Recreation Assistant Jobs in California
Recreation Assistant jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento, where large parks and recreation departments, senior living networks, and school districts create steady demand for both entry-level and experienced candidates. Employers like the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department, UC San Diego Health, and Atria Senior Living have a lasting presence in the state and hire regularly for therapeutic recreation, adaptive programming, and youth sports coordination. California's size and population keep this one of the most active markets for the role nationwide. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Are you looking for your new career? We are now hiring a Recreation Assistant to be the newest member of our awesome team!
Salary Range: $18.00 per hour.
We believe in cultivating a family culture and thrives on person-centered care, while building a positive culture focused on a shared vision, trust, communication and collaboration. Our mission is to provide compassionate, quality care that focuses on the unique needs of our residents and families. We believe in teamwork, respect, appreciation, and integrity.
What makes us special?
- UKG Wallet - access to earned wages before pay day
- Competitive Wages!
- Great benefits – Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Growth Opportunities
- Continuing Education / Training Opportunities
Are you ready to contribute to a team, committed to excellent customer service and dedicated to each individual’s unique talent?
If yes, then as a Recreation Assistant you will:
As a Recreation Assistant you will lead group and independent activities for the resident population. You will assist in the planning, implementation and evaluation of recreational, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual programs in accordance with the resident’s assessment and care plan.
Must have:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to plan and lead groups
- Able to multi-task and plan for individual needs
Nice to have:
- Experience within a skilled nursing environment or working with elderly population
- Experience in Activity programming
- Experience with dementia care or Long-term care
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Pay Transparency Statement
Compensation for roles varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the location, role, skill set and level of experience. As required by state or local law, we provide a reasonable pay scale to include the hourly or salary range that we reasonably expect to pay for roles, as stated above.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 10 Recreation Assistant Jobs in California
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Find Recreation Assistant JobsRecreation Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Recreation Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring

Top Industries Hiring
- Hospitality & Tourism
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in recreation assistant jobs across California.
- CPR and First Aid certification required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire
- High school diploma or equivalent with some college coursework in recreation or kinesiology preferred
- Experience leading group activities or recreational programs for diverse populations
- Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record for field-based positions
- Ability to pass a California Department of Justice background check and LiveScan fingerprinting
- Familiarity with adaptive recreation techniques or experience working with people with disabilities
Recreation Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a recreation assistant in California?
Most California employers hire recreation assistants with a high school diploma and some coursework in recreation management, kinesiology, or a related field. While California does not require a state license for the general recreation assistant role, positions in therapeutic recreation often prefer or require a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. CPR and First Aid certification and a LiveScan background clearance are standard across the state.
Which companies hire recreation assistants in California?
California recreation assistant roles are posted by Hyatt, Creekside Center, and Solano Post Acute and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's mix of large municipal parks departments, senior living operators, and public school districts means openings appear across a wide range of employer types throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most recreation assistant jobs?
Vallejo, Willows, and Stockton have the most recreation assistant openings in California right now. Los Angeles leads because of its massive municipal parks system and concentration of senior living and healthcare facilities, while San Diego and Sacramento reflect large public agency workforces and substantial university health systems that run therapeutic and adaptive recreation programs.
How can I get hired as a recreation assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for seasonal or part-time positions with California city parks and recreation departments, which routinely hire people without prior professional experience. The City of Los Angeles, City of San Diego, and Sacramento County all post seasonal recreation leader roles that serve as direct stepping stones to recreation assistant positions. Volunteering with adaptive sports programs or completing a California Community College certificate in recreation leadership gives candidates a concrete edge when applying.
Where can I find and apply to recreation assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to recreation assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings in one place. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 10 Recreation Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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