Center will be required to set up and break down tables and chairs for reservations and facilitate programs & classes (year-round).

TEMPORARY/PART-TIME APPOINTMENTS
: Work hours are flexible for an average of twenty (20) hours per week.

Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system; however, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Part-Time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

Recreation Leader – Aquatics, Parks and Facilities, Programs, Summer Day Camps, or Gymnasium/Sports

• Keep facility/grounds clean;
• Provide instruction, leadership and supervision of youth enrolled in the park program, sports, camps, clinics and leagues;
• Position includes preparing and instructing youth in games, sports, crafts and special activities, perform facility and program set up as required;
• Be an active leader with a positive attitude - demonstrate skills, encourage children, make sure games are played fair and use initiative to pro-actively keep peace and harmony in an outdoor park setting;
• General supervision of the park/gym sites;
• Cash handling, maintain accurate records and prepare reports and
• Special event set-up, breakdown, attractions, parking lots, booths, and other event support.
• Prepping and maintaining spaces for reservations either inside rooms or outside in shelters.

Skills
Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education:
Junior standing or higher in high school required.*

Experience:
Some recreation leadership experience desirable.

Programs/Day Camps
: prior camp experience is highly desirable.

Knowledge of:
Techniques and procedures of effective communication and youth sports rules, special events, and leadership.

Ability to:
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; work with minimum supervision and plan and organize work; work in a team; work well with the public; work cooperatively with administrators, co-workers, and participants; and follow oral and written directions.

• Must be at least 15 1/2 years of age. Applicants under 18 years of age are required to provide a work permit at the time of hire.

License:
A California Class C Driver's License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions may be required.

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions:
While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; ascend and descend stairs; maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or running; move about on hands and knees; bend body downward and forward, requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and push, pull and/or lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Working Conditions:
Work is typically performed at recreation facilities (parks) where there may be extreme temperatures, exposure to sun, dirt and/or dust and on occasion in a normal office environment.

All applications materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

Those applicants, who most closely match the qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of an appraisal examination weighted 100%. The appraisal examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical examination, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.