Berkeley, California is a small city with a big reputation. At just ten square miles of land and seven square miles of water, Berkeley is famous around the globe as a center for academic achievement, scientific exploration, free speech, and the arts, and home to over 50 parks, a top-ranked university, and the largest public marina in the San Francisco Bay.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Recreation Program Supervisor. In this role, you will plan, supervise, organize and direct recreation and athletic operations and programs, such as recreation and camp facilities and swimming pools. The ideal candidate is a highly organized and experienced recreation professional with strong administrative and leadership skills, including budget development and oversight, program marketing and promotion, and staff supervision and development. This individual will demonstrate the ability to effectively manage multiple programs and priorities, develop and implement operational goals, and support staff in delivering high-quality recreation services. This individual will be a collaborative, resourceful, and forward-thinking leader who demonstrates sound judgment, accountability, and a commitment to serving Berkeley's diverse community. See the full class specification for more information about this job.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in recreation, social science, business or public administration or a related field; and four (4) years of progressively responsible professional recreation administrative experience which has included budget and program development, of which at least two (2) years included supervisory responsibility. Additional experience in administering a recreation program may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.
Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements California Public Resources Code Section 5164 prohibits the hiring of a person for employment at a park or recreational facility in a position having supervisory or disciplinary authority over any minor if the person has been convicted of certain criminal offenses. California Education Code Section 10911.5 requires that all public recreation program employers must fingerprint all persons having direct contact with a minor.
Must possess a valid California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record. This classification requires the ability to travel within and outside of the City limits to perform assigned duties and responsibilities. This classification requires an ability to work variable hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as may be required to perform assigned duties and responsibilities.APPLICATION PROCESS Applications must be received by 5:00 PM Pacific on November 2, 2026, and must include a completed application, photo of valid California Driver's License and responses to supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.
Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format. Please be aware of unauthorized job postings and communications. Applications will only be accepted via GovernmentJobs.com and we will only email candidates from the governmentjobs.com or berkeleyca.gov domain. If you encounter a suspicious job post or communication, please alert us at hr@berkeleyca.gov.
EXAM PROCESS
The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:
- Application review for minimum qualifications and answers to the supplemental questions (qualifying experience will be calculated based on the application period close date)
- Multiple Choice Test (Tentative Date: December 2, 2026)
Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews. Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application.
Benefits
Benefited employees receive a myriad of financial and other benefits, including CalPERS pension and other retirement plans, medical and dental coverage, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and more.
Benefit-eligible employees include those with a regular work schedule of at least 20 hours per week. Employees working less than 30 hours per week may receive pro-rated benefits.
Retirement CalPERS City employees are included in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula is either 2% at age 62 (PEPRA members) or 2.7% at age 55 (Classic members).
Deferred Compensation The City offers voluntary 457 deferred compensation plans with CalPERS or Empower. Employees may contribute up to the IRS maximum on a pre-tax basis.
Medical Plans Employees can choose coverage under Kaiser HMO or Sutter Health Plan HMO. The City contributes an amount equal to the cost of the Kaiser premium. Employees who have medical coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided medical coverage and receive a monthly stipend.
Dental Plan The City provides group dental benefits through Delta Dental of California. The City contributes up to the family coverage for the plan, which covers 90% of the dental charges up to $3,000 annually per person. Orthodontic benefits are offered at a $3,000 lifetime maximum per person. Employees who have dental coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided dental coverage and receive a monthly stipend. Vision Plan The City provides vision benefits through Vision Service Plan. The plan covers 100% for eye exams and lenses every 12 months with $25 copays. The plan also provides an allowance for frames every 24 months.
Life Insurance The City provides employees with a $50,000 Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy. Employees have the option to purchase additional term life insurance up to a maximum of $300,000. Sick Leave Employees earn one day of paid sick leave per month.
Vacation New employees accrue 80 hours of vacation annually, with an increase to 120 hours annually after 3 or 4 years of service, depending on eligibility for Administrative Leave (see MOU).
Holidays 15 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays annually
(PEU)
PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS
Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City will undergo an employment background check that may include, but is not limited to: confirmation of employment history, educational credentials and degrees, certificates, registrations, and licenses including driver's license; credit check; criminal history check; and Live Scan fingerprinting.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER
The City of Berkeley is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All employment actions shall be administered regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, veterans’ status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency/disaster.