Amid a dynamic and ever-evolving urban landscape, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department stewards one of the premier urban park systems in America.  San Francisco recently became the first city in the United States for which 100% of its residents live within a ten-minute walk of a park.  Considered by San Franciscans to be one of the City’s most popular and effective public agencies, our Department manages and maintains more than 225 parks, playgrounds, and open spaces in San Francisco, including two outside of city limits: Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High Sierras. Our 4,100- acre system includes 24 recreation centers, 9 swimming pools, 5 golf courses and numerous athletic facilities, including sports courts, ball diamonds, soccer fields and gymnasiums. Included in the department’s responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the Palace of Fine Arts, and TPC Harding Park golf course.

More than 2,000 talented individuals are part of our team, from gardeners, foresters, and recreation leaders to park rangers, custodians, electricians, painters and more. Our core mission, as it has been throughout our history, is to provide opportunities for San Francisco residents and visitors alike to gather, play, learn, relax, and enjoy nature in the city.

Race and Social Equity Statement
We believe that parks and open space in San Francisco provides the opportunity to model equitable access for all.  With this belief, San Francisco became the first city in the United States for which 100% of its residents live within a ten-minute walk of a park. The Recreation and Park Department’s goal is to close the gaps and improve equity and access to quality parks and open space, and recreation activities for historically marginalized communities.  

We envision a department that proactively infuses racial and social equity in its internal operations.  With a multi-disciplinary team of talented individuals - gardeners, recreation leaders, park rangers, custodians, craft shop personnel, park and recreation managers and more, the department is committed to doing its part to provide equitable access to parks and programs for all the communities we serve to enjoy, as well as foster a work environment where our differences are celebrated, and everyone has what they need to thrive regardless of their race, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or country of origin.

Come join us as we are seeking qualified individuals as Recreation Leaders who will either provide excellent programming or assist with events/programs (including seasonal Day Camp programs) at our various facilities throughout the City.  You will become a team member of a group of dedicated recreational professionals who seek to INSPIRE SF Residents and Visitors to Get Out and Play!

Cultural Arts SF Day Camps

Love working with kids and love being outdoors? Outdoor camps Silver Tree and Pine Lake Camps are hiring for the following positions: Camp Counselor

The Camp Counselors at Silver Tree Camp (Glen Park Canyon) will lead 15 campers through programs throughout the day in various activities ranging from hiking, storytelling, traditional skits and songs, art activities and field games. We are seeking individuals who have experience in leading games, songs, and other cultural fun activities. Each Camp Counselor will mentor 1 to 2 youth assistants aged 14+ .

Art Camp will require a brief training period at the end of May and are in session June 5th- August 4th, 2023. Staff are required to work full time, for the duration of the summer.

Recreation Leaders/Camp Counselor Mission Art and Adventure Camp - These assignments will be for  Mission Art and Adventure Camp - job duties will include leading games, creating and running art &  sports activities, conducting field trips and more. The camp is based in the Mission District of San Francisco. Camp is in session June 6th- August 12th.

For more information about these camps, please contact Elena Norberg-Brown at (415)517-1225 or [email protected]

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The three levels are summarized below:

Under supervision of Recreation and Park Operations staff, 

Recreation Leader  I  assists with program delivery based upon interest and skills; performs facility monitoring work, etc.

Recreation Leader  II delivers exciting recreation programs and activities in group settings.  Programs may range from Arts, Sports to Expanded Learning.  

Recreation Leader III is responsible for the delivery of all Certified recreation, leisure and sport programs and activities where we believe a certificate/advanced expertise is necessary. 

Distinguishing Feature: The Recreation Leader I performs program assistance and facility monitoring, while Leaders II and III are responsible for direct instruction of recreation, leisure and sport programs and activities. Recreation Leaders III provides program instruction at the higher level of skill/expertise as deemed necessary by the Department.

Essential job duties across the board- May also be responsible for the set up and take down of facility tables and chairs and occasional janitorial tasks, perform other related duties as required, etc.

There are seven (7) areas for available assignments. The following are brief descriptions of each area and examples of the types of programming provided in each one:

• Community Services programming includes Early Childhood Recreation, Out of School Time programs (Afterschool & Summer Camps), Teen programs, programming for adults 55 and up, Health and Wellness programming, and Therapeutic Recreation/Inclusion Services.
• Cultural Arts provides programming in the Visual, Performing and Digital Arts areas
• Aquatics programming includes swim lessons for all ages, water exercise programs, and waterfront sports such ask kayaking.
• Sports & Athletics includes the following activities and camps: baseball, softball,  basketball, boxing, flag football, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field, volleyball, extreme sports (Ropes/Challenge course, Rock Climbing, Skateboarding, etc).
• Requity is an initiative to provide programs that engage youth and families living in public and subsidized housing, children in foster care and families living without housing.
• Supports Services is the business division in recreation. Recreation leaders may be used for office tasks and customer service.
• Permits and Reservations may use Recreation Leaders for more complex facility events.

Everyone must already possess

a High School Diploma/GED (verified by either an official/unofficial institutional transcript or diploma/certificate). AND have at least the specific hours of qualifying experience* fr each level outlined below:

Recreation Leader I  $20.575 (eff 7/1/22)
* 500 hours of qualifying recreation experience assisting in qualifying activities in recreation, sports, cultural arts, community service, education, etc.   This experience must be verified in writing by the agency/employer.   Volunteer or paid hours will count towards this qualification.

Recreation Leader II  $23.775 (eff 7/1/22)
* 1,000 hours of direct experience delivering recreation, cultural or athletic instruction/programs.

Recreation Leader III   $31.662 (eff 7/1/22)
* 1,000 hours of direct experience delivering recreation, cultural or athletic instruction/programs* AND hold a certificate in the specific area of expertise issued by a recognized professional organization (substitutions subject to approval) required by our department.

*if hired, the Department will determine your level of Recreation Leader based on our operational need, your experience/potential and your verification of your qualifying experience.  The amount of hours that you do obtain will not be the sole measure.  

License and Certification: at a future point, all employees must possess a certification for First Aid/CPR.

Abilities and Skills with this Job -  Ability to investigate and analyze situations, plan and organize research; ability to speak and write effectively; ability to follow instructions and to maintain working relations with fellow employees and the public. Each individual assignment may require different knowledge, skills, and/or abilities.

How to apply for the Job

NOTE: Applicants must complete the 3279 supplemental questionnaire found in the Additional Information section of this job announcement in addition to submitting an application. Only applicants who submit both an application AND supplemental questionnaire will be considered for participation in the department's selection process.

Step 1.  Carefully read the announcement then complete your application and attach your resume on the smart recruiter platform

Step 2:  Go to this link to describe your qualifying recreation experience

Rec Leader SF Supplemental

- we will accept  experience where you either assisted, coordinated, instructed, led or implemented qualifying recreational activities for other people.  We will accept volunteer experience that meets the above definition.  This experience does not include being a private instructor/nanny/caretaker for an individual.

- be sure to include all relevant training and experience in your application. It is essential that you provide complete information. A resume will not substitute for a completed application. If you write "see resume" on your application, your application may be rejected.

- you are required to verify all your education (you must possess a high school degree/equivalent ged) and your qualifying experience in a written format pursuant to the City Standards.

Step 3: Provide written verification of that experience.  Please note that the written documentation  (emails from a formal authority are accepted) must meet the City's written verification requirements - it must include your name, agency/employer, dates and/or approximate hours of involvement (a paid job or being a volunteer time counts) and if possible, a brief description of duties.  The verification must be signed or authorized by an individual with that -agency/employer.  Note it cannot be a letter of recommendation.  Please refer to the requirements listed here 

3279 Rec Leader SF Verification checklist

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

    -  Ability to analyze situations, plan, organize, and research

    -  Ability to speak and write effectively

    -  Ability to follow instructions and to maintain working relations with fellow employees and the public

    -  Note: Each individual assignment may require different knowledge, skills, and abilities

Notes:

• Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
• Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Additional Information

Application Status - this is an on going recruitment for a TEX As Needed Civil Service appointment -  This job does not have any City health or retirement benefits since it is temporary in nature.   This particular announcement may be subject to temporary closure/suspension for screening and hiring purposes. 

It will never result in a permanent civil service appointment - refer to the Appointment Type information at the end of this announcement.

Selection Procedures

The selection process will include evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the interview. Depending on the number of applicants, the Department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate the qualifications of candidates. If this becomes necessary, only those applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Department will be invited for an interview.

Applicants may be contacted by email about this announcement and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate, accepts emails from sfgov.org and kept up-to-date.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Contact: For questions about this position or how to apply, please contact Katherine Dere - [email protected] - work phone (415)831-2705 or google text (415)735-5977

Important information

1. These positions work as-needed, and are temporary exempt, as-needed/seasonal appointments without city employee benefits.

2. Exempt employees under Charter category 16 are considered to be “at will” and serve at the discretion of the General Manager.

3. Employees may only be scheduled to work certain quarters/semesters depending on the operational needs of the Department. 

4. Work assignments may vary depending on the needs of the Department. Some positions may require working rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

5. These as-needed/seasonal, temporary exempt seasonal appointments cannot exceed six (6) months or 1,040 hours (note: an internal departmental threshold of 960 hours will be applied).

6. Successful candidates may NOT be guaranteed specific job placements, work site locations or fixed hours.

7. The Department may determine that some candidates must call for daily assignments based on business operational needs.

8. All As-needed/seasonal vacancies in this class will include this pool of applicants.

9. Your application will remain active for one (1) year from the date that you applied with the understanding that you can periodically update your application with key relevant information such as the possession of additional certifications, experience, etc. 

10.  You may also submit additional information via email to [email protected].

Application Opening -  Friday, January 27, 2023

Appointment Type
This recruitment is for a Temporary Exempt (TEX), as-needed appointment. This position is exempt from the Civil Service examination process pursuant to the San Francisco Charter Section 10.104 and shall serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer.

Verification of Education and Experience:
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process.

Verification Guidelines: http://www.sfdhr.org/index.aspx?page=20#verification     
Education Verification: https://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirements

Notes:

• Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
• Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Contact: For questions about this position or how to apply, please contact Katherine Dere - [email protected] - work phone (415)831-2705

Conviction History - Further Information

As a finalist for a job, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction (or arrest, in limited circumstances) conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you are a finalist. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances, such as:

• Candidates applying for positions with the Unified School District and the Community College District may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under the California Education Code.
• Candidates applying for positions with the Recreation and Park Department may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under California Public Resources Code 5164.

Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City.

If you are selected as a finalist, the hiring department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco

• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

ver 3  4/9/23 exp definition; v 4  05/03/23 PRC    

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Someone is fully vaccinated when 14 days have passed since they received the final dose of a two-shot vaccine or a dose of a one-shot vaccine. Any new hire must present proof of full vaccination status to be appointed. Any new hire who will be routinely assigned or occasionally enter High-Risk Settings, must provide proof of having received a COVID-19 booster vaccine by March 1, 2022, or once eligible.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.