The secret to UC Berkeley Youth Recreation’s legacy of excellence is our dedicated staff.
We employ hundreds of local teenagers, college students, recent graduates, and adults as instructors, camp counselors, and counselors-in-training each year. They enjoy an inclusive work environment while building work skills and leadership skills that help prepare them for any future career path.
While participants learn from the instructors and year-round employees, our counselors and instructors are learning essential work skills such as communication, conflict resolution, professionalism, teamwork, and leadership — all skills the National Association of Colleges and Employers lists under their top 10 competencies desired by employers.
All positions are posted online to Handshake for college students and Talent Acquisition for all other applicants. If you want to learn more, each position below lists more information and the appropriate posting numbers.
- Aquatic & Swim Instructoradd
Aquatic Swim Instructor (Handshake #8654655; UC Jobs #63547)
Swim instructors provide instruction in swimming techniques, skills, and water safety to participants in the Summer Camps. Swim instructors are supervised by the Aquatic Coordinator and the Aquatics Director. Applicants must be able to relate well to children. Swim Instructors must also be able to exercise good judgment and safely supervise children. Applicants must have the sensory abilities (e.g. hearing, seeing) necessary to perform the duties of the position. Previous experience as a swimming instructor is also preferred.
Swim Lesson Coordinator Position Description (Handshake #tbd, UC Jobs #tbd)
Under the direct supervision of the Aquatics Director, the Aquatics Coordinator oversees the Summer Camp swimming lessons: Group Lessons, Private Lessons, Camp Lessons, and Advanced Aquatic Lessons. Applicants must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills. Aquatics Coordinators must be well-organized, be able to set priorities, take direction, and multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Applicants must also have the sensory abilities (e.g. hearing, seeing) necessary to perform the duties of the position required. Experience supervising swim instructors, swimming lessons, & aquatics facilities is preferred.
Questions? Contact:
Spencer Hawkins, Aquatics Director (shawkins@berkeley.edu)
- Blue Camp & Explorer Camp - Program Instructorsadd
Group Leader/Instructor (Blue Camp) (Handshake #8461667; UC Jobs #62963):
Group Leader/Instructor (Explorer Camp) (Handshake #8462306; UC Jobs #62890):
Group Leaders/Instructors provide supervision to campers at Blue and Explorer Camps. Group Leaders/Instructors are supervised by the Camp Lead and the Assistant Camp Lead(s). Group Leaders/Instructors must have experience with children (ages 5 and older). Applicants must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to exercise good judgment and safely supervise children. Applicants must also be skilled in the activity that will be taught and/or have received formal training in activity. Experience teaching activity as an instructor, coach, etc. is required. Group Leaders/Instructors must also have the sensory abilities (e.g. hearing, seeing) necessary to perform the duties of the position required.
Questions? Contact:
Evan Amsden, Youth Programs Coordinator, Blue Camp (eamsden@berkeley.edu)
Aaron Grella, Youth Programs Coordinator, Explorer Camp (aarongrella@berkeley.edu)
Intervention & Support Specialist (Youth Programs) (Handshake #8462524; UC Jobs #62959):
The Intervention and Inclusion program runs throughout the duration of UC Berkeley Youth Recreation's summer youth programming, integrating into Blue, Explorer, Gymnastics, UVA, and Skate Camp as needed to offer individualized and thoughtful support to campers with differing needs. The program offers close supervision and trained intervention to help youth enrolled in camps successfully participate in activities and with their peers. The program is intended to serve campers with a range of different needs and assist camp staff in understanding how to best support those needs with the goal of ensuring all campers have an enriching, safe, and fun camp experience. Intervention and Inclusion responsibilities are conducted by staff members, called Intervention and Support Specialists, who have experience, training, and/or education specifically in the Child Development/Psychology and Social Service field(s) or have a passion for working with youth who need additional accommodations (e.g., challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, etc.).
Questions? Contact:
Kaitlyn Dividock, Assistant Director Youth Programs (kaitlyndividock@berkeley.edu)
- Youth Camps EMT / Paramedicadd
Camp EMT/Paramedic (Handshake #8473503)
The primary responsibility of the EMT/Paramedic is to provide care that emphasizes the use of appropriate skills, knowledge, and abilities (e.g. health care, first aid, and general support) to assure the comfort, safety, and well being of the Summer Camp participants (ages 5-15) and to the recreational swimming patrons (infants to adults). Individuals in this position must reflect a balance and understanding of both patient care needs and efficient program operations. This staff member reports directly to the on-site Youth Programs Coordinator. All applicants must have a current NREMT certification.
Questions? Contact:
Kaitlyn Dividock, Assistant Director Youth Programs (kaitlyndividock@berkeley.edu)
- Adventures Youth Camps - Program Instructorsadd
Adventures Activity Instructor (Handshake #tbd(General), #tbd(Sailing), #tbd (Rock Climbing), #tbd (Ecology/Outdoor Science) ; UC Jobs #60988)
Under the supervision of the Youth Program Manager, an Adventures Activity Instructor will lead groups of 8-17 year-olds in a specific skill area. Adventures activities include sailing, sea kayaking, rock climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, general outdoor recreation, and leadership development. A minimum of Community First Aid and CPR certification and extensive experience teaching one or more of the skill areas is required. Instructors for Discovery and Adventure Camps are also asked to have a valid California Driver’s License. Please read the specifications below before applying for a position. Applicants without experience will not be considered.
Questions? Contact:
Lauren Gregory, Youth Programs Coordinator (laurengregory@berkeley.edu)
- Counselors-In-Training (CIT) & Junior Counselor (JC)add
Junior Counselor (Blue Camp) (UC Jobs #62960)
Junior Counselor (Explorer Camp) (UC Jobs #62896)
Junior Counselor (UVA Camp) (UC Jobs #62799)
The Junior Counselor (JC) position is a paid role for high school students to learn the beginning requirements of youth supervision, youth mentorship, communication, and teamwork. Junior Counselors will enhance their leadership skills and learn job skills required to work at Berkeley Youth Recreation. The Junior Counselor learning goal is to be able to provide assistance and support for the adult Group Leaders/Instructors themselves. In addition, the Junior Counselor goal is to gain confidence, responsibility, and role model skills for the campers. If selected for an interview, JC applicants will be notified by email in mid-April. View the Job Description.
Counselor-in-Training (Blue Camp) (Explorer Camp) (UVA Camp) (Skate Camp)
The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) position is a volunteer role for junior high school students to learn the entry-level requirements of youth supervision and responsibility. Counselors-in-Training will enhance leadership skills and learn job skills required to become Junior Counselors at Berkeley Youth Recreation. Counselors-in-Training will support and shadow Junior Counselors and Group Leaders/Instructors throughout the camp session and learn how to provide mentorship and guidance to campers.
How to Apply to Become a CIT:
Prospective Counselors-In-Training may apply by sending a Resume and Letter of Interest to their desired camp's Supervisor:
Evan Amsden, Youth Programs Coordinator, Blue Camp (eamsden@berkeley.edu)
Aaron Grella, Youth Programs Coordinator, Explorer Camp (aarongrella@berkeley.edu)
Aniya Williams, Youth Programs Coordinator, UVA (aniyawilliams223@berkeley.edu)
Sean O'Loughlin, Skate Program Coordinator (skate@berkeley.edu)
If selected for an interview, you will be notified by e-mail in mid-April. View the Job Description.
- UC Martial Arts Camp - Program Instructorsadd
Martial Arts Youth Camp Instructor (Handshake #8439986)
The University of California Martial Arts Program is hiring staff for its annual summer camp. We are looking for instructors and assistant instructors who can teach children the wonderful skills and life lessons of martial arts. In addition, we aim to provide students with the basic fundamentals of martial arts in order for them to build confidence and have the ability to defend themselves should the situation ever arise.
Questions? Contact:
Russell Ahn, Director of Martial Arts (ahnc@berkeley.edu)
Martial Arts Youth Camp Coordinator (Handshake #8469976)
The University of California Martial Arts Program is hiring a camp coordinator for its annual summer camp. We are looking for a coordinator who can support the administrative needs of a camp program that teaches children the wonderful skills and life lessons of martial arts. In addition, we aim to provide students with the basic fundamentals of martial arts for them to build confidence and have the ability to defend themselves should the situation ever arise.
Questions? Contact:
Russell Ahn, Director of Martial Arts (ahnc@berkeley.edu)
- Skateboarding Camp - Program Instructorsadd
Skateboarding Program Instructor (Handshake #: 7803715 ; UC Jobs #64336)
Skateboarding Program Instructors provide supervision and instruction to campers enrolled in skateboard camp with Berkeley Youth Skateboarding. Skateboarding Program Instructors are supervised by the Skate Program Coordinator. Skateboarding Program Instructors must have experience leading and teaching skateboard techniques and safety skills and activities for children (ages 8 and older). Applicants must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills. Skateboarding Program Instructors must also have the ability to exercise good judgment and safely supervise children.
Questions? Contact:
Sean O’Loughlin, Skate Program Coordinator (sko@berkeley.edu)
- Gymnastics Camp - Program Instructorsadd
Gymnastics Program Instructor (Handshake #7020847; UC Jobs #62722)
Gymnastics Program Instructors provide supervision and instruction to gymnasts enrolled in recreational classes with Youth Gymnastics. The Head Coach and the Lead Recreation Program Coach supervise Gymnastics Program Instructors. Gymnastics Program Instructors must have experience leading recreational gymnastics activities for children (ages 4 and older). Applicants must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills. Gymnastics Program Instructors must also have the ability to exercise good judgment and safely supervise children. Experience teaching activity as a gymnastics instructor, coach, etc. is required.
Questions? Contact:
Liz Lavin, Head Coach (lizparks@berkeley.edu)
- Blue Camp & Explorer Camp Leadership Team Positionsadd
Camp Lead (Explorer) (Handshake #62956)
Under the direct supervision of the on-site Youth Programs Coordinator, the Camp Lead oversees all on-location aspects of the camp, including the camp program and staff, customer service, and risk management. Applicants for Camp Lead positions must have experience teaching or working with children. They must demonstrate effective successful interpersonal and communication skills. Applicants must be well organized, able to set priorities, take direction, and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Assistant Camp Lead (Explorer Camp) (Handshake #8549393)
Assistant Camp Lead (Blue Camp) (Handshake #8549712)
Assistant Camp Leads provide direct support to the Camp Leads within their assigned program. They are responsible for assisting with the support and coaching of all staff that report to Camp Lead and assist the Camp Lead with managing their assigned camp program. Assistant Camp Leads are second responders to incidents that require camper behavior/discipline response. Assistant Leads are also responsible for providing immediate support to program staff (e.g., Group Leaders, Instructors, etc.) and for providing instruction in non-credited recreational or sports activities that require specialized or advanced training to participants of all ages. Additionally, Assistant Leads are responsible for assisting with staff training and staff professional development, including evaluations. This position requires independent action and initiative to resolve issues.
JC/CIT Coordinator (Explorer Camp) (Handshake #8462380)
The JC/CIT Coordinator has two main responsibilities: the first is to manage the scheduling of the junior staff, and the second is to provide feedback and guidance to help improve the abilities of the junior staff. Staff will be high schoolers, for many of which this may be their first job. This is an opportunity for junior staff to learn how to conduct themselves, how to interact with supervisors, and generally how to be functional professionals. A facet of this role is modeling the same behaviors that you are trying to instill in your staff.Operations & Grounds Assistant (Blue Camp) (Handshake #8461753):
The Ops & Grounds Assistant is primarily responsible for the set up, take down, and maintenance of equipment and facility grounds for UC Berkeley Youth Rec.'s summer Blue Camp program. In addition, as the bulk of the Ops & Grounds Assistant’s daily tasks take place during the beginning and end of the camp day, they may spend part of their day assisting in the running of camp in either an instructional or group management capacity, if needed.Administrative Assistant (Explorer Camp) (Handshake #8462464)
Administrative Assistants support the creation of youth camp schedules and staff schedules, provide clerical support to the Leadership Team, and provide customer service assistance to camp families. Administrative Assistants also assist with the preparation, maintenance, and processing of all camp office forms and paperwork accurately and promptly.
Questions? Contact:
Evan Amsden, Youth Programs Coordinator, Blue Camp (eamsden@berkeley.edu)
Aaron Grella, Youth Programs Coordinator, Explorer Camp (aarongrella@berkeley.edu)
- Esports & Media Production Camps - Program Instructorsadd
Esports Instructor (Handshake #8462646)
Esports Instructors develop the game skills of all Esports campers by providing fundamental and advanced instruction in selected gaming titles.
Questions? Contact:
Evan Amsden, Youth Programs Coordinator, Blue Camp (eamsden@berkeley.edu)
Media Production Instructor (Handshake #8462691)
Media Production Instructors develop the skills of campers in the fields of digital content creation, video production, photography, and editing. Additional activities include: scripting, storytelling, visual journalism, and social media literacy and safety.
Questions?
Aaron Grella, Youth Programs Coordinator, Esports & Media Camp (aarongrella@berkeley.edu)
Media Production Program Specialist (Handshake #7338423)
Esports/Media Production Specialists provide instruction and support to enrolled Recreational Youth participants as assigned in a camp or interim recreational program environment. Esports/Media Production Program Specialists are further responsible for developing lesson plans that correspond with assigned classes and activities, providing feedback to youth participants, and supporting the upkeep of the recreational facilities and outdoor spaces in support of providing a safe and nurturing environment. Other program-related tasks may be assigned as needed or appropriate.
*We also hire Media Production Instructors. If interested, apply to the same posting on Handshake!
Questions? Contact Aaron Grella, Youth Programs Coordinator, Esports & Media Camp (aarongrella@berkeley.edu)
- Camp Counselor - University Village Albany (UVA)add
Camp Counselor (Handshake#tbd, UC Jobs # 62883)
Camp Counselors must have experience with children (ages 5 and older). Applicants must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to exercise good judgment and safely supervise children. Applicants must also be skilled in the activity that will be taught and/or have received formal training in activity. Experience teaching activity as an instructor, coach, etc. is required.
Questions?
Contact Aniya Williams, UVA Youth Program Coordinator (aniyawilliams223@berkeley.edu)
Year-Round Staff Positions
- Berkeley Youth Gymnastics - Program Instructorsadd
Youth Gymnastics Instructor (Handshake #: 5655848)
Gymnastics Program Instructors provide supervision and instruction to gymnasts enrolled in recreational classes with Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics. Gymnastics Program Instructors are supervised by the Head Coach and the Lead Recreation Program Coach. Gymnastics Program Instructors must have experience leading recreational gymnastics activities for children (ages 4 and older). Applicants must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills. Gymnastics Program Instructors must also have the ability to exercise good judgment and safely supervise children. Experience teaching activity as a gymnastics instructor, coach, etc. is required. Instructors must also have the sensory abilities (e.g. hearing, seeing) necessary to perform the duties of the position required.
Questions? Contact:
Liz Lavin, Head Coach (lizparks@berkeley.edu)
- Berkeley Youth Skateboarding - Program InstructorsaddYouth Skateboarding Instructor (Handshake #: 5765375)The Berkeley Youth Skateboarding Program offers classes for children 5 - 18 years. Classes range from entry-level to competitive-level and operate at our skate park in the Clark Kerr Campus. Skateboarding Instructors provide instruction and support to enrolled recreational and competitive youth participants as assigned. Skateboarding Instructors are further responsible for developing lesson plans that correspond with assigned classes and teams, providing feedback to youth participants, and supporting the upkeep of the skatepark in support of providing a safe and nurturing environment.
Questions? Contact:
Sean O'Loughlin, Skate Program Coordinator (sko@berkeley.edu)
- Youth Archery InstructoraddYouth Archery Instructor (Handshake #8575564)Youth Archery Instructors lead instruction for participants ages 8-18 at Youth Archery on Saturdays at the Golden Bear Recreation Center (GBRC). Youth Archery Instructors must have at least a level 1 NTS Instruction certification, as well as strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with youth participants. Applicants must demonstrate sound judgement and attention to detail in order to ensure the safety of youth participants. Youth Archery Instructors must also have the sensory abilities (e.g. hearing, seeing) necessary to perform the duties of the position required.Questions? Contact:Aaron Grella, Youth Programs Coordinator (aarongrella@berkeley.edu)
- Youth Programs Operations StaffaddYouth 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.Questions? Contact:Leesa Berahovich, Youth Programs Operations Coordinator (lberahovich@berkeley.edu)
- UC Berkeley Studentsadd
- Apply via Handshake
- Search the listing number noted in the position description above
- Follow steps as prompted
- Non-UC Berkeley Studentsadd
- Visit the UC Berkeley Jobs webpage
- Click on “External Applicants”
- Find the position you’re interested in (i.e. Martial Arts Instructor - Cal Youth Camps)
- Review the job description; click “apply”
- Create a username and password
- Follow steps as prompted
- International Applicants (Non-UC Berkeley Students)add
InterExchange is our official partner for hiring international staff. You must apply and interview by March 1, 2024 with UC Berkeley to meet the deadline for a visa through the agency is March 15, 2024.
International staff interested in applying should first apply through the UC Berkeley Jobs webpage as an external applicant. Upon receiving a conditional offer, candidates would then apply through InterExchange. We accept both Camp Counselor and Work Travel Visa applicants. Work Travel visas are only eligible to work as Lifeguards.
- Application Resourcesadd
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