Recreation Leader - Nutcracker 2026

The Davis Children's Nutcracker is a long running community tradition that provides a unique theater opportunity for approximately 250 children.  The City of Davis Parks & Community Services Department is looking for interested individuals who have been recent participants or past volunteers in the Davis Children's Nutcracker program to assist with the 2026 production. This position will assist in the planning and teaching of group routines, along with supervising the youth participants.
  
Hours:    Must be available to work Monday through Friday (M/W or T/TH or all days) between the hours of 3:30pm and 6:15pm from November 9 through December 4, 2026. Applicants need to be available between the hours of 4:30pm and 9pm during December 7 through December 13 for dress rehearsals, show performances and Load Out. We have two afternoon shows from 1:30pm-3:00pm on December 12 and December 13. Participation is mandatory October 27, 28, and 29 along with November 3, 4, 5 for staff training. There are no make-up training dates.
 
Temporary part-time, no benefits. Applicants are screened according to experience relevant to this position. Applications reviewed weekly; qualified candidates will be invited to individual or group interviews.Responsibilities: 

• Initiates, organizes, choreographs and teaches a Nutcracker "dance" routine to a group of 6-15 participants
• Manage the daily rehearsals, activities, and behavior of program participants alongside other Recreation Leaders and volunteers
• Assist in the daily planning of group tasks
• Assist the costumer in group costume fittings
• Facilitate the movement of groups to and from the Veterans Memorial Theater stage during rehearsals and shows
• Be a positive role model to elementary and middle school aged children as well as high school aged volunteers
• Communicate with participants' parents regarding behavior, injuries, and other relevant program information
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and other City staff
• Assist in the training, supervision and coaching of camp volunteers
• Report to daily and communicate effectively with program supervisors 
• Renders routine first aid for minor injuries
• Assures that all equipment and facilities are safely and properly prepared and maintained
• Keeps work environments clean and organized

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 15 years or older, with a current work permit
• Past participant or past volunteer in the Davis Children's Nutcracker program preferred, or willing to learn about the production
• Ability to demonstrate energy, enthusiasm, and creativity in the job position
• Ability to motivate and lead other program staff, volunteers, and youth participants
• Having knowledge of recreation activities, child development, behavior management practices and community resources is desirable
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication with other program staff and community members
• Experience working in a youth program or programs with children age 6 - 12

Physical/Sensory Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; run; use hand, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds or more. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Staff are required to follow current health guidelines and requirements to keep all staff and participants safe. Work is done both indoors and out, with exposure to varying temperatures, sun, noise, dust, pollens and slip hazards when near water. Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens when rendering first aid. Must be able to complete additional training, including but not limited to: Concussion Training, Bloodborne Pathogens, Mandated Reporter, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination.  Supervises a group of 8-10 youth participantsTo Apply:  A City of Davis online employment application must be submitted to be considered for these positions; paper applications will not be accepted. To apply, please go online at www.cityofdavis.org
 
FINAL FILING DATE:  Monday, October 12, 2026 or until qualified applicant positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed weekly; qualified candidates will be invited to an individual or group interview.  

PLEASE NOTE: All applicants will be notified via email and/or phone.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The City of Davis encourages applications from qualified women and minorities. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, disability or sexual preference.

NOTES
Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract and the provisions are subject to change.  According to the Federal Reform and Control Act, the City of Davis is required to hire only U.S. citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

If you require accommodation during any phase of this recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources office at (530)757-5644 or TDD (530)757-5666.

The City of Davis has a no smoking policy for all city facilities.