Apply for seasonal jobs in recreation programs

Teens and adults looking for a summer job can apply for a range of positions serving kids and adults in the City’s recreation programs. 

We're looking for overnight camp staff in the Sierras, recreation activity leaders, lifeguards, and a variety of other roles who will provide fun, active, and creative programs.

• You might hike with campers, spend long days outdoors, and lead group activities at an overnight camp.
• You might officiate sports events for kids at our gyms, fields, or courts.  
• You might work poolside in the sun and teach kids how to swim.

These positions build skills for life and future careers. Some jobs are available to those as young as 15-years-old. Join a dedicated team that’s proud of the service we provide to Berkeley’s diverse community. 

Apply by April 20 through the jobs portal for seasonal recreation positions.

Qualifications for seasonal recreation jobs

To qualify for seasonal positions, you must be 16 years or older, be able to work 20-40 hours per week, and be available for work May through August. To be a lifeguard, you must be at least 15 years of age and have a current lifeguard certification.

If you get offered a job, you’ll also have to pass a tuberculosis test and complete a Live Scan security background check. For questions regarding summer jobs, email recreationjobs@berkeleyca.gov.

Seasonal positions in Berkeley

All positions will start at the end of May and are open until filled.

Berkeley-based jobs in camps, sports, and parks

• Sports Official (Non-Career Intermittent), $24.50 - $39.93 hourly
  Officiate a wide variety of sports and athletic events at an assigned gymnasium, ballfield or court.

Aquatics positions at our local pools

Certified lifeguards are encouraged to join us to keep swimmers safe at one of our two outdoor pools. You must have completed a lifeguard certification course before applying for an aquatics position. If you don’t have a certification, you can register for an American Lifeguard Certification training course through the City's recreation registration portal.

• Aquatics Specialist I (Lifeguard/Swim Instructor, 15+), $24.50 hourly
  Provide lifeguard services and swim lesson instruction and conduct facility operations tasks (certification required).
• Aquatics Specialist II (Lifeguard/Swim Instructor, 16+), $25.32 - $28.50 hourly 
  Lead aquatic staff and activities including Lifeguarding, swim lessons, and facility operations (certification required).
• Senior Aquatics Specialist (Senior Lifeguard, 16+), $30.54 - $32.48 hourly 
  Supervise aquatics specialists for Lifeguarding, swim lessons, and facility operations (certification required).

Overnight camp positions at Echo Lake Youth Camp and Tuolumne Family Camp

Our overnight camps in the Sierras employ a variety of roles. These include cabin counselors as well as staff to support recreation programs, food service, maintenance, and medical aid.

For the summer, staff will live and work in one of two places: Echo Lake Camp, near South Lake Tahoe; or Berkeley Tuolumne Camp, near Yosemite National Park. All overnight camp positions include meals and lodging. Transportation to camp can be arranged; just ask the Camp Manager upon hiring.

• Camp Staff Member (16+, 18+ for Counselors), $89.39 - $107.27 daily
  Help lead activities, food service, maintenance, and campers for Echo Lake or Tuolumne Camp.
• Camp Staff Leader (17+), $112.63 - $128.72 daily  
  Lead activities, food service, maintenance, and admin for Echo Lake or Tuolumne Camps.
• Camp Staff Supervisor (18+), $139.98 - $173.77 daily  
  Supervise daily camp operations and lead essential functions at Echo Lake or Tuolumne Camp.
• Camp Medical Staff Member (18+), $112.63 - $128.72 daily
  Provide medical care at overnight camps as a licensed physician, registered nurse, or licensed vocational nurse. 

These jobs are part of the City of Berkeley's Recreation Division, which offers dozens of camps, classes, and other activities for participants of all ages. Families and individuals can learn more about recreation programs, sign up via our registration portal, and see more opportunities on our events calendar.

Visit our complete job listings for all open City of Berkeley positions, which we update almost weekly with new positions.

For teens and others looking for seasonal work over the summer, apply by April 20 for one of these jobs on our recreation team and help provide fun, active, and creative programs for Berkeley youth.

Links

• Seasonal Recreation Jobs (City of Berkeley)
• Seasonal employment (Government Jobs)
• Facilities: Echo Lake Camp, Tuolumne Camp, Pools

March 9, 2026 Update: The date to apply for jobs was extended.