Recreation Specialist - Community Centers

City of San Bernardino, CA; San Bernardino (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of San Bernardino is seeking a part-time Recreation Specialist to develop, organize, promote and supervise community recreational programs. You’ll work with participants of diverse ages, supervise facilities and staff, and deliver outstanding customer service while maintaining safe, inclusive environments.

Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts are possible, with extended hours as needed. Qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED and at least 1 year paid or 2 years volunteer

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with 1 year paid or 2 years volunteer experience as a primary instructor in social and cultural activities or in developing special events programs.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, develop, promote, and supervise recreational activities.
• Oversee an assigned recreation facility and staff.
• Lead programs, support community events, and maintain program records.
• Monitor facilities and equipment and provide excellent customer service.

Skills

Instructing groups

Customer service

Communication

Record keeping

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED with related experience

Job description

Recreation Specialist

Are you passionate about serving the community and enjoy providing exceptional customer service? We invite you to join the City of San Bernardino's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department as a part-time Recreation Specialist!

About the City

As a future member of our team, you’ll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California's Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history - shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences - continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity.

San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It's a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose - and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

About the Position

A Recreation Specialist develops and supervises specialized programs that serve the community. This position works with participants of various ages and backgrounds while promoting a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Responsibilities may include planning, organizing, developing, promoting, and supervising recreational activities, as well as overseeing an assigned recreation facility and staff. The Recreation Specialist may lead programs; support community events; maintain program records; monitor facilities and equipment; and provide excellent customer service to participants and the public.

This position is subject to extended shifts, weekend or rotational duty assignments.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, dependable, and passionate about serving the community, with experience planning, organizing, or leading recreational programs, activities, or special events. They will be comfortable instructing and engaging individuals and groups of various ages and backgrounds while demonstrating creativity, initiative, and strong organizational skills. The successful candidate will communicate effectively with participants, parents, community members, and City staff; maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive environment; provide excellent customer service; and be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

A Day in the Life

A typical day may include preparing facilities and supplies for scheduled programs, leading recreational activities, assisting participants, coordinating with staff and community partners, and supporting special events. The Recreation Specialist may also track attendance, prepare activity reports, inspect program areas for safety concerns, distribute and maintain equipment, and adapt activities to meet the needs and interests of the community.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma, or G.E.D. AND one (1) year paid or two (2) years of volunteer experience as a primary instructor in social and cultural activities or in the development of special events programs; or a combination of education and experience

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment

A valid California driver's license is required. Must be 18 years of age or older.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions and distracting noises. Must have good hearing and visual acuity and be able to lift and move 20+ pounds.

Knowledge of

• Rules and skills involved in specialized recreational activities.
• Objectives and methods of recreational programs.
• Techniques of organizing group social and recreational activities.
• Effective teaching techniques of all age groups or special populations.
• Group psychology and community organizations.
• City policies, procedures, and standards.

Skill in

• Instructing groups and individuals in various sports, cultural, or other recreational activities.
• Working with wide range of ages and situations.
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing clear concise reports.
• Developing skill in several of the sports or activities of the recreation program.
• Following oral and written instructions.
• Working effectively with other employees.
• Communicating clearly and concisely
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships.
• Providing customer service.

Pre-Employment Process

• Application Review
• Oral Exam
• Pre-employment Medical Exam, including TB and drug test.
• Background Investigation with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

E-Verify Participation

The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. In compliance with federal law, all employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States.

Disclaimers

The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at [phone].

This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Stephanie Rivera at [e-mail]. Additional information is available at www.sbcity.org