Recreation Leader – FALL 2026 (Afterschool, Therapeutic Recreation, Cultural Arts) - Recreation & Parks (3279…
Full job description
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department is seeking applicants for Temporary Exempt As-Needed 3279 Recreation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) for the upcoming Fall Season in the following recreation areas:
- Community Services – Afterschool Program; Therapeutic Recreation
- Cultural Arts – Programming in the Visual, Performing and Digital Arts
- Additional recreation areas may be added at a future date
The Department will determine your level of Recreation Leader based on our operational needs, your experience, and verification of your qualifying experience.
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to:
Recreation Leader I (Program Assistant): Set up and break down for courses including tables, chairs, audio-visual equipment and other related material and equipment; incorporate core recreation values into the activities in a developmentally appropriate manner; keep equipment, binder, and supplies in order, well maintained, and in the proper location; complete and submit paperwork accurately (timesheets, lesson plans, certifications, materials & supply requests, etcetera).
Recreation Leader II (Program Provider) and Recreation Leader III (Certified Program Provider): Teach age-appropriate skills in a progressive sequence by running organized and well executed classes (e.g. participants not idle or in long lines); account for all participants in program, take attendance regularly and enter into database system, and follow check in/out procedures; plans classes and secures materials and equipment for participants to use.
Distinguishing Features: The Recreation Leader I performs program support, while Recreation Leaders II and III are responsible for direct instruction of recreation programs and activities. Recreation Leader IIIs are responsible for direct instruction of programs and activities that require certification.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent (GED or High School Proficiency Examination)
Experience
- Recreation Leader I requires 500 hours of recreation experience delivering instructions/programs;
- Recreation Leaders II and III require 1,000 hours of recreation experience delivering instruction/programs.
License and Certification:
- Recreation Leader III requires possession of certification required by the Recreation and Park Department and issued by the professional organization in the specific programming field.
- At a future point, all employees must possess a certification for First Aid/CPR.
Substitution: 12 units of college course work or certified recreation related (including cultural arts) certificate course work may be substituted for 250 hours of experience.
Desirable Qualifications
- Ability to analyze situations, plan, organize, and research
- Ability to speak and write effectively
- Ability to follow instructions and to maintain working relations with fellow employees and the public
Verification of Experience and/or Education
Applicants are required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at the time of application filing. Information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirements.
Verification of qualifying experience must be documented on the employer's business letterhead and must include the name of the applicant, job title(s), dates of employment, type of employment (as-needed; full/part time), number of hours worked in each position, description of job duties performed, and signature of the employer or the employer's authorized representative. Experience claimed in self-employment will only be accepted if supported by documents verifying income, earnings, business license, and experience comparable to minimum qualifications above. Copies of income tax papers or other documents listing occupation and total earnings must be submitted.
Failure to provide the required verification may result in rejection of the application.
Selection Process
Applications will be screened for relevant and qualifying experience. Additional screening mechanisms may be implemented to determine candidate's qualifications. Only those applicants who most closely meet the needs of the department will be invited to participate in the selection process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to an interview.
Steps to Apply
- Complete your application with as much detail as possible in the experience section. Be sure to include all relevant training and experience in your application. It is essential that you provide complete information. A resume will not substitute for a completed application. If you write "see resume" on your application, your application may be rejected. Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility and disqualification.
- Indicate the Recreation Area(s) and Program(s) that you are applying for in the “Message to the Hiring Team” section of the application. (Example: "I am applying for Community Services - Therapeutic Recreation")
- Attach verification documents to your application. Submit verification documentation of qualifying education and recreation experience. Please refer to the “Verification of Experience and Education” section above for the City's written verification requirements. We will also accept emailed verification from official business email addresses (i.e., @sfgov.org). We do not accept letters of recommendation.
Where to Apply
Important Information
- This announcement may be subject to temporary closure/suspension for screening and hiring purposes.
- This position is a temporary exempt, as-needed or seasonal, appointment without health or retirement benefits.
- This position will not result in a permanent civil service appointment.
- Exempt employees under Charter Category 16 are considered at will and serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer.
- Employees are scheduled according to the Department’s operational needs and may only be scheduled to work certain quarters or seasons of the year.
- Work assignments vary on the Department’s needs and some positions may require working rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
- TEX As-needed appointments cannot exceed six (6) months (1,040 hours). An internal departmental threshold of 960 hours will be applied.
- Candidates are not guaranteed specific job placements, worksite locations, or fixed hours.
- The Department may determine that some candidates must call for daily assignments based on business operational needs.
- Information About The Hiring Process
- Conviction History
- Employee Benefits Overview
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Disaster Service Worker
- ADA Accommodation
- Veterans Preference
- Right to Work
- Copies of Application Documents
- Diversity Statement
Contact: If you have questions regarding this recruitment or application process, you may contact Recruitment Analyst, Stacy Chung, at stacy.chung@sfgov.org.