JOB
The City of Costa Mesa's Parks and Community Services Department is committed to enhancing the community through the delivery of innovative recreational programs; quality parks and facilities; and services that promote social, physical and emotional well-being. We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Recreation Specialist to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for community engagement and a strong background in planning and delivering quality recreational programs and activities.
There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy assigned to Youth Programming (Teen Program).
WHY WORK FOR COSTA MESA:The City of Costa Mesa, with the motto "City of the Arts", is one of California's most eclectic and vibrant cities. Located just one mile from the Pacific Ocean and in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is a great place to live, work and play. The City offers exceptional employee benefits, opportunities for training and development, and prides itself on its Core Values of Integrity, Sustainability, Compassion, Innovation, Inclusion and Collaboration.
THE POSITION:
Under general direction of the Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Supervisor or Senior Recreation Supervisor, this position assists the Recreation Coordinator in the day-to-day operations of a community center or other recreation facility or program. The Recreation Specialist plans, promotes, coordinates, implements and evaluates specialized recreation programs such as aquatics, adult and youth fitness, early childhood education, senior center, special events and other specialized recreation programs. Work also involves supervising part-time staff and volunteers in various program areas, and other related duties as required. To view the full job description, please click here: Recreation Specialist.
YOUR IMPACT IN TEEN PROGRAM:-
Coordinate, schedule, and supervise staff and activities for multiple afterschool teen centers for youth between 7th and 12th grade
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Supervise and plan a fee-based teen camp and year-round excursions for youth entering 7th through 12th grade
Plan six themed special events for teenagers annually
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If you have a passion for working with youth and coordinating special events, this may be the perfect opportunity for you!
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
Applications must be completed and submitted online. This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close without prior notice, therefore prompt application is encouraged.
The first application review date (3/4/26) has passed, applications submitted after the first review date will be screened as needed.
Candidates are requested to provide specific information regarding their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Do not include "see attached resume" in your responses, as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Additional documents will not be reviewed during the application evaluation process. If selected to proceed further in the recruitment process, an opportunity to provide work samples, letters of recommendation, etc. will be appropriate during the interview process.
Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to the following components: application review and evaluation, written examination or exercise, physical examination, practical exercise and interview evaluation. Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process. The eligibility list will be in effect for one (1) year, unless exhausted sooner. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future part-time or full-time vacancies in the current assignment as well as other program assignments, or in lower level vacancies.
All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprint check), and post-offer medical evaluation.
Based upon current and/or future assignments, an employee may be subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable and post-accident drug and alcohol testing pursuant to the Department of Transportation Regulations.
Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.
Plans, coordinates, promotes and implements free and fee based programs in a specialized area of recreation, community and citywide special event programs.
Promotes programs and events through the preparation of printed materials (e.g. informational brochures and news releases) and advertisements; and performs other outreach activities to effectively solicit program and event participants.
Assists in establishing clear goals and objectives for respective program area, with measurable outcomes.
Develops, recommends and monitors program budget revenues and expenditures.
Selects, trains, supervises and evaluates performance of part-time staff, volunteers and contract personnel.
Prepares staff schedules and conducts monthly staff trainings.
Develops and maintains accurate resource files, operates general office equipment, including a personal computer.
Collects and accounts for money; acts as cashier as needed.
Provides information and assistance to the general public regarding assigned programs and activities and ensures registration deadlines are met in a timely manner.
Prepares and maintains files and databases; prepares and presents comprehensive written and oral activity reports regarding assigned programs, activities, and events.
Establishes positive relationships with community organizations, City partners, the Newport Mesa Unified School District and secures sponsors as necessary.
Monitors and patrols a community center facility and ensures adherence to safety practices/protocols.
Reviews and submits all incident/accident reports as well as make recommendations for preventative measures.
Reviews daily logbooks and staff sign-in/out sheets for completion and accuracy.
Develops a parent packet for each program, implements program registration, and monitors daily occurrences.
Makes routine inventory checks and prepares purchase requisitions.
May oversee receptionist desk and assist with customer service responses.
May supervise a community center in the absence of the Recreation Coordinator or Assistant Recreation Supervisor.
Performs other duties as required.
When assigned to Youth Programming (current vacancy):
Coordinates, schedules, and supervises year-round programs for youth ranging from early childhood (3-5 years old), elementary (5-12 years old), and teens (12-17 years old) that provides academic enrichment, recreation play, athletics, events, and socialization.
Plans and executes permits with Newport-Mesa Unified School District and collaborates with outside vendors for excursions and guest speakers.
When assigned to Aquatics:
Implements and supervises aquatic class registration process.
May perform functions as a Lifeguard, Instructor Guard, and Senior Lifeguard classifications when necessary.
When assigned to the Senior Center:
Organizes, develops and supervises specialized programs and events to enrich the lives of seniors such as classes, presentations, seminars, events, senior excursions, volunteer program, transportation program, and food distribution
When assigned to Facilities and Events:
Oversees and administers rental contracts for City facilities.
Plans monthly special events at Lions Park.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100 – all City of Costa Mesa employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.
PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Please contact Human Resources for a summary of the essential tasks and environmental factors for this classification.
Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The City of Costa Mesa is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Updated: 2/17/26
