Head Counselor - East Avenue Park - Seasonal - Summer 2026 ($25.06/hour - $33.81/hour)

HAYWARD AREA RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT • Hayward, CA

1d • $25 - $34 • Onsite

About The Position

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 Head Counselors with experience leading camps in outdoor settings. The primary responsibilities of this position are creating and leading activities, conducting off-site field trips, providing mentoring and direction for camp counselors, aides, and volunteers, and providing excellent customer service to parents and caregivers. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and leadership skills. Training will be provided. This is a seasonal, summer-time position working up to 40 hours per week from June – August 2026. Here are the details about the positions: Available Positions: 3 Hourly Rate: $25.06/hour - $33.81/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 1, 2026 Duration: Summer season will run from June 1 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, conducts and provides leadership in the development and implementation of 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 the general supervision of counselors and children enrolled in the program; planning age-appropriate curriculum for children; establishing and maintaining supportive relationships with children and parents; and all safety protocols. This class can be distinguished from the class of Day Camp Counselor because incumbents in this class are responsible for the overall direction, curriculum and staffing of the program area.

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 in the course of the work.
• Knowledge of: Principles and methods used in organizing, conducting, and supervising engaging recreational activities.
• Common crafts, sports, games, and recreation activities appropriate for school-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: Highschool diploma or equivalent.
• At least 4 years of experience 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 18 years of age or older.
• Proof of eligibility to work in U.S.
• Ability to obtain Mandated Reporter Training Certification may be required.
• Must pass a fingerprint and/or backgrounds clearance prior to employment.
• Completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination series is recommended.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the implementation of 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.
• Participate in meeting and training sessions.
• Maintain good public relations.
• Oversees all camp communication to parents, providing regular updates, filling out incident reports and establishing behavior contracts when necessary.
• At all times, demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors and the public.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED