RECREATION LEADER: $16.90 to $20.54 per hour
SENIOR RECREATION LEADER: $17.83 to $21.67 per hour
This is an open recruitment to fill current and future vacancies. Applications will be accepted on a CONTINUOUS BASIS. Apply early as this position may close at any time without notice. First review is scheduled for August 19, 2026.
The incumbent will enjoy a family environment and be a part of an enthusiastic work force that has its own spirit committee that facilitates monthly employee events.
The incumbent will thrive working in this small culture environment allowing them to grow their knowledge, experience, resume, and prepare them for advancement by introducing them to a variety of recreational related projects and responsibilities. If you want to join a hard-working team that shares a commitment to keep the City of La Palma safe, clean, and efficiently run, consider a career with the City of La Palma.
Come be a part of our family and see what makes La Palma a nice place to live and work!
Our team is fun, creative, and dedicated to making a difference every day in the community we serve. The City of La Palma is looking for kind, friendly, proactive, responsible, and hardworking problem-solvers who enjoy working with a variety of people.
Employees will be expected to work shifts Monday through Sunday, during various hours of the day, night, and weekends. Park hours run 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: City of La Palma applications are required and can be obtained online at www.lapalmaca.gov. The Human Resources Office must receive completed applications, resumes, and supplemental questionnaires (if required) by the final filing date and time listed to be eligible for consideration. Facsimiles will not be accepted. Resumes will not, nor will references to a resume, be accepted in lieu of a completed City application. References to a resume on the application form may disqualify the application.
SELECTION PROCESS: All applications will be screened and those candidates who present the most relevant qualifications and possess the required licenses and certificates for the position will be invited to continue in the selection process. The selection process may include testing and oral interviews.
A Background Investigation, including a criminal record check may be required prior to any offer of employment. All appointments are subject to the successful completion of a post-offer medical exam (including a drug and alcohol screen).
Should a qualified individual with disabilities need reasonable accommodations in order to participate in the examination process, the City of La Palma must be notified no later than five working days prior to the scheduled examination date.
The City of La Palma does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, ancestry, national origin, marital status, or disability. Equal employment opportunity will apply to all personnel actions, including but not limited to, recruitment, selection, training, transfers, promotions, evaluation, compensation, discipline, layoffs, terminations, and rehires.
NOTE: All employees of the City of La Palma are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be Disaster Service Workers; In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health, and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours, and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change.
This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and leading a variety of recreational activities and programs for community members of all ages. This role involves supervising activities, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of participants, and maintaining recreational facilities and equipment. Assists full-time recreation staff and lead staff member in coordinating and directing a variety of recreational programs and activities; performs related work as required. Positions in this class are responsible for organizing, coordinating, and officiating at programs. If selected as a Senior Recreation Leader the incumbent will additionally be responsible for providing lead direction for Recreation Leaders and volunteers.
Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Assists in organizing, conducting and supervising free play and team activities for children and adults on outdoor and indoor play areas; helps officiate and instruct in games such as basketball, softball, football, baseball, volleyball, track and field.
Assists with supervision of overall activities of playground or other sites; observes and monitors activities of participants' activities to ensure that park rules and regulations are followed and equipment is used safely administers first aid as needed.
Assists in maintaining recreational facilities by performing light custodial maintenance; assists in the supervision of daily drop-in activities at the recreation facilities; assists in conducting various sports programs; assists with Community Center and Park Permits.
Assists other Recreation Leaders and Senior Recreation Leaders with special events, tournaments, facility and equipment setup and take-down.
Maintains dressing room areas; cleans recreation facilities, including room, floors and restrooms.
SENIOR RECREATION LEADER:
Assists full-time recreation staff as leaders in coordinating and directing a variety of recreational programs and activities; performs related work as required.
Positions in this class are responsible for organizing, coordinating and officiating at programs, and providing lead direction for Recreation Leaders.
Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Organizes, conducts and promotes programs for the use of facilities at Recreation Centers, and provides a program for the use of facilities by organized groups; assists in evaluation and makes recommendations on summer program activities; prepares reports and correspondence; assists in the coordination of city-wide contract classes.
Provides lead direction to subordinate staff and volunteers; officiates in a wide variety of sports; instructs and trains Recreation Leaders in the rules and regulations of sports, games, and other activities; assists in conducting meetings; assists coaches and managers. Assists in City's Tiny Tot and Teen programs, special events, and Day Camp; maintains records and orders supplies; prepares documentation of programs.
RECREATION LEADER:
Knowledge of: the programs common to recreation, sports, and youth programs; first aid techniques.
Ability to: supervise and monitor games and team activities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, participants, instructors, and the general public; follow oral instructions.
Education and/or Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Example combinations include:
Some experience and/or participation in team or individual sports, or service as a leader or volunteer in organizations such as scouting, "Y", Little League, or recreation departments.
Special Requirements
Must be at least 18 years of age or enrolled in college. Must possess an appropriate California Drivers License and a satisfactory driving record.
SENIOR RECREATION LEADER:
Knowledge of: advanced methods, practices and equipment used in providing and maintaining an effective recreational and special activities program; recreation planning and administration; the policies, rules and regulations governing the conduct and safety of persons using the recreational facilities and equipment.
Ability to: develop, coordinate, and direct varied activities involved in a community recreation program; supervise, assign, train and organize children and adults; keep accurate records; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, participants, instructors and the general public; communicate effectively orally and in writing; lead and review the work of paid staff and volunteers.
Education and/or Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Example combinations include:
Two years paid part-time experience as a leader in a recreational activity.
Special Requirements
Must be at least 18 years of age or enrolled in college. Must possess an appropriate California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, run sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud when in the field.
