UC Santa Barbara Department of Recreation is one of the largest employers on campus with over 600 student positions. Students work in a fast-paced, professional environment, directly with career staff mentors, and many Recreation programs are heavily student-run.
Student development is very important to UCSB Recreation. Students have the opportunity to develop management, organization, and leadership skills, build positive relationships, and gain first-hand experience in a variety of areas. We pride ourselves on extensive training, both within the different Recreation areas and department wide.
NOW HIRING: Student Positions
Click below to learn more about our current openings and apply!
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers!
Visit our Adventure Programs Employment page to learn more about our positions and the annual Leadership Training Course (LTC) info meetings.
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Application Deadline: Ongoing
Area: Customer Service Center
Pay Rate: $16.90 / hour
Expected Hours: 8 - 10 hours / week
Contact: desiree_mendez@ucsb.edu
The Customer Service Assistant (Customer Service Center) provides exceptional customer service to our students, staff/faculty, and community members. The primary role of this position is to process membership and registration cash, check, and credit card transactions. This position is responsible for answering patron questions and disseminating information regarding Rec Cen Memberships, Recreation Programs, and the Recreation Center, both in person and over the phone. This position will aid in the development of exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills. Customer Service Assistants must have the ability to work flexible hours, including holidays and occasionally special events (weekends). This is a year-round position for UC Santa Barbara students.
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Area: Get Up GAUCHOS!
Expected Hours: 1 - 2 hours / week
Contact: Christine Burleson (cmburl@ucsb.edu)
CLICK HERE FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION
The Department of Recreation at UCSB is seeking motivated fitness professionals in the Santa Barbara area who are passionate about fitness and eager to share their skills with our campus community. We are looking for experienced fitness instructors from various backgrounds to teach a variety of fitness class formats. Ideal candidates will excel in delivering high-energy, motivating, pre-programmed classes suitable for all fitness levels. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview and asked to demonstrate a fitness class for evaluation by our team.
To apply, please email Christine Burleson at cmburl@ucsb.edu with your teaching resume and a cover letter explaining why you believe you and your experience would be a good fit for our program.
Interested in becoming a Group Cycle Instructor but need more training?
Register for UCSB Cycling Instructor Training
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CLICK HERE TO APPLY Responsible for the general supervision and safety of pool patrons by preventing and responding to emergencies. Participates in ongoing paid safety training. Will be required to teach Youth Swim Lessons, as needed (swim instructor pay rate $20 / hr). |
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Application Deadline: Ongoing
Area: Operations
Pay Rate: $16.90 / hour
Expected Hours: 10-15 hours / week
Contact: staracena@ucsb.edu or chrisclontz@ucsb.edu
The Operations team is responsible for managing facility access and activity spaces, maintaining facility upkeep, cleaning fitness equipment, opening and closing the building, enforcing policies, and serving as the face of the facility. Additionally, team members are the first responders to most medical incidents or emergencies that occur within our facility.
This position requires flexibility, including the ability to work weekends, holidays, and special events such as Rec Fest, Hallowheels, Open House, Turkey Trot, Dodgeball Tournament, and Rec Cendoff. Some of these events may run as late as 2:00 a.m. This is a year-round position exclusively for UC Santa Barbara students, with a starting hourly rate of $16.90 (effective January 2026).
HOW TO APPLY: Email Charlie Coupal (ccoupal@ucsb.edu) for more information.
UCSB Adventure Programs is looking for part-time sailing instructors with a passion for sharing their love of the ocean and sailing. Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with others? Do you like to be a positive influence on others? We have a fleet of 6 RS Quest dinghy sailboats stored at “Gaucho Landing” in the Santa Barbara Harbor.
Hours & Pay
- Weekend availability is preferred
- Teach a 4-week session, consisting of one 3-hour class meeting each week (total of 12 hours of class time)
- Pay: $140 per week
Requirements & Responsibilities:
- Applicants should be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment
- Must be well versed in all fundamentals of sailing.
- Already possess a California Boaters Card or be willing to acquire within the first month of employment.
- Experience with power boats. We use an 18’ Zodiac RIB support boat and a 15’ Boston Whaler.
- Able to plan an instructional curriculum for basic sailing for participants of varying experiences age 18 and up.
- Able to work independently, be timely/ prompt, and professional.
- Able to make quick assessments on risk management, think on their feet, and make good decisions in a dynamic environment