Recreation Coordinator

Job Description:

Recreation Coordinator

Description

Description

The Department:

The Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for managing and maintaining the City's beautiful park system, recreation facilities, pools, and cemeteries and providing programs, services and activities that enhance residents’ lives and contribute to the health and wellness of the community. Santa Clara embraces parks, activities, and events that make our city a fantastic place to live, work, and play. The Recreation Division provides classes and programs for all ages and abilities for over 200,000 registrants per year.

The Position:
This recruitment is for two Recreation Coordinator positions.

Recreation Coordinator, Performing Arts Unit, Community Recreation Center

The Performing Arts Unit offers year-round programming in theater, dance, music, and choir, led by a team of contract instructors and part-time staff. One of our cornerstone offerings is the Youth Theater Program—now in its 55th year—which stages four full-scale productions annually. We’re looking for a passionate, organized, and collaborative recreation professional who shares our love for theater and the performing arts. This role is key to delivering high-quality, inclusive, and engaging programs, classes, and performances. Our ideal candidate brings strong project management skills and thrives in a team environment, working closely with staff, volunteers, and contractors. Most importantly, they are committed to inspiring and supporting youth of all ages as they explore and grow their artistic talents in a welcoming and creative space.

Recreation Coordinator, Active Older Adults, Senior Center

The Senior Center serves a thriving community of over 1,000 members and welcomes hundreds of visitors each day for both drop-in and fee-based programs. With a wide range of offerings—from fitness and nutrition to travel and enrichment—the Center is a vibrant, highly valued resource with something for everyone. We are seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated, and compassionate recreation professional who enjoys working with older adults. The ideal candidate is excited to join a dynamic team that honors longstanding traditions while innovating for the future. Together, we aim to create inclusive programs and a welcoming environment that support residents through all stages and levels of life.

This classified position is responsible for coordinating programs within a specific recreation program (Performing Arts; Youth Development; Sports & Aquatics; Older Adults & Special Populations, Enrichment, or Marketing & Communications). The position may also be responsible for conducting administrative and promotional duties for community-wide activities or events in a specific recreation program. The incumbent may be required to oversee a specific recreation facility, perform routine program development or oversight, and take specific responsibility for the coordination of as-needed staff and contract employees. Performs related work as required.

Additional Information:

Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Complete City Application, 2) Cover Letter, 3) Resume, and 4) Supplemental Questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov . Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of June 20, 2025 at 4:00 PM.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS. ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.

The annual salary range for this position is $98,134.56 - $125,115.24. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

Typical Duties

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in Recreation, Recreation & Leisure Studies, Tourism, Leisure & Event Planning, Social Science, Kinesiology, or closely related field; and
• Two (2) years of full-time paid experience coordinating a recreation program, including the supervision of recreation leadership personnel. These two (2) years may be a combination of full-time, part-time, or internship experience (2,000 hours of part-time and/or internship experience are equivalent to one (1) year of full-time work experience).

For Aquatics Program:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in various aquatics programs and in aquatic environment emergency response.

Possible Substitution for Education:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. and five (5) years of additional paid full-time experience in the supervision of recreation personnel in a public recreation setting may be substituted for the college graduation requirement.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with program budgeting and program marketing is highly desirable; and
• Experience using recreation registration software program is desirable.

LICENSE(S) AND/OR CERTIFICATION(S)

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at the time of appointment and for the duration of employment; and
• CPR and First Aid is required within six (6) months of appointment and for the duration of employment.

For Aquatics Program:

• Title 22 First Aid and CPR certification are required at the time of appointment and for the duration of employment; and
• Lifeguard Training Certificate and Lifeguard Training Instructor Certificate are required at the time of appointment and for the duration of employment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with program budgeting and program marketing is highly desirable;
• Experience using recreation registration software program is desirable; and
• When assigned to the Aquatics Program, Water Safety Instructor Certifications or other recognized Swim Lesson Instruction Certification is desirable.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• May be required to work evening shifts, weekends, and unusual hours to meet program and event requirements; and
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Recreation Coordinator is an advanced journey level classification responsible for coordinating programs for a specified recreation program or recreation facility. Incumbents regularly work on complex tasks that require discretion and independent judgement. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services. The Recreation Coordinator differs from the lateral classification of Recreation Coordinator - Therapeutics in that the lateral classification specializes in therapeutics programs, whereas, the Recreation Coordinator performs general recreation work. The Recreation Coordinator is distinguished from the higher-level classification of Recreation Supervisor in that the later primarily performs supervisory functions over recreation programs, facilities, events, and/or parks and supervises full-time personnel.

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS:

Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov .

City of Santa Clara Benefit Summary Overview for Bargaining Unit #5, 7, & 8
Employees Association

This summary provides a brief overview of the City of Santa Clara's benefits available to Bargaining Unit #5, 7, & 8 employees in 2025. In the event of any conflict between the information in this summary and the applicable official plan documents, City Manager's Directives (CMDs), Personnel and Salary Resolution, or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the applicable official plan documents, CMDs, Personnel and Salary Resolution, or MOU will prevail over this summary. Benefits are subject to change.
Retirement:

• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • Classic Employees: 2.7% @ age 55 formula - employee pays 8.00% of gross pay, minus $61 bi-weekly
  • New Employees: 2.0% @ age 62 formula - employee pays 7.00% of gross pay
• Medicare and Social Security (FICA)
  • Employee pays 6.20% up to $10,918.20 (Social Security) and 1.45% (Medicare) of gross pay

Health Insurance:

• The City contributes up to 100% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan for Employee Only and Employee + 1 Dependent plans, and up to 90% of the premium of the Kaiser (Region 1) plan of the Employee + 2 or More Dependents plan
• Employees electing health coverage with premiums above the City health contribution will pay additional premium costs from salary on a pre-tax basis
• No cash difference is paid if an employee elects a plan cheaper than the max City contribution
• To be eligible for the City’s contribution toward health, employees must be on a paid status for at least 80 hours in the month prior to the month of coverage
• The City’s contribution is prorated based on scheduled hours for part time employees
• Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire
• Employees hired on or after 1/1/2022 who opt-out of City-offered health insurance and provide annual attestation and acceptable proof of alternative required coverage for themselves and their tax family, if applicable, are eligible for a cash-in-lieu amount of $250/month. Contact Human Resources for more details

Dental Insurance:

• Choice of two Delta Dental plans; enrollment is mandatory
• City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire

Vision Insurance:

• Choice of two VSP plans
• City pays lowest cost employee only plan; additional cost is paid by employee
• Coverage is effective as early as the first day of the month after date of hire

Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA):

• City contributes $50.00 a month toward employee's VEBA account
• Account funds may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses after separation from the City and after age 50 (pre-tax)

Life Insurance:

• City pays for $15,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment
• Additional optional insurance may be purchased by the employee for the employee, spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent children

State Disability Insurance (SDI):

• Employee pays 1.2% of gross pay (includes Paid Family Leave)
• 7 day waiting period. Weekly paid leave for absences due to non-work related injuries/illnesses. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information

Paid Family Leave (PFL):

• Up to 8 weeks of benefits within a 12-month period to care for a family member or to bond with a new child
• No waiting period. Weekly paid leave benefit. Benefit is based on past earnings. Refer to edd.ca.gov for more information

Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance:

• Benefit is 2/3 of basic wage up to $7,500; max of $5,000/month
• City pays $.558/$100 of insured earnings
• 30 calendar day waiting period
• Coverage is effective the first of the month after one calendar month of employment

Deferred Compensation:

• Voluntary plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions
• Employee may contribute up to the lesser of the IRS maximum or 100% of gross compensation into a pre-tax 457(b) account or a post-tax Roth 457(b) account (or a combination of the two accounts) subject to IRS rules

Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125 Plan):

• Employee may contribute up to $3,300 per year in pre-tax dollars to a health care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $5,000 per year in pre-tax dollars to a dependent care spending account
• Employee may contribute up to $325 per month in pre-tax dollars to a commuter benefit plan

Vacation:

• Vacation is accrued bi-weekly, cannot use vacation during first 6 months of City service
  • For 1 - 4 years of service: 10 days (80 hours)/year
  • For 5 - 9 years of service: 15 days (120 hours)/year
  • For 10 - 15 years of service: 21 days (168 hours)/year
  • For 16 - 20 years of service: 22 days (176 hours)/year
  • For 21+ years of service: 24 days (192 hours)/year
• Maximum vacation accrual is 420 hours
• Once per year, employees can elect to convert up to 40 hours of accrued vacation to cash to be paid out the following calendar year

Sick Leave:

• Sick leave is accrued bi-weekly for equivalent of 96 hours per calendar year with no maximum accrual
  • Up to 48 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for family illness
  • Up to 40 hours/year of accumulated sick leave may be used for personal leave
• Employee may convert sick leave to vacation once per calendar year (annual maximum conversion is 96 hours sick to 48 hours vacation)
• Partial sick leave payoff provision on retirement depending on years of service

Non-Management Leave:

• 40hours of non-management leave credited to employees each January 1st
  • New employees hired between January 1st and June 30th receive 40 hours of non-management leave their first year
  • New employees hired between July 1st and December 31st receive 20 hours of non-management leave their first year
  • Unused non-management leave may not be carried over from one calendar year to the next

Compensatory Time Off (CTO):

• Employees may accrue CTO in lieu of overtime hours (maximum accrual is set by department)
• 16 hours of CTO is credited to employees each January 1st (prorated if hired after January 1st)

Holidays:

• Seventeen paid eight-hour holidays per year (13 & 4 holidays between 12/25 to 1/1 of following year)

Reimbursements/Allowances (for specific classifications):

• Raingear: $150 per fiscal year for eligible classifications
• Safety Boots: $275 per fiscal year for eligible classifications
• Walking Shoes: $120 per fiscal year for eligible classifications (See MOU for details)
• Tools: $500 per fiscal year reimbursement for Auto Foreperson classification
• Phone allowance of $80/month for Senior Key Customer Representative(s) and Key Customer Representative(s) job classifications

Bilingual Pay:

• Certified bilingual employees are eligible for $55/bi-weekly bilingual pay

Night Differential Pay:

• Librarians and library support employees whose regular assignments are to City libraries are eligible for 5.0% night differential pay for all hours worked between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. so long as they work a minimum of 2 consecutive hours between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
• All other employees are eligible for 5.0% night differential pay for all hours worked between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. so long as they work a minimum of 2 consecutive hours between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Standby Pay:

• Employees in the classification of Electric Utility Programmer Analyst, Electric Utility Network Administrator, and Senior Energy Systems Analyst are eligible for standby pay of $100/week when assigned to work standby

Tuition Reimbursement Program:

• Up to $2,000 per fiscal year for tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program:

• Confidential counseling to employees and dependents. Up to maximum of five (5) consultations per family member per incident per year
• City paid benefit

Retiree Medical Reimbursement Program:

• Employees who retire from the City with at least ten (10) years of service shall receive reimbursement to help cover retiree single health insurance premiums. The reimbursement maximum includes the PEMHCA minimum.
• Up to age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $425/month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)
• After age 65, retirees are eligible for reimbursement up to $254/month in 2025 (amount adjusted annually)

Closing Date/Time: 6/20/2025 4:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$98,134.56 - $125,115.24 Annually