Youth Recreation Jobs

Group Leader/Instructor (Handshake #9596041, Talent Acquisition #: 75400)

Group Leaders and Instructors are responsible for effective group management, activity instruction, and providing mentorship to summer campers. They create a positive and inclusive atmosphere by leading engaging activities, supporting campers' social and emotional development, and fostering relationships that promote teamwork and community. They encourage growth, provide constructive feedback, and help campers navigate challenges, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching experience.

Behavioral Interventionists (Handshake #9596133, Talent Acquisition #: 75606)

Behavioral Interventionists work with the Inclusion Lead and Youth Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator to develop and implement individualized accommodation plans for campers with social-emotional, behavioral, and/or disability needs. They provide hands-on support to these campers, assisting with self-regulation, communication, motor skills, and camp activities. The role involves observing campers’ well-being, referring serious concerns to the appropriate staff, and helping campers step outside their comfort zones to improve their skills. Other responsibilities include documenting camper progress, completing necessary reports, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating with the Inclusion Lead and Youth Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator on camper status and communication with parents/guardians.

Junior Counselors (Talent Acquisition #: 75401)

Junior Counselors (JCs), ages 16-17, are paid staff members who develop leadership and professional skills through hands-on responsibilities, mentorship, and opportunities to lead activities. In this role, they gain valuable experience by supervising campers, assisting with camp operations, and leading group activities. This position prepares them for future roles as Group Leaders and Instructors by helping them build confidence, improve communication skills, and develop a strong understanding of camp management and leadership.

Counselors-in-Training (Volunteer Role, No Job Posting*)

Counselors-in-Training (CITs), age 15, are teens who participate in a volunteer program designed to help them build foundational leadership skills. Through hands-on experience with children and camp activities, CITs learn the essential responsibilities of being a camp counselor, such as supervising campers, assisting with activities, and fostering a positive, supportive environment. This program prepares them for future roles as Junior Counselors by giving them the opportunity to develop confidence, teamwork, and communication skills in a real-world camp setting.

*How to Apply to be a CIT: Candidates email the supervisor of the camp they would like to volunteer with, including a resume and a Letter of Interest explaining why they are interested in volunteering with children at UC Berkeley Youth Recreation.

Camp Lead (Handshake #: 9602400, Talent Acquisition #: 75531)

Camp Leads play a key role on the summer camp leadership team. They assist the Youth Programs Coordinator in overseeing their respective camp, manage staff, create schedules, develop activities, and maintain communication with parents/guardians and families. Camp Leads handle complex tasks, applying specialized skills to meet program needs. They also mentor and evaluate Group Leaders/Instructors, Junior Counselors, and Counselors-in-Training, provide instruction, and demonstrate initiative to resolve issues and ensure the success of the program. At Blue Camp, there are two Camp Leads—one for the Cubs program and one for the Bears/Grizzlies program.

Inclusion Lead (Handshake #: 9602099)

Inclusion Leads report directly to the Youth Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator and work closely with the Youth Program Supervisor and Camp Leads at their assigned camp. They help manage a team of behavioral Interventionists, coordinating their deployment throughout the camp day, providing direct support, and serving as the primary communication link between the camp and parents/guardians regarding behavioral accommodations or concerns. Inclusion Leads ensure a seamless experience for campers by fostering collaboration among staff and maintaining clear communication with families to prevent any miscommunication.

Assistant Camp Lead (Handshake #: 9602223)

Assistant Camp Leads provide essential support to the Camp Lead in managing their assigned program, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for campers. They assist with staff supervision, address camper behavior, and may step in to provide instruction when needed. Additionally, they help with staff training, professional development, and evaluations. Acting as a key support to the Camp Lead, Assistant Camp Leads take initiative to resolve issues and contribute to the overall success of the program.

JC/CIT Coordinator (Handshake #: 9602458)

The JC/CIT Coordinator is responsible for managing the schedules of Junior Counselors and Counselors-in-Training, ensuring they are appropriately assigned and adjusted as needed throughout the session. They also provide feedback and guidance to help junior staff develop their skills. This includes weekly check-in meetings, team-building exercises, and conducting end-of-summer evaluations. Since many junior staff members are high schoolers with limited job experience, this position also involves modeling professional behavior and helping staff learn how to interact with supervisors and develop into effective, professional team members.

Campers in Leadership Training (CILT) Coordinator (Handshake #: 9602502)

The CILT Coordinator oversees the Campers in Leadership Training (CILT) program, focusing on teaching leadership, job skills, and professionalism to teens in grades 8-10. They provide daily guidance and feedback to CILTs, helping them build communication, problem-solving, and confidence through activities like team-building games, mock interviews, and resume writing. The Coordinator also monitors CILT behavior, ensures they exhibit professional conduct around younger campers, and maintains communication with parents/guardians regarding any behavioral concerns. Additionally, the CILT Coordinator supports staff training, facilitates camp activities, and ensures the safety and well-being of all CILTs while promoting their engagement in the program.

Administrative Assistant (Handshake #: 9602173)

Administrative Assistants provide essential support by helping with camp schedules, clerical tasks, and customer service. They manage office paperwork, including rosters, accident reports, and staff evaluations, and ensure it is processed accurately and on time. Administrative Assistants respond to inquiries from parents/guardians and the community, handle phone calls and emails, and assist camp staff with submitting necessary paperwork. They also support minor operations tasks, maintain office organization and safety, and ensure clear communication with camp leadership to avoid conflicting messages with parents/guardians.

Group Leader/Instructor (Handshake #: 9593404, Talent Acquisition #: 75527)

Group Leaders and Instructors are responsible for effective group management, activity instruction, and providing mentorship to summer campers. They create a positive and inclusive atmosphere by leading engaging activities, supporting campers' social and emotional development, and fostering relationships that promote teamwork and community. They encourage growth, provide constructive feedback, and help campers navigate challenges, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching experience.

Behavioral Interventionist (Handshake #: 9596133, Talent Acquisition #: 75606)

Behavioral Interventionists work with the Inclusion Lead and Youth Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator to develop and implement individualized accommodation plans for campers with social-emotional, behavioral, and/or disability needs. They provide hands-on support to these campers, assisting with self-regulation, communication, motor skills, and camp activities. The role involves observing campers’ well-being, referring serious concerns to the appropriate staff, and helping campers step outside their comfort zones to improve their skills. Other responsibilities include documenting camper progress, completing necessary reports, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating with the Inclusion Lead and Youth Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator on camper status and communication with parents/guardians.

Junior Counselors (Talent Acquisition #: 75369)

Junior Counselors (JCs), ages 16-17, are paid staff members who develop leadership and professional skills through hands-on responsibilities, mentorship, and opportunities to lead activities. In this role, they gain valuable experience by supervising campers, assisting with camp operations, and leading group activities. This position prepares them for future roles as Group Leaders and Instructors by helping them build confidence, improve communication skills, and develop a strong understanding of camp management and leadership.

Counselors-in-Training (Volunteer Role, No Job Posting*)

Counselors-in-Training (CITs), age 15, are teens who participate in a volunteer program designed to help them build foundational leadership skills. Through hands-on experience with children and camp activities, CITs learn the essential responsibilities of being a camp counselor, such as supervising campers, assisting with activities, and fostering a positive, supportive environment. This program prepares them for future roles as Junior Counselors by giving them the opportunity to develop confidence, teamwork, and communication skills in a real-world camp setting.

*How to Apply to be a CIT: Candidates email the supervisor of the camp they would like to volunteer with, including a resume and a Letter of Interest explaining why they are interested in volunteering with children at UC Berkeley Youth Recreation.

Camp Lead (Talent Acquisition #: 75912)

Camp Leads play a key role on the summer camp leadership team. They assist the Youth Programs Coordinator in overseeing their respective camp, manage staff, create schedules, develop activities, and maintain communication with parents/guardians and families. Camp Leads handle complex tasks, applying specialized skills to meet program needs. They also mentor and evaluate Group Leaders/Instructors, Junior Counselors, and Counselors-in-Training, provide instruction, and demonstrate initiative to resolve issues and ensure the success of the program. At Blue Camp, there are two Camp Leads—one for the Cubs program and one for the Bears/Grizzlies program.

Inclusion Lead (Handshake #: 9602099)

Inclusion Leads report directly to the Youth Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator and work closely with the Youth Programs Supervisor and Camp Leads at their assigned camp. They help manage a team of behavioral Interventionists, coordinating their deployment throughout the camp day, providing direct support, and serving as the primary communication link between the camp and parents/guardians regarding behavioral accommodations or concerns. Inclusion Leads ensure a seamless experience for campers by fostering collaboration among staff and maintaining clear communication with families to prevent any miscommunication.

Assistant Camp Lead (Handshake #: 9593620)

Assistant Camp Leads provide essential support to the Camp Lead in managing their assigned program, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for campers. They assist with staff supervision, address camper behavior, and may step in to provide instruction when needed. Additionally, they help with staff training, professional development, and evaluations. Acting as a key support to the Camp Lead, Assistant Camp Leads take initiative to resolve issues and contribute to the overall success of the program.

Administrative Assistant (Handshake #: 9593639)

Administrative Assistants provide essential support by helping with camp schedules, clerical tasks, and customer service. They manage office paperwork, including rosters, accident reports, and staff evaluations, and ensure it is processed accurately and on time. Administrative Assistants respond to inquiries from parents/guardians and the community, handle phone calls and emails, and assist camp staff with submitting necessary paperwork. They also support minor operations tasks, maintain office organization and safety, and ensure clear communication with camp leadership to avoid conflicting messages with parents/guardians.

Group Leader/Instructor (Handshake #: 9593546, Talent Acquisition #: 75714)

Group Leaders and Instructors are responsible for effective group management, activity instruction, and providing mentorship to summer campers. They create a positive and inclusive atmosphere by leading engaging activities, supporting campers' social and emotional development, and fostering relationships that promote teamwork and community. They encourage growth, provide constructive feedback, and help campers navigate challenges, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching experience.

Behavioral Interventionist (Handshake #: 9596133, Talent Acquisition #: 75606)

Behavioral Interventionists work with the Inclusion Lead and Youth Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator to develop and implement individualized accommodation plans for campers with social-emotional, behavioral, and/or disability needs. They provide hands-on support to these campers, assisting with self-regulation, communication, motor skills, and camp activities. The role involves observing campers’ well-being, referring serious concerns to the appropriate staff, and helping campers step outside their comfort zones to improve their skills. Other responsibilities include documenting camper progress, completing necessary reports, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating with the Inclusion Lead and Youth Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator on camper status and communication with parents/guardians.

Junior Counselors (Talent Acquisition #: 75670)

Junior Counselors (JCs), ages 16-17, are paid staff members who develop leadership and professional skills through hands-on responsibilities, mentorship, and opportunities to lead activities. In this role, they gain valuable experience by supervising campers, assisting with camp operations, and leading group activities. This position prepares them for future roles as Group Leaders and Instructors by helping them build confidence, improve communication skills, and develop a strong understanding of camp management and leadership.

Counselors-in-Training (Volunteer Role, No Job Posting*)

Counselors-in-Training (CITs), age 15, are teens who participate in a volunteer program designed to help them build foundational leadership skills. Through hands-on experience with children and camp activities, CITs learn the essential responsibilities of being a camp counselor, such as supervising campers, assisting with activities, and fostering a positive, supportive environment. This program prepares them for future roles as Junior Counselors by giving them the opportunity to develop confidence, teamwork, and communication skills in a real-world camp setting.

*How to Apply to be a CIT: Candidates email the supervisor of the camp they would like to volunteer with, including a resume and a Letter of Interest explaining why they are interested in volunteering with children at UC Berkeley Youth Recreation.

Esports Camp Lead (Handshake #: 9596920)

The Esports Camp Lead is responsible for managing the daily operations of camp, ensuring a high-quality and engaging experience for all campers. They develop and execute Esports lesson planning, providing lead instruction on game strategies, teamwork, and sportsmanship. They address any technical issues, ensure the proper setup of equipment, and maintain a safe and inclusive environment. They also serve as the primary point of contact for parents/guardians, handling communication and resolving any concerns. The Esports Camp Lead collaborates with their instructors, the Media Production Camp Lead, and the Youth Programs Coordinator to ensure smooth operations and a successful camp experience.

Esports Instructor (Handshake #: 9596796)

Esports Instructors deliver high-quality instruction, teaching game strategies, teamwork, and sportsmanship. They manage camper groups and behavior, assist with equipment setup, and ensure a positive, inclusive environment. The instructor provides feedback, maintains safety, and helps with the smooth operation of the camp, contributing to an engaging and educational experience for all participants.

Media Production Camp Lead (Handshake #: 9596268)

The Media Production Camp Lead oversees daily camp operations, managing instructors and being the primary guide for campers in activities such as camera work, video creation, editing, and storytelling. They collaborate with instructors to develop and implement engaging lessons focused on filmmaking and digital media skills. They are responsible for managing the schedule, providing feedback, and maintaining a safe, supportive environment. They also serve as the main point of contact for parents/guardians, handling communication and resolving any concerns. The Media Production Camp Lead collaborates with their instructors, the Esports Camp Lead, and the Youth Programs Coordinator to ensure smooth operations and a successful camp experience.

Media Production Instructor (Handshake #: 9596214)

Media Production Instructors deliver high-quality instruction, teaching camera operation, video production, and editing techniques. They manage camper groups and behavior, assist with equipment setup, and ensure a positive, creative environment. The instructor provides feedback, maintains safety, and supports the smooth operation of the camp, contributing to an engaging and educational experience for all participants.

Questions About Youth Gymnastics Staff Hiring? Contact:

Liz Lavin, Head Coach (lizparks@berkeley.edu)

Questions About Youth Skateboarding Staff Hiring? Contact:

Sean O'Loughlin, Skate Program Coordinator (sko@berkeley.edu)

Youth Programs Operations Staff (Handshake #5765375)

Youth Programs Operations staff oversees customer service issues, proshop, youth check-in, follows safety protocols, enforces policies, and helps ensure the Golden Bear Rec Center (GBRC) runs to business needs. The Operations Staff strives to uphold the highest level of professionalism at all times, as their actions and presence are reflected in the Department of Recreation & Wellbeing and Youth Programs.

• Apply via Handshake
• Search the listing number noted in the position description above
• Follow steps as prompted

• Visit Talent Acquisition, UC Berkeley's Jobs webpage
• Click on “External Applicants”
• Find the position you’re interested in (i.e. Group Leader/Instructor (Blue Camp))
• Review the job description; click “apply”
• Create a username and password
• Follow steps as prompted

InterExchange is our official visa partner for hiring international staff.  You must apply and interview by March 1, 2025 with UC Berkeley to meet the deadline for a visa through the agency is March 15, 2025. 

International staff interested in applying should first apply through the Talent Acquisition, UC Berkeley's Jobs webpage as an external applicant. Upon receiving an offer letter, candidates would then apply for a work visa through InterExchange. We accept both Camp Counselor and Work Travel Visa applicants. Work Travel visas are only eligible to work as Lifeguards.

First time applying for a job? Looking to update your resume? Visit UC Berkeley Career Centers' Resume + Cover Letter resource page for samples, videos, and more!

• Resume samples (don't forget to include volunteer experience!)
• How to write a letter of intent