City And Job Overview
The City of Garden Grove Community Services Department is now accepting online applications for the position of
RECREATION SPECIALIST!
Deadline to apply for this recruitment is
Monday, March 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST
Under general direction, Recreation Specialists provide support to staff on day-to-day program activities. Work hours and schedules vary according to program and participant needs.
Recreation Specialist Can Be Assigned To The Following Areas
- Youth and Family Resource Centers
- Senior Center
- Community Meeting Center and Courtyard Center
- Park Ambassador Program
We currently have several part-time, non-benefited openings at the Youth and Family Resource Centers, Senior Center, and Community Meeting Center and Courtyard Center. These positions work approximately 20 hours per week, not to exceed 1,000 hours per fiscal year.
This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that can be used to fill current and future vacancies throughout the City within the next six months, so we encourage all those who are interested in the Recreation Specialist position to apply!
Essential Duties
YOUTH AND FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS
The City operates two (2) Youth and Family Resource Centers. They provide resources, programs, and services to youth and families. The Youth and Family Resource Centers operate Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. with some evening hours, and Saturday and Sunday as needed. Employees work year-round, approximately 15 - 20 hours per week and must have a flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings and weekends. Must be at least 18 years old for this position. Bilingual fluency in Spanish is highly desirable.
When assigned to the work at the Youth and Family Resource Centers as a Recreation Specialist, employees function in a lead capacity, working with site coordinators to plan and organize daily recreational activities for youth; lead children in games, arts and crafts; and may assist in supervising children and teens during off-site excursions.
When assigned to work in the Youth and Family Resource Centers as an Information and Referral Specialist, employees are responsible for: providing community resource information to participants; performing outreach to community organizations and local schools; promoting programs and services; and researching information regarding community services and resources.
SENIOR CENTER
The Senior Center offers a wide variety of recreational and educational classes for seniors to encourage them to socialize and engage in a supportive environment. One of the primary goals of the Senior Center is to ensure that no senior goes hungry. The Senior Center receives funding to provide the home delivery meals (HDM) program, an on-site lunch program, and a senior transportation program to ensure seniors are able to access the meals available to them at the Center. The Senior Center also offers an array of educational support classes and recreational activities including evening dances and special events. Recreation Specialists work with site coordinators to register program participants and provide program support as needed. The Senior Center operates Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., with some evening and weekend hours as needed. Recreation Specialists assigned to the Senior Center work year round, approximately 15 - 20 hours per week and must have a flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings and weekends.
COMMUNITY MEETING CENTER AND COURTYARD CENTER
The Community Meeting Center and Courtyard Center are the City's main rental facilities for public and private events, including banquets, weddings, Garden Grove City Council and City Commission meetings. Recreation Specialists provide excellent customer service to clients, guests, and vendors; set-up venues for events and tear down/clean up; ensure adherence to policies for the safety of clients/guests, equipment and facilities; assist with equipment maintenance and minor cleaning; and perform other related duties as assigned. The ideal candidate for this position will: possess the ability to move banquet tables, chairs, and furniture; connect AV equipment; respond quickly to client needs and requests; and work independently and in group settings. Employees work year-round, with varying hours, typically evenings and weekends based on facility rentals. A valid California class "C" driver's license and acceptable driving record is required for this position.
PARK AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Recreation Specialists assigned as Park Ambassadors are responsible for ensuring safe and proper use of facilities, athletic fields, and restrooms, providing public assistance and information, and assisting in set up and breakdown of special events. The ideal candidate for this position will possess knowledge of park rules and experience in communicating effectively with the public regarding park rules and regulations; the ability to work and make decisions independently as well as in a team setting; and ensure parks, facilities and equipment are functional, safe, and ready for use. Park Ambassadors work approximately 15 - 20 hours per week, must have a flexible schedule, and be able to work evenings and weekends. A valid California class "C" driver's license and acceptable driving record is required for this position.
Requirements
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
All candidates must either (a) possess an Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certificate prior to employment, or (b) must be able to take and pass the City provided certificate course.
A valid California Class "C" driver's license and acceptable driving record may be required for some positions. An acceptable driving record is one that has three (3) or fewer DMV points issued within the past five (5) years, and no more than one (1) DUI within the past ten (10) years.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification speak clearly, hear normal conversation, stand, walk, sit and see small details. Incumbents must be able to lift items weighing up to 50 lbs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification work both inside and outside, in direct contact with the public and in vast temperature changes.
Other Important Information
How To Apply
Online applications can be completed by visiting: www.ggcity.org/hr. Questions regarding these positions may be sent via email to ggjobs@ggcity.org. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Online Application Packet Must Include
- a completed online application
- a supplemental questionnaire
- valid Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certificate, if applicable
A completed online application is required. Applications must be completely filled out. A resume cannot substitute for some of the information.
Applications will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation for further testing.
WORK PERMIT (for under 18 years of age)
Candidates who are UNDER 18 years of age and enrolled in high school must obtain and submit a valid work permit prior to employment. Additional information regarding this process will be supplied to candidates being hired.
CERTIFICATE INFORMATION
Candidates are encouraged to submit applicable certificates as an attachment with their online application. Certificates must be issued by a Red Cross approved provider. Please visit www.redcross.org/take-a-class to find a certification class. Please note that online certificates are NOT acceptable. Candidates who do not submit certificates with their application must pass and complete the City provided training.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Selection Process Will Consist Of
- Oral panel interview - tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department by email at ggjobs@ggcity.org at least one week prior to any test dates.
Candidates must pass a Department of Justice Livescan, a pre-employment physical, and drug screen prior to employment. Candidates who are under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent to these appointments.
Applicants will receive communication through email ONLY. Applicants should check their email and spam mail for notices regarding their status in the recruitment process.
NEPOTISM POLICY
The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate's application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
City of Garden Grove's Excellent Part-Time Benefits!
BILINGUAL PAY: After certification, employees are eligible for pay for the use of their Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean bilingual skills.
RETIREMENT: Part-time employees participate in a deferred compensation package, which means that payroll retirement payments will be deducted from their pay and placed in a deferred compensation account, to be available after the employee leaves or retires. If the employee works in excess of 1,000 hours within a single fiscal year, the employee must then enroll in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), instead of continuing in the deferred compensation program, as above. If this occurs, employees contribute half of the normal cost into PERS.
SICK LEAVE: Employees receive sick leave time in accordance with the California Health Workplace Healthy Family Act (AB1522).
RIDESHARE PROGRAM: A variety of Rideshare incentives are provided, such as gift certificates and transportation subsidies.
01
Please carefully read these instructions: Your responses to the supplemental questions below will be used to determine your qualifications for the position. You are required to answer ALL of the supplemental questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses to these questions are subject to verification and may be assessed in subsequent examination parts. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration may result in disqualification from this examination process.
- Yes – I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.
- No – I have read, understood, and do not agree to these terms. I wish to withdraw my application from this process.
02
Will you be at least 16 years of age by March 16, 2026?
03
Will you be at least 18 years of age by March 16, 2026?
04
Do you currently possess a Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certificate?
05
If you do not possess the Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certificate, are you willing to attend the City of Garden Grove provided training for this certificate?
- Yes
- No
- N/A. I already have this certificate.
06
Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" driver license?
07
Please check off the following periods of time that you are available to work:
- Monday's 6-8am
- Monday's 8-10am
- Monday's 10-12pm
- Monday's 12-2pm
- Monday's 2-4pm
- Monday's 4-6pm
- Monday's 6-8pm
- Monday's 8-10pm
- Monday's 10pm - 12am
- I am available all day on Mondays
- I am not available on Mondays
08
Please check off the following periods of time that you are available to work:
- Tuesday's 6-8am
- Tuesday's 8-10am
- Tuesday's 10-12pm
- Tuesday's 12-2pm
- Tuesday's 2-4pm
- Tuesday's 4-6pm
- Tuesday's 6-8pm
- Tuesday's 8-10pm
- Tuesday's 10pm - 12am
- I am available all day on Tuesdays
- I am not available on Tuesdays
09
Please check off the following periods of time that you are available to work:
- Wednesday's 6-8am
- Wednesday's 8-10am
- Wednesday's 10-12pm
- Wednesday's 12-2pm
- Wednesday's 2-4pm
- Wednesday's 4-6pm
- Wednesday's 6-8pm
- Wednesday's 8-10pm
- Wednesday's 10pm - 12am
- I am available all day on Wednesdays
- I am not available on Wednesdays
10
Please check off the following periods of time that you are available to work:
- Thursday's 6-8am
- Thursday's 8-10am
- Thursday's 10-12pm
- Thursday's 12-2pm
- Thursday's 2-4pm
- Thursday's 4-6pm
- Thursday's 6-8pm
- Thursday's 8-10pm
- Thursday's 10pm - 12am
- I am available all day on Thursdays
- I am not available on Thursdays
11
Please check off the following periods of time that you are available to work:
- Friday's 6-8am
- Friday's 8-10am
- Friday's 10-12pm
- Friday's 12-2pm
- Friday's 2-4pm
- Friday's 4-6pm
- Friday's 6-8pm
- Friday's 8-10pm
- Friday's 10pm - 12am
- I am available all day on Fridays
- I am not available on Fridays
12
Please check off the following periods of time that you are available to work:
- Saturday's 6-8am
- Saturday's 8-10am
- Saturday's 10-12pm
- Saturday's 12-2pm
- Saturday's 2-4pm
- Saturday's 4-6pm
- Saturday's 6-8pm
- Saturday's 8-10pm
- Saturday's 10pm - 12am
- I am available all day on Saturdays
- I am not available on Saturdays
13
Please check off the following periods of time that you are available to work:
- Sunday's 6-8am
- Sunday's 8-10am
- Sunday's 10-12pm
- Sunday's 12-2pm
- Sunday's 2-4pm
- Sunday's 4-6pm
- Sunday's 6-8pm
- Sunday's 8-10pm
- Sunday's 10pm - 12am
- I am available all day on Sundays
- I am not available on Sundays
14
Please let us know if you anticipate any changes to your schedule in the next six months (Ex: changes in your school schedule, a vacation, another job, or internship). If none, please write N/A below.
