Summer Camp Counselor 2026

City of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

This is temporary, entry-level work teaching, instructing, and leading recreational activities, events, and programs of the City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) facilities. Positions allocated to this class report to a designated supervisor and work under close supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on recreational instruction and activities, and leadership work of a temporary nature.

Requirements

Minimum sixteen (16) years of age or high school graduate or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma, and a minimum of six (6) months of experience volunteering, teaching, leading, or instructing children in an organized recreational or childcare setting, or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Temporary Recreation Assistants assigned to a Teen Camp must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
Ability to pass Department of Children and Families (DCF) background check upon hire and as requested.
Depending on the area of assignment, may be required to satisfactorily complete a Counselor in Training program.
Depending on the area of assignment, a valid Florida driver's license may be required upon appointment.
American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Adult, Child, and Infant Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), AED, and First Aid is required upon appointment.
If assigned to a Department of Children and Families (DCF) Licensed Program: Must complete the Department of Children and Families (DCF) 40-hour Introductory Child Care Training within 15 months of hire, take additional specialized DCF training courses, or have an education exemption. Must complete annual In-service trainings.
Ability to provide individual and group skilled instruction in varied recreational activities.
Ability to develop and implement summer camp activities and programs.
Ability to develop and teach educational programs for various age groups.
Ability to communicate effectively with persons of varying ages and abilities, both orally and in writing.
Ability to read and understand work schedules.
Ability to effectively work with and to secure the confidence and cooperation of participants, the general public, and other employees in recreational activities.
Ability to plan, assign, and coordinate the work of contract and temporary employees in recreational activities.
Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions, including the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull 50 pounds without assistance.
Must conform to grooming and dress codes (uniforms furnished).
Work requires the ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals, including but not limited to: household cleaning and maintenance chemicals.
While performing the duties of this job, work may require the performance of tasks outdoors under varying environmental conditions, including heat, humidity, and biting insects/invertebrates.
May be required to work outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

Assists in leading and monitoring summer camp activities and functions for children ages 5 through 18.
Assists with developing and implementing summer camp activities and programs.
Develops and teaches educational programs for various age groups at the assigned facility.
Responsible for the care of the children/adults in the recreation programs to which they are assigned.
Enforces safety and operating procedures, including compliance with health, safety, and building codes; enforces by informing the general public participants.
Renders CPR/ first aid, according to level of training, in the case of an injury, and reports all injuries to the supervisor or his/her designee.
Completes accident reports as required by policy.
Distributes and collects equipment for games and activities.
Assist in instructing various recreation programs.
Ensures that equipment and materials are clean, safe, and in proper working condition; reports any damaged and unsafe equipment or required maintenance to the supervisor or his/her designee.
Performs related clerical work, but not limited to, copying, answering telephones, providing information on center activities, and recording center attendance.
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
May be responsible for supervising and monitoring activities of contracted workers or temporary employees.
May be responsible for transporting children or staff as necessary.
Performs other related duties as assigned.