Recreation Coordinator (Childcare Programs) - Open & Promotional

City-of-Hercules; Hercules (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hercules seeks a proactive Recreation Coordinator to lead childcare and youth programs within the Parks & Recreation Department. The role involves coordinating preschool, after-school, summer camps, and teen services while managing staff and program budgets.

Ideal candidates will excel in leadership, communication, and program development, ensuring safe, engaging experiences for children and families in a dynamic city setting. The position is full-time and based in Hercules, CA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation administration, physical education, educational programs or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in implementing recreation programming, including two (2) years in a lead capacity.

Responsibilities

• Plans, implements and coordinates all aspects of the designated programs and services.
• Assists in providing recreation programs and services, including coordinating, implementing and scheduling programs and services for various age groups and interests.
• Coordinates day-to-day operations, schedules and activities for the designated programs and services.
• Serves as an information resource for staff and the general public; receives and evaluates complaints, resolving when possible or referring to the Parks and Recreation Director if needed.

Skills

Lead supervision

Training staff

Budget administration

Conflict management

Grant proposals

Leadership

Cash management

Office software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in recreation administration or related field

Tools

RecTrac

ePact

Job description

Recreation Coordinator (Childcare Programs)

The City of Hercules is currently seeking to fill a Full Time Recreation Coordinator vacancy in the Parks and Recreation Department. The application window closes at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026.

The Community

The City of Hercules blends its rich history with thoughtful planning to create a vibrant, transit-oriented community. Ideally located between San Francisco and Napa, Hercules offers safe neighborhoods, scenic biking and walking trails, and a thriving, multicultural waterfront. With a population of over 26,000, the city embraces smart growth principles, ensuring development aligns with the Central Hercules Plan while maintaining the charm and quality that residents value.

Strategically positioned at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Highway 4, Hercules provides convenient access to the entire Bay Area. Emerging technology and knowledge-based industries are recognizing its potential, contributing to local employment growth.

The city boasts excellent public safety, recreational, and educational services within a welcoming environment of attractive homes, inviting neighborhoods, and expanding retail districts.

The Parks and Recreation Department

The Parks & Recreation Department creates community through people, parks, and programs. The department strengthens community image and sense of place, fosters human development, supports economic development, strengthens safety and security, promotes health and wellness, increases cultural unity, and provides recreational experiences.

The Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide variety of recreation classes that cater to all ages and help to promote a healthy lifestyle. Our classes provide a great opportunity to have fun and exercise while interacting with others in a safe environment.

City of Hercules Mission Statement

"Our mission is to lead our diverse community and enhance the quality of life in the City of Hercules, now and in the future. We do this by providing effective, efficient, responsive, and innovative services with integrity and a culture of transparency."

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic, organized, and community-minded recreation professional who is passionate about creating engaging, safe, and enriching experiences for children, youth, and teens. They bring strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, along with the ability to coordinate multiple programs, develop creative activities, and support the daily operations of childcare centers, preschool, after-school programs, summer camps, and teen services. The successful candidate is an effective team leader who can recruit, train, guide, and motivate part-time staff while fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for both employees and program participants.

Knowledge of

• Operations, services, and activities of recreation programs.
• Principles of lead supervision and training.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and practices of conflict management.
• Principles and practices of writing grant proposals.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to working with youth.
• Principles and practices of leadership and supervision.
• Cash management and financial record keeping.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as ePact, RecTrac and databases.

Ability to

• Lead, organize, and review the work of staff.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with program guidelines.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
• Administer first aid, CPR and/or artificial respiration.
• Maintain discipline, order and safety in a crowded and loud environment.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Education/Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and education/training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in recreation administration, physical education, educational programs or a related field.

Experience

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in the implementation of recreation programing or a related field, including two (2) years in a lead capacity.

Certificates / Licenses / Special Requirements

• Possession of a current standard First Aid certificate or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City’s policy.

Working Conditions

Environmental Conditions

Indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and office environment; exposure to computer screens and noise; exposure to heavy public contact.

Physical Conditions

Essential and marginal functions require the ability to walk, stand, or sit for prolonged periods of time in an indoor and outdoor environment; frequently sit, stand, walk, run, jump, climb, swim, dive, reach, turn, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, push and pull; hearing and speaking ability sufficient to communicate in person, by telephone, PA system and radio, and to speak loudly in a noisy setting; visual ability sufficient to clearly distinguish objects and persons at a distance and to identify signs of swimmer distress; ability to raise arms above shoulder height; manual dexterity sufficient to grasp objects, use fine manipulation, write and operate office machines and equipment; competency to write, spell and relay accurate information on incident and accident reports; strength and endurance to safely swim 500 yards, perform lifting and carrying of items and/or persons up to 50 pounds, and work outdoors in the sun for prolonged periods of time.

Responsibilities

• Plans, implements and coordinates all aspects of the designated programs and services.
• Assists in providing recreation programs and services, including coordinating, implementing and scheduling programs and services for various age groups and interests.
• Coordinates day-to-day operations, schedules and activities for the designated programs and services.
• Serves as an information resource for staff and the general public; receives and evaluates complaints, resolving when possible or referring to the Parks and Recreation Director if needed.
• Develops effective marketing strategies to promote all Parks and Recreation programs and services.
• Prepares a variety of reports and professional business letters, proofreads for accuracy, completeness and compliance with City policies, correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.
• Assists in all aspects of hiring part-time staff including but not limited to recruiting, selecting, training and supervising part-time employees.
• Assists with the planning and supervision of City-wide events, which may include occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Maintains good public relations by working cooperatively and professionally with City employees and the general public.
• Observes, researches and recommends new program ideas and fundraising opportunities.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Parks and Recreation programs and services.
• Assists with the preparation of grant proposals.
• Provides administrative and customer service support duties in the main office as needed.
• Assists in the preparation of the department’s budget.
• Performs related duties as required.

When Assigned to the Childcare Kidz centers, Preschool, Camps, and Teens Programs

• Coordinates and manages all programs at the Kidz centers, Tiny Tots Center for children, youth and teens, including preschool, after school and summer programs; directing summer camps for children, youth and teens, including daily programs, and summer entertainment.
• Plans, organizes, assigns, directs and evaluates the work of the assigned staff and participates in selection of part-time personnel. Helps develop and execute program plans, program schedules, daily agendas and corresponding curriculums.
• Oversees program marketing, participant enrollment and program preparation.
• Attend meetings and other organizations that may be necessary.
• Establish and maintain a cooperative relationship with City staff, parents, adults, youth, school officials, non-profits, community and governmental agencies, and other members of the community.
• Assists in the recruitment, selection, and evaluation of part-time staff and provides recommendations; provides lead direction, training, orientation, and guidance to assigned staff. Provide or coordinate staff training.
• Work with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Receives and screens visitors and phone calls; assists in the investigation of complaints for program participants and/or the community and responds to inquiries regarding services and programs.
• Develop a variety of recreational programs and activities for children, youth, and teens, and segments of the community.
• Coordinate and assist with community wide events. Participate in Citywide events, community and school committees as assigned. Work closely with other City departments and Recreation programs.
• Maintain safety procedures and equipment at the Recreation Kidz Centers and program sites.
• Maintain accurate financial and participation records in coordination with City’s Finance Department. Participate in the development and monitoring of the Recreation Kidz Centers and assure programs are operated within approved budgetary allocations.
• Review and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of programs and services being offered by the City in order to make recommendations for additions, deletions, or revisions to the programs.
• Other duties that may be assigned.