What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recreation Leader position at City of San Bernardino, CA?
Why Join Team SB
Are you passionate about inclusive recreation and supporting individuals with disabilities?
The City of San Bernardino is seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate Recreation Leader to join the team at the Center for Individual Development (CID) — our City’s signature recreation center for people with disabilities.
In this hands-on role, you’ll bring creativity, joy, and inclusivity to every program, helping participants grow, connect, and thrive through meaningful recreational experiences!
About the City:
As a future member of our team, you’ll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity.
San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.
About the Position:
Under the direction of a Senior Recreation Leader or Recreation Specialist, the Recreation Leader performs support functions and assists in organizing and leading a variety of adaptive and inclusive recreation programs. Activities may include cultural arts, sports, social events, swimming programs, culinary classes, field trips, and more. This position is ideal for individuals seeking meaningful entry-level work that supports inclusion, teamwork, and fun. Recreation Leaders assigned to the CID work closely with participants of varying abilities in a supportive and engaging environment.
Part-time employees work an average of 20 hours per week and are assigned to varied work shifts, including weekends.
What You'll Be Doing Here
The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is passionate about serving the community and creating inclusive, engaging recreational experiences. They bring strong leadership and communication skills, connecting effectively with individuals of all ages and abilities. They excel at planning and facilitating diverse activities while remaining dependable, collaborative, and flexible in their schedule, including evenings and weekends. With patience, empathy, and a commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming environment, they help ensure every participant feels valued. Experience in recreation, sports, arts, education, or working with individuals with disabilities is preferred.
A Day in the Life:
A typical day as a Recreation Leader at CID may include:
- Setting up program areas with games, crafts, or sports equipment for participants.
- Greeting participants and their families with a welcoming smile and providing any needed assistance or accommodations.
- Assisting with social activities, ensuring a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
What You Need to Qualify
Education:
Graduation from high school or GED.
Experience:
Six months' paid experience in customer service or recreation programs or one (1) year of volunteer services in customer service or recreation programs.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Knowledge of:
- Techniques of organizing group social, recreation, and athletic activities.
- Rules and techniques of sports, games, arts, crafts, music, drama, social and cultural activities.
- Leadership techniques.
- First Aid methods and necessary safety precautions against physical and other hazards.
- Objectives of public recreation and methods of enlisting support.
Organize, direct and lead a group of children or adults in recreational activities.- Serve as an umpire or referee at athletic contests in the play program.
- Resolve minor disciplinary problems and maintain order among program participants.
- Maintain accurate records and prepare clear concise reports.
- Follow oral and written instructions.
- Develop skill in several of the sports or activities of the recreation program;
- Express ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
- Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
- Transport materials and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Work indoors and out in a variety of environmental conditions.
Recruitment Timeline
**All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the personnel officer**
How to Apply and What to Expect Next
Applications must be fully completed and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications for the position are met. All information provided is subject to review, investigation, and verification. While resumes may be uploaded as supplemental documentation, they will not be accepted in place of a fully completed City application.
Pre-employment process may include, but is not limited to:
- Application Review
- Oral Exam
- Background Investigation with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Pre-employment Medical Exam, including drug test and a TB exam
E-Verify Participation:
The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. In compliance with federal law, all employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States.
Accordingly, the City will provide information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm authorization to work in the United States.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at www.uscis.gov
Disclaimers:
The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at (909) 998-2060.
This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.
For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Stephanie Rivera at rivera_es@sbcity.org.
Additional information is available at www.sbcity.org.
Part-time, Temporary, and seasonal employment are restricted to 1,000 hours within a 12-month period (July 1 to June 30) and do not qualify to receive City benefits, except those required by law. Further restrictions apply to CalPERS retired annuitants.