Summer Perception Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Do you enjoy working with children and being outdoors? Impact our community’s youth by becoming a part of Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.)’s Camp Programs this summer!

H.A.R.D. operates a large summer camp program at East Avenue Park in Hayward that includes Camp Potowatomi, Camp Tenderfoot, and the Vida Nueva Teen Leadership Camp. We are looking to hire several Day Camp Counselors with camp experience in outdoor settings.

The primary responsibilities of this position are creating and leading camp activities for camp participants, participating in offsite field trips, providing mentoring and direction for program aides and volunteers, and providing excellent customer service to parents and caregivers. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational leadership skills and an enthusiasm for working with children. Training will be provided.

This is a seasonal, summer-time position working up to 40 hours per week from June to August 2026.

Here are the details about the positions: 

• Available Positions: 17
• Hourly Rate: $21.61/hour - $29.17/hour
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week
• Typical Work hours: Mornings/Afternoons with Evenings as needed
• Part-Time, Seasonal, Hourly, Non-Exempt Position  
• Work Location: East Avenue Park
• Anticipated Start Date: June 8, 2026
• Duration: Summer season will run from June 8 to August 21  
• Not to exceed 960 hours per fiscal year. (July 1 – June 30)

First review of applications will be March 2, 2026. Applications received after first review will be reviewed as we receive them. This posting may close at any time.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision from the Recreation Supervisor, assists with the developing and implementation all age appropriate curriculum and activities related to daily operation of a District program site in order to ensure the safety and well-being of participants and perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents in this class are primarily responsible for supervision to children enrolled in the program; planning age appropriate curriculum for children; establishing and maintaining supportive relationships with children and parents; and sanitization of program equipment. This class can be distinguished from the class of Lead Counselor because incumbents in this class primarily oversee one program camp/site and do not have advanced education to perform work more independently.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Incumbents may not perform all duties. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Participate in developing, organizing, and leading recreation activities; participate in the development of activities to fit the abilities and interest of the participants
• Follow and implement assigned curriculum, including teaching, overseeing, and/or coaching activities, which may include arts and crafts, group games, and sports; maintains group and individual discipline and code of conduct
• Facilitate safe and positive recreation experiences; ensure a safe environment; assess and minimizes risks; assess and respond to potential injuries and prepare incident reports
• Maintain accurate attendance and complete required records; maintain appropriate confidential records
• Manage the storage and inventory of equipment and supplies
• Participates in meeting and training sessions
• Maintain good public relations
• At all times, demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors and the public
• Performs other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. The functions of this position are performed indoors and/or outdoors depending on season. Incumbents must wear an appropriate uniform with identification and protective equipment. The environment requires working in climate-controlled indoor environments as well as various weather conditions, including heat and sunshine when outdoors. Specialized aspects of the work environment may also include high noise levels, interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing safety and departmental policies and procedures. Incumbents may be assigned an irregular working schedule including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays and may have to travel between various locations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have: hearing and speech adequate to communicate in person, by telephone, and to speak loudly in a noisy setting; vision adequate to clearly distinguish distance, color, depth perception and persons to identify signs of distress; bodily movement adequate to frequently sit, stand, walk, run, jump, climb, reach, turn, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, and push/pull; ability to raise arms above shoulder height; manual dexterity adequate to grasp objects, use fine manipulation, write and operate office machines and equipment; strength and endurance to perform medium to heavy physical work, perform lifting and carrying of items/persons up to 50 pounds, and work outdoors in the heat or cold for prolonged periods of time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Ability and Skill to:

• Work with adults, children and families participating in a variety of recreational activities
• Monitor compliance with District regulations and policies, and general safety practices related to recreation activities; firmly but tactfully enforce rules and regulations
• React quickly and calmly in emergencies
• Administer first aid, CPR and/or artificial respiration
• Maintain discipline, order and safety in a crowded and loud environment
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people
• Operate office equipment including computers, scanners, calculators, printers, and copiers
• Respond appropriately to changing situations and stressful conditions
• Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the work

Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods used in organizing, conducting, and supervising recreational activities
• Common crafts, sports, games, and recreation activities appropriate for preschool age children
• Basic youth development principles
• Computer skills to include Microsoft Office
• Basic first aid and safety practices and procedures
• Customer service principles
• Standard safety rules and regulations related to public recreation activities

Education/Experience/Training:

• Completion of two years in high school
• At least 2 years of experience with working with elementary and teenage children in a structured or supervised program
• Possession of or ability to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED certification within two-weeks of employment

Special Requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• If 16-18 years of age and still in high school, must possess a valid work permit
• If 18 years of age or older, must pass a fingerprint and/or background clearance prior to employment
• Ability to obtain Mandated Reporter Training Certification may be required
• Completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination series is recommended
• Verification of ID and ability work in the USA
• Provide proof of negative TB Skin Test