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.
Application Deadline: Currently not accepting applications. Next application cycle will start in Fall 2026.
Area: Sport Programs
Pay Rate: ATI 1 (first year in program): Volunteer (unpaid)
ATI 2-4: Volunteer with opportunity for paid shifts at $16.90+ / hr
Expected Hours: 4-5 hrs / week clinic shifts (volunteer, unpaid) plus additional paid weekend game hours
Contact: recreation-ucsbsportclub.ati@ucsb.edu
As an Athletic Training Intern (ATI), you will learn the tools to work directly with UCSB’s Sport Club Athletes to assess, rehabilitate, and prevent injuries during clinic, as well as provide first aid and emergent care during sport club games. Student volunteers gain valuable experience in the field of Sports Medicine with hands-on experience and guided mentorship from Certified Athletic Trainers. During weekly in-service meetings, interns learn about anatomy, mechanisms of injury, and practice assessment and treatment skills.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
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.
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Application Deadline: Hiring will occur on a rolling basis for Fall 2026. We are hiring Program Assistants for our Gaucho R.E.C. & Get Up GAUCHOS! recreation and exercise program. We are looking for reliable, confident, self-motivated staff with an eye for detail, who can stay focused, calm under pressure, and think critically if problems arise. Our Program Assistants work with our program coordinator, student manager, instructors, and participants to create a safe, organized, and successful class experience. Staff responsibilities include but are not limited to: Checking in class participants, providing customer service, assisting in room organization, completing shift reports, and relaying communication to the program administration team. Join our team to hone your skills in:
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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
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Application Deadline: May 13, 2026
Area: Intramural Sports
Pay Rate: $16.90 / hr
Expected Hours: Flexible hours, generally 4-10 hrs / week
Contact: ucsbstudentmanager@gmail.com
Intramural Assistants (IAs) play a key role in creating a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all participants. They are responsible for overseeing games, ensuring participants have completed the required waiver, and verifying identification prior to play. During events, they monitor safety, respond to emergencies, and provide First Aid/CPR or contact emergency personnel when necessary. IAs also prepare for each game by bringing the appropriate equipment, medical kit, ice, and radio to the field or court. Throughout their shift, they report directly to the Night Supervisor, using radio communication to provide updates and ensure smooth operations. We do not require any experience or certifications to apply.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Application Deadline: May 13, 2026
Area: Intramural Sports
Pay Rate: $16.90 / hour
Expected Hours: Flexible hours, generally 4-10 hrs / week
Contact: ucsbstudentmanager@gmail.com
Intramural Officials are responsible for enforcing the rules of play, making judgment calls, and managing the overall flow of the game. Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills are essential, as Officials help create a positive and enjoyable experience for all participants. We are currently seeking Officials for basketball, flag football, soccer, and softball. Training will be provided, but prior officiating or playing experience is a plus. Officials work closely with the Intramural Supervisors and Assistants to set up equipment, maintain a safe playing environment, and support participants throughout the game. This is a great opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills in a fun and active setting. We do not require any experience or certifications to apply.
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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. Must be available to work Summer 2026 (mid-June through mid-August). Will be required to teach Youth Swim Lessons, as needed (swim instructor pay rate $20 / hr). |
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CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT INTEREST FORM Application Deadline: Applications will open later this spring. Please submit the Google Form to be contacted when job applications for the UCSB Recreation Marketing Team go live! The Marketing Team is responsible for print, web, email, social media, photography, videography, in-person tabling, and all other marketing efforts that support and promote Recreation's classes, programs, events, services, facilities, and more! The form is not an application. Be on the lookout for an email with info on how to apply! |
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
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
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
Area: Aquatics
Pay Rate: $20 / hr
Expected Hours: 8 - 30 hrs / week
Contact: Rick Van Hoorn rick-vh@ucsb.edu
Swim Instructors teach swimming skills to youth and occasional adult lessons. WSI or LG certification desired. Experience desired. Must know all swim strokes and be comfortable working with youth. We will train you on our program.
Must be available to work Summer 2026 (mid June - Mid August)