Recreation Specialist (Internal Opportunity)
Salary
$58,356.00 - $82,092.00 Annually
Location
City of Santa Cruz, CA
Job Type
Regular Full-Time
Job Number
27-005
Department
Parks & Recreation
Opening Date
07/23/2026
Closing Date
8/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
The Position
There are currently three (3) full-time vacancies for Recreation Specialist in the Parks and Recreation Department in the following assignments: one at London Nelson Community Center and two at Civic Auditorium. This recruitment is open to City of Santa Cruz current regular and temporary employees. As an Internal recruitment, the list established from this recruitment is valid only for the current vacancies listed above.
Under general supervision, the Recreation Specialist performs a variety of administrative, clerical, or technical activities related to recreation programs, facilities, and services; identifies and recommends appropriate modifications to meet the goals and objectives of the assigned program(s); prepares, processes, and supports programs, and performs related duties as assigned.
Recruitment #27-005
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
On Thursday, 08/06/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.
Week of 08/10/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 08/21/26.
Week of 08/24 and 08/31/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.
Basic Function
Under general supervision, performs a variety of administrative, clerical, or technical activities related to recreation programs, facilities, and services; identifies and recommends appropriate modifications to meet the goals and objectives of the assigned program(s); prepares, processes, and supports programs, and performs related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This class is a paraprofessional classification responsible for performing administrative, technical, clerical, and customer service duties in support of varying programs, facilities, and services within the Parks and Recreation department. The Recreation Specialist is distinguished from the Recreation Leader Series (Recreation Leader I, II/III, IV) in that the latter assists in day-to-day activity leadership and participant support within assigned recreation programs, facilities and services. It is further distinguished from the higher level of Recreation Coordinator in that the Recreation Coordinator has responsibility for more complex recreational program needs and overall planning and coordination of a recreation program(s).
Typical Duties
(May include, but not limited to, those duties listed below.)
Perform technical, clerical, customer service, and administrative duties in support of the Parks and Recreation Department various programs, facilities, and services.
Assists supervisor or manager in the continued development of assigned programs and makes recommendation to meet the goals and objectives of the programs.
Staffs designated public counter or production areas; assists the public and clients via phone, email, and in person, by providing information or directing information requests according to established procedures.
Provides day-to-day technical or functional guidance to assigned temporary staff and volunteers.
May assign and monitor work of assigned temporary staff and volunteers for completeness and accuracy.
Supports program and event registrations, ticket sales and concessions, and reservations using the City's recreation management software(s).
Accepts registration and other materials from the public or other departments, assesses completeness, prepares and review applicable fees, and enters information into appropriate software systems.
Process payments and invoices, issue receipts, and maintain accurate financial records related to program registrations and facility rentals.
Purchase program supplies within guidelines, as provided by the supervisor.
Perform a variety of administrative duties such as tracking and restocking supply inventory.
Assists in the planning, coordination, support of individual programs, concessions, and classes.
Implements individual programs and classes, ensuring that instructors and participants have necessary materials, equipment, and other resources, such as technology.
May prepare and generate program, facilities or service correspondence and documents.
Monitor facility use including opening and closing procedures, maintains compliance of policies, and report maintenance or safety concerns as needed.
Generates reports on program performance measures for internal review.
Implements and administers computer-based systems and provides support to end users.
Supports basic cleaning and facilities preparation for programs and classes.
Assist in the promotion of marketing of recreation programs, including distributing flyers, updating bulletin board, and supporting social media efforts.
Reviews, sorts, and prioritizes incoming correspondence and documents.
Support special events and programs by assisting with logistics setup, and customer engagement.
Ensures activity areas are clean, safe, and free of hazards.
Performs other related duties that may be reasonable expected as part of this classification.
If assigned to the Box Office:
In addition to the above duties, the Box Office assignment administers box office and concession operations including but not limited to:
Operates and troubleshoots the City's ticketing and point-of-sale systems; monitors ticket inventory and seating charts.
Coordinates with promoters and production staff to set up ticketing categories, pricing structures, and promotional codes.
Prepares and maintains ticket sales reports and attendance data for internal and promoter review.
Ensures compliance with cash-handling, audit, and concession service standards.
In addition to the above duties, if assigned to Facility Production:
Facility Production assignment supports facility, event production, and logistics including but not limited to:
Serves as on-site liaison during events to coordinate communication between production staff, custodial crews, vendors, and event clients.
Coordinates facility scheduling, load-in/load-out logistics, and technical support for performances, rentals, and City-sponsored events.
Assists with event and facility production logistics, including event setup, equipment placement, stage configuration, and teardown.
Assists with operation, setup, and maintenance of audio-visual (A/V), wireless internet, and stage equipment, including microphones, soundboards, lighting systems, projectors, screens, and related cabling.
Conducts basic sound and lighting checks and assists production staff, performers, or presenters in meeting technical needs during rehearsals and events.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in keeping records and preparing reports using standard office equipment. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents and acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. Depending on area of assignment, the nature of the work may require the incumbent to work outdoors, lift equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds and work evenings, weekends and holidays. May be exposed to biohazards and/or hazardous chemicals.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Minimum Qualifications
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of the following:
Education and Experience:
Knowledge:
Skills:
Abilities:
Licenses and Certificates
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Career Ladder
SALARY - This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit. The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. See the CITY OF SANTA CRUZ SERVICE EMPLOYEE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING on the City website for details on pay rates and practices.
UNION REPRESENTATION - This classification belongs to the Service Employees bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees International Union.
APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
LEAVE
Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.
Sick - 12 days/year
Holidays - up to 11 days/year
Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time
INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)
Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.
Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.
Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.
RETIREMENT
All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Accident Protection Insurance
Bilingual Pay if required by position
Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance
Direct Deposit
Discount Bus Pass Program
Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care
Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)
In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)
Shift Differential
Supplemental Life Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.
01
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."
02
This recruitment is only open to current regular and temporary City of Santa Cruz employees. I meet this criteria and understand that my application must include my employment with the City of Santa Cruz or I will not be considered for this internal recruitment.
03
Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?
04
Must be 18 years old at time of hire. I meet this requirement:
05
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required depending on job assignment. Please select from the below:
06
Please select how many years of experience that you have in customer service, administrative support, or recreation programming. The experience selected here must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.
07
Based on your answer above, please describe your customer service, administrative support, or recreation programming experience. Please indicate the employer name, job title, job duties, and duration of each experience. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have customer service, administrative support, or recreation programming experience, please answer "N/A."
08
The experience discussed in Questions 6 and 7 must include at least one (1) year leading activities in community recreation or enrichment programs or services. Please describe your qualifying experience such as leading activities in programs and services for diverse age groups, sports or aquatics, and arts and cultural work in either a traditional or non-traditional setting. Indicate the employer name, job title, job duties, and duration of each experience. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."
09
Possession of a current CPR and First Aid certificate is required at time of hire or within three months of hire. Please select from the below:
10
This position requires a willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays and to report to work on time, as scheduled. (NOTE: A "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration). I accept these requirements:
11
Desirable Qualifications: Please select any of the below desirable qualifications that you possess. Select all that apply.
Required Question
Employer City of Santa Cruz
Address 809 Center St.
Room 6
Santa Cruz, California, 95060
Phone 831-420-5040
Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com