***Continuous Recruitment***
Recruitment may close at any time.
Summer and Fall 2026 recruitment rounds are now closed. Applications submitted after May 7th, 2026, will be considered as needed for Winter 2026-2027 start dates.
2026 OAKLAND PARKS, RECREATION & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strived to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community and individualism of employees.
Why Join the Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development Department?
With an emphasis on Oakland’s youth, Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development, and its partners will provide best-in-class, relevant, and equitable programs and services, while meeting the specific needs of people and communities both at the neighborhood level and regionally throughout the City of Oakland. We achieve this mission through intentional engagement and by removing the barriers that prohibit equitable opportunities for all. Oakland’s Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development (OPRYD) Department believes that communities thrive when they play with a purpose. Our purpose is to Expose, Enlighten, Empower, and Encourage Educational Excellence through recreational experiences.
We are currently hiring for our Youth Summer programs in the following areas:
Nature: Naturalists and Field Biologists
Fitness: Personal Trainers, Water Aerobics Instructors, Nutritionists, Yoga Instructors, and Sports Coaches
Visual Arts: Photography, Digital Arts, Jewelry Design, Glass Arts, and Ceramics
Performing Arts: Drama and Dance
Aquatics: Boat Operators, Aquatics Specialists
Culinary Arts:
Chefs and Cooks
We are looking for someone who is:-
A team player
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Enthusiastic
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Excited to play an active role in the Oakland community.
What you will typically be responsible for:-
Teaching and/or leading advanced-level programs and classes in the field of expertise; providing staff training in specialized fields as required
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Designing and planning curriculum and activities that promote citizen participation in community-based recreation settings
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Obtaining and setting up recreation equipment, supplies, and props for program activities and events
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Inspecting and maintaining equipment and supplies for safe use
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Overseeing patron use of recreation equipment facility in compliance with City rules and regulations
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Coordinating special events and programs
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Writing descriptions of classes offered
A few reasons you might love this job:-
You will be part of a fun team working with Oakland’s youth
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You can make a difference in the community
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Your work will result in real-life impacts
A few challenges you might face in this job:-
You may be responsible for a lot of kids and public interaction
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You may deal with complex situations
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You may have to travel to multiple/various sites/recreation centers
The competencies required to be a successful Recreation Specialist II are:-
Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
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Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
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Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue.
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Building and Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
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General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Working for the City of Oakland
This is a public contact position. The City highly encourages all bilingual candidates to apply! Some positions may require bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Under the authority of Civil Service Rules Section 5.03, if a position requires bilingual language skills, only those candidates who have indicated they are bilingual in the required language(s) will be referred. Bilingual candidates will be required to successfully pass a language proficiency test if selected for hire.
Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable.
Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in recreation or a related field.
Experience:
A minimum of two (2) years professional level experience, paid or volunteer, and demonstrated ability to teach advanced skills in the specialized area of interest. Specialized areas can include art, dance, drama, music, nature, and sports.
Candidates must be at least eighteen (18) years old to apply.
Additional Qualifications: Bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin are highly desirable for certain positions.
Candidates who receive conditional offers of employment will be required to submit fingerprints, undergo a criminal record clearance and a TB screening.
