Aging Recreation Specialist

Candidates for Aging Recreation Specialist must meet specific qualifications. The City of San Diego seeks individuals with experience in developing and implementing recreation programs for older adults, as well as supervisory experience.

• Experience developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating recreation programs for older adults.
• Experience training and supervising recreation leaders, interns, and volunteers.
• Ability to serve as a liaison with public and private agencies, community groups, and businesses.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills for City and non-City organizations.
• Experience writing reports and employee evaluations.
• Ability to prepare budget estimates for programs, activities, and events.
• Experience recruiting volunteers to increase participation in recreation programming.
• Knowledge of marketing and promotion strategies for events.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification preferred (employees who obtain and maintain CTRS may receive additional compensation).

Develop, plan, implement, and evaluate recreation programs and supportive services for older adults.

• Train and supervise the work of full-time and part-time recreation leaders, interns, and volunteers.
• Serve as a liaison with public and private agencies, community groups, businesses, and the general public.
• Lead and coordinate special projects related to recreation programming.
• Make presentations to City and non-City organizations.
• Write reports and employee evaluations.
• Participate in the selection of recreation staff.
• Prepare budget estimates for programs, activities, and events.
• Recruit volunteers to increase participation opportunities for recreation programming.
• Promote and market events.

Employment is full-time.

• Must be able to work in San Diego, CA.
• May require evening or weekend work for events.
• Must pass a background check.
• Valid driver's license may be required.
• Employees in this classification are represented by Municipal Employees Association (MEA).

General wage increases scheduled: 3.5% effective 7/1/27, 2% effective 7/1/28, 2% effective 1/1/29.

• Additional compensation opportunities for employees who obtain and maintain Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification.
• Full-time benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave (standard for City of San Diego employees).

To apply for the Aging Recreation Specialist position with the City of San Diego, visit the official application portal and create or to your applicant account. Complete the online application and any supplemental questions. Ensure all required documents are attached. Submit your application before the deadline of August 3, 2026. Review the requirements and prepare your materials in advance.

This position is represented by Municipal Employees Association (MEA).

• General wage increases are scheduled for future years as noted.
• Employees who obtain and maintain CTRS certification may receive additional compensation.
• The City of San Diego is an equal opportunity employer.
• For questions about the application process, contact the City of San Diego Human Resources department.
• Applicants should monitor their email for updates on the selection process.

The City of San Diego is the second-largest city in California and serves a diverse population of over 1.4 million residents. The City provides many services including public safety, parks and recreation, infrastructure, and community programs. The Aging Recreation Specialist position is part of the City's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults through engaging recreation programs. Working for the City of San Diego offers a stable career with competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in public service. City of San Diego is named as the hiring organisation for the Aging Recreation Specialist post.