Summer Playgrounds Program Manager - 2026

Description: Within the Parks & Community Services Department, the Summer Playgrounds Program Manager works with the Community Services Program Coordinator, the City of Davis, local businesses and program staff to develop and facilitate multiple summer day camp programs consistent with the needs and interests of the community and the City of Davis core values. This position requires extensive planning, organization, decision-making and supervision of staff.

Hours: Must be available to work approximately 10 hours a week between the months of February and May. From June through September 1, work hours will be approximately hours/week, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, attend Tuesday evening staff meetings, and participate in mandatory trainings prior to summer beginning.

Wages: Community Services Specialist IV: $ $19.68 per hour (based upon experience).

Status: Temporary Part-Time, No benefits. Applicants will be screened according to experience relevant to this position. Those most qualified will be invited to an individual or small group interview.

Assists the coordinator in recruiting, interviewing, hiring and scheduling program staff. Attends and participates in training for the manager position and the trainings of the program staff. Coordinates and handles logistics of field trip planning, including scheduling of buses and admission costs. Maintains open communication with the coordinator and supervisors as necessary. Further trains program staff as necessary. Develops effective written program plans, including games, crafts, field trips and special events for Summer Camp Programs in consultations with the camp leaders. Assure that equipment and facilities are safely and properly prepared and maintained for used by program participants and staff. Arrange for broken and unsafe equipment and facilities to be repaired. Effectively supervise, coach and mentor program staff. Keep work environments clean and organized. Evaluate program staff and jointly develop improvement plans when necessary. Maintains accurate and detailed financial records and controls expenditures. Develops a system for record keeping for all recreation resources in the community including volunteers, activity instructors, contributors, special events and past programs. Prepares oral and written reports on all aspects summer camp programming as required. Provides outstanding customer service to customers, participants and the community.

Desired Qualifications:
All applicants must possess energy, enthusiasm, creativity, have the ability to motivate and lead staff and children, have knowledge of recreation activities and community resources, and be able to communicate effectively with program participants and co-workers.

Minimum Qualifications:
All applicants must be 18 years old prior to start of program. Must have a valid California Driver's License. Certified in CPR and Standard First Aid prior to the start of summer camp programs. Excellent knowledge of the principles, philosophy, and practices of recreation administration (e.g., program planning, leadership, risk management, budgeting, marketing, and public relations). The ability to plan, promote and evaluate recreation services for the summer camp program. Leadership skills for a wide range of recreation activities and special events. The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all the staff from the City of Davis and the community. The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. The ability to lead and individually work to accomplish program goals. All applicants must be able to swim at a level considered water safe and be comfortable participating in pool activities.

Physical/Sensory Requirements:
Staff should be prepared to work outdoors, in various environmental conditions each week. Staff are required to wear a mask and should be prepared to demonstrate. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This is an active position requiring the ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 lbs.; verbal and hearing skills to effectively communicate with children and other staff; visual acuity to oversee projects, and make observations. Work is done both indoors and out, with exposure to heat, often over 100 degrees, sun, noise, dust, pollens and slip hazards when near water. Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens when rendering first aid. Must be able to complete additional trainings, including but not limited to: Concussion Training, Blood Borne Pathogens, Mandated Reporter, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Heat Illness, Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination.

To Apply: A City of Davis online employment application must be submitted to be considered for this position; paper applications will not be accepted. To apply, please go online at

Final Filing Date: Applicants will be notified via email of their application status.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The City of Davis encourages applications from qualified women and minorities. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, disability or sexual preference.

NOTES
Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract and the provisions are subject to change. According to the Federal Reform and Control Act, the City of Davis is required to hire only U.S. citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

If you require accommodation during any phase of this recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources office at or TDD

The City of Davis has a no smoking policy for all city facilities.

There are no benefits for this position.