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Summer Playground Leader Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Summer Playground Leader information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$23

$50

How much do summer playground leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer playground leader in Riverside, CA is $23.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer playground leader?

Summer Playground Leaders are individuals who supervise and facilitate recreational activities for children at parks, playgrounds, or community centers during the summer months. They are responsible for ensuring a safe, fun, and engaging environment by organizing games, crafts, sports, and other activities. Playground Leaders also promote positive social interaction, help resolve conflicts, and may assist in maintaining the facility. This role is ideal for those who enjoy working with children and have strong leadership and communication skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a summer playground leader?

To thrive as a Summer Playground Leader, you need experience in supervising children, knowledge of recreational activities, and often CPR/First Aid certification. Familiarity with scheduling tools, incident report systems, and safety protocols is also valuable. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you engage children, resolve conflicts, and foster a positive environment. These abilities are crucial for ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and well-organized summer program for all participants.

What challenges do summer playground leaders face when managing large groups of children outdoors?

Summer Playground Leaders often navigate challenges such as maintaining children's attention during outdoor activities, ensuring safety in an open environment, and adapting plans to changing weather or group dynamics. Effective leaders use clear communication, structured routines, and proactive supervision to keep activities engaging and safe. Collaboration with fellow leaders and regular check-ins with supervisors help address issues quickly and foster a supportive team atmosphere.

What is the difference between Summer Playground Leader vs Summer Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer Playground LeaderSummer Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid certification often requiredCPR/First Aid certification often required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor playgrounds, parks, community centersCampgrounds, activity areas, indoor/outdoor settings
Employer & IndustryMunicipal parks, community organizationsSummer camps, recreational organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles involve supervising children and ensuring safety during outdoor activities. The main difference is that Summer Playground Leaders typically focus on outdoor playground supervision in parks or community spaces, while Summer Camp Counselors often work in organized camp settings with a broader range of activities. Both require similar certifications and are employed in recreational and community industries.

What job categories do people searching Summer Playground Leader jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Playground Leader jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Summer Playground Leader jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Summer Playground Leader job openings:

Summer Camp Teacher - SC-Tustin Ranch Henley-11-145

The Salvation Army Southern CA Division

Tustin, CA

$17 - $20/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs

in His name without discrimination. The Salvation Army, a California Corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Summary

Summer Camp Teachers assist in the planning, coordination and implementation of assigned recreation activities and program supervision, working directly with clients and other staff. They may also assume program specific leadership positions as assigned by the Program and Center Directors.

Essential Functions

Specific Duties:

  • Be on duty as assigned, always maintaining focus on the children.
  • Practice “Active Visual Supervision” when on duty.
  • Ensure that each child is released only to persons who are “authorized escorts
  • Always maintain a healthy & safe environment both inside & outside.
  • For break or lunch, ensure a qualified teacher is in place after leaving the classroom or playground to maintain legal ratio.
  • Work cooperatively with other staff to build a strong working team.
  • Be available to parents as needed & reasonable.
  • Maintain confidentiality of family, staff & proprietary information
  • Communicate all supply & educational needs to the Director in a timely manner
  • Maintain a clean, organized, creative, inviting, age-appropriate classroom environment including centers in multiple educational subjects.Pleasantly greet children & families upon daily arrival or departure, while maintaining active supervision of children.
  • Develop & maintain warm, yet professionally appropriate, relationships with client/student families.
  • Administer appropriate First Aid as needed, using universal & standard precautions
  • Attend mandatory staff meetings & school special events
  • Follow guidelines set in Staff Procedures Handbook, & policies of CA Title 22, & The Salvation Army Policy for Working with Minors

Working Conditions

Must be able to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Must be able to grasp, push and pull objects such as general office and small recreational equipment. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs

PAY RATE: $17.00-$20.00/hr.

Minimum Qualifications     

  • High School diploma or equivalent required, BA/BS in related field preferred
  • Minimum 12 ECE units preferred or comparable college unit
  • Must complete/sign a Criminal Record Statement (LIC 508), with certification for Protect the Mission policies and procedures.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

  • Driving Test and clean MVR check (if applicable).
  • Bilingual/Bi-literate English/Spanish or Korean preferred.
  • Must have ability to work with, direct, and relate well with co-workers, community members, and guests/clients.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
  • CPR/First Aid/Health and Safety Training qualified.
  • Able to function in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment
  • Must possess good relationship skills.
  • Ability to work flexible hours.