High School Youth Employee - Recreation Leader

The City of Charleston High School Youth Employee - Recreation Leader position is a paid summer job for high school students in Charleston, South Carolina. It is part of the city's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), which hires high school and college youth to build workplace skills by working in city departments. Recreation Leaders work under the Mayor's Office of Children, Youth & Family and support day camps at city community centers. In 2026 the work sites were the Arthur Christopher, St. Julian Devine and Shaw community centers. Daily tasks include setting up equipment, helping with arts and crafts and games, joining field trips, answering parent questions and keeping an eye on campers. Along the way, students learn how a city runs its recreation programs. The 2026 role paid $17.50 per hour for 20 hours a week over 8 weeks between June and August 2026.

Applicants must be current high school students who are at least 16 years old by their hire date. Applications are submitted online through the City of Charleston careers site, and the 2026 posting stayed open until positions were filled. Questions can go to the city's Human Resources Department.