Recreation Specialist

City of Garden Grove; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Garden Grove Community Services Department is seeking a part-time Recreation Specialist to support staff across youth, family, senior, and community programs. The position works approximately 20 hours per week and does not include benefits.

The ideal candidate has experience with youth, teens or seniors, strong attention to detail, clear written and verbal communication, and excellent interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills, with a customer service mindset.

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth, teens or seniors.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Customer service oriented.

Responsibilities

• Assist staff with day-to-day program activities and supervise participants as needed.
• Lead youth and family activities and coordinate recreational events.
• Provide information and referrals to community resources as appropriate.
• Promote programs and services and maintain clear records of activities.

Skills

Youth experience

Attention to detail

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Job description

City And Job Overview

The City of Garden Grove Community Services Department is now accepting online applications for:

Recreation Specialist

Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Monday, October 19, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

Under general direction, Recreation Specialists provide support to staff on day-to-day program activities. Work hours and schedules vary according to program and participant needs.

Recreation Specialists Can Be Assigned To The Following Areas

• Youth and Family Resource Centers


• Senior Center


• Community Meeting Center and Courtyard Center


• Park Ambassador Program


• Aquatics

We currently have one (1) part-time, non-benefited opening with Buena Clinton Youth & Family Center. These positions work approximately 20 hours per week, not to exceed 1,000 hours per fiscal year. The ideal candidate for this position will possess experience working with youth, teens or seniors; have exceptional attention to detail; communicate clearly and effectively in writing and orally; possess excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills; and be customer service oriented.

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that can be used to fill current and future vacancies throughout the City within the next six months, so we encourage all those who are interested in the Recreation Specialist position to apply!

Essential Duties

YOUTH AND FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS

The City operates two (2) Youth and Family Resource Centers. They provide resources, programs, and services to youth and families. The Youth and Family Resource Centers operate Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. with some evening hours, and Saturday and Sunday as needed. Employees work year-round, approximately 15 - 20 hours per week and must have a flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings and some weekends. Must be at least 18 years old for this position. Bilingual fluency in Spanish is highly desirable.

When assigned to the work at the Youth and Family Resource Centers as a Recreation Specialist, employees function in a lead capacity, working with site coordinators to plan and organize daily recreational activities for youth; lead youth in games, arts and crafts; and may assist in supervising children and teens during off-site excursions.

When assigned to work in the Youth and Family Resource Centers as an Information and Referral Specialist, employees are responsible for: providing community resource information to participants; performing outreach to community organizations and local schools; promoting programs and services; and researching information regarding community services and resources.

SENIOR CENTER

The Senior Center offers a wide variety of recreational and educational classes for seniors to encourage them to socialize and engage in a supportive environment. One of the primary goals of the Senior Center is to ensure that no senior goes hungry. The Senior Center receives funding to provide the home delivery meals (HDM) program, an on-site lunch program, and a senior transportation program to ensure seniors are able to access the meals available to them at the Center. The Senior Center also offers