These classifications have been designated as non-benefited, non-classified, non-merit system, at-will positions.
The City of Mesa is currently recruiting for part-time non-benefitted Recreation Trainees, Recreation Aides, and Recreation Assistants for the summer season as well as year-round opportunities. The summer season positions may work 25 - 38 hours per week between May 2026 through August 2026. Year-round opportunities may work 19 hours per week throughout the year. All applications will be reviewed to determine eligibility for the highest position for which the applicant is qualified.
First review of applications will be Monday, January 19, 2026, and weekly thereafter through August 31, 2026.
Recreation Trainee ($19.72 Hourly)
A Recreation Trainee performs a variety of routine tasks involving equipment setup, observing, and/or assisting participants in recreation activities, assisting with maintaining order, providing information about building rules and department activities to participants, and maintaining facilities/assisting with custodial activities.
Recreation Aide ($20.71 Hourly)
As a Recreation Aide, you will set up for program activities and serve as on-site leader, maintain facilities and equipment, observe participants in activities, maintain order, take reservations for facilities, provide information to participants, perform cash handling procedures, maintain records, and maintain facilities for programs.
Recreation Assistant ($22.67 Hourly)
A Recreation Assistant - Part-Time performs paraprofessional work assisting in organizing and conducting recreation, sports, cultural, and leisure activities. Work may include: assisting with developing, planning, and evaluating activities and events; providing basic skill instruction; providing information and directions to facility and park patrons, performing cash handling procedures, commodities, maintaining records, and directing group activities; and maintaining facilities, equipment, and supplies. Work may include participating in the activities with participants; training staff; assisting with hiring staff; purchasing equipment; and communicating with school officials, partner organizations, staff, park patrons, and family members/caretakers. Work may require use of point-of-sale terminals or cash registers. May supervise and direct the work of Recreation Trainees, Aides, and volunteers. Incumbents in this class may be rotated or transferred to other facilities, parks, and/or assignments based on department or seasonal needs. Work may include setting up tables, chairs, tents, and various equipment; and working evening, weekend, and holiday hours. This class performs related duties as required. Assignments may include the following program areas: Adaptive, Adult Sports, Aquatics, Cashier, Fun’n’Fit, Park Attendant, Recreation Centers, Special Events, Tennis Center, and Youth Sports.
Adaptive Assignment may also include: Assisting individuals of all ages and abilities; completing individual assessments; adapting activities for participants; and assisting individuals with transfer and personal care of participants.
Adult Sports Assignment may also include: Updating game/sports standings, monitoring sports field schedules, and assisting with referee duties as needed.
Aquatics Assignment may also include: Maintaining the Aquatics equipment and storage facility, reviewing/training staff on cash handling procedures, and transporting deposits and forms to a centralized location.
Special Events Assignment may also include: Maintaining Special Event equipment and storage facilities; transporting equipment using City vehicles and trailers; implementing event equipment setup/tear down; and conducting site visits and monitoring events on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Youth Sports Assignment may also include: Training and scheduling sports officials, developing appropriate sports drills, and performing referee functions for youth sports programs and events.
Employees work under the general supervision of a Recreation Specialist or other full-time staff member. Employees may work independently once familiar with the routines of the recreation program. Work is subject to regular inspections and review to ensure maintenance of established standards. Because of the variety of duties performed by this classification, employees must be able to work flexible hours and be available for weekend and evening work. This class is FLSA nonexempt (part-time and grant-funded). This class is FLSA exempt-recreational establishment (seasonal).
Please refer to the links below for the full job descriptions and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.
Employee Values (Download PDF reader): All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City’s shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Recreation Trainee
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to completion of the 10th grade (sophomore year).
Special Requirements. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid certification within 30 days of hire (by assignment). Valid Department of Economic Security fingerprint clearance card level 2 within 30 days of hire (Adaptive Assignment). Department of Economic Security Article 9 certification within 30 days of hire (Adaptive Assignment). Protective Behaviors certification within 30 days of hire (Adaptive Assignment).
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Some experience related to the assigned program area is preferred. CPR and First Aid certification is desirable. Experience organizing and conducting activities for individuals with developmental disabilities (Adaptive Assignment). Experience developing and documenting participants' established goals and objectives through an Individual Service Plan (ISP) (Adaptive Assignment). Positive behavior certification (Adaptive Assignment).
Recreation Aide
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to completion of the eleventh grade. Experience related to the program assignment (examples: working/volunteering with children; supervising recreation, sports programs, or facilities; community service projects; working with disabled populations; and teaching or serving as a teacher's aide, etc.) or providing customer service.
Special Requirements. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillator (CPR/AED) and First Aid certification within 30 days of hire. Valid fingerprint clearance card level 1 issued by Department of Economic Security, Article 9 certification issued by Department of Economic Security, and Protective Behaviors Certification all within 30 days of hire (Adaptive Assignment).
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Experience organizing and conducting activities for individuals with disabilities, experience developing an Individual Service Plan (ISP), and/or Prevention and Support certification (Adaptive Assignment).
Recreation Assistant
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. Some (6 months - 1 year) experience related to a recreation program area or customer service.
Special Requirements. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date (by assignment). Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR/AED) and First Aid certification within 30 days of hire. Valid Department of Economic Security fingerprint clearance card level 1 within 30 days of hire, Department of Economic Security Article 9 certification, and Protective Behaviors Certification all within 30 days of hire (Adaptive Assignment).
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Experience in recreation, sports, adaptive, or instructional environment is preferred. English/Spanish bilingual skills are desirable. Experience organizing and conducting activities for individuals with disabilities, experience developing an Individual Service Plan (ISP), and/or Prevention and Support certification (Adaptive Assignment).
