Lifeguards
Nature of Work
To monitor activities and ensure the safety of swimmers at aquatic facilities. Position involves:
- Competing demands
- Performing multiple tasks
- Working to deadlines
- Extended hours varied work schedules
- Responding to customer issues
Safety sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing according to City Policy.
Minimum Qualifications
- Lifeguard training, and Standard First Aid and CPR certification must be obtained prior to being hired.
- Must be 16 years of age at the time of hire; first consideration will be given to those that are 18 years of age or older.
- No specific educational requirement; 1-year experience as a lifeguard; classes in basic chemistry, and water safety instructor training is preferred.
A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
Student Recreation Aides
Nature of Work
Participates in providing recreational programs and activities to the public in safe, fun, healthy, and inviting environments. Position involves:
- Competing demands
- Performing multiple tasks
- Working afternoon, evening, and weekends
- Responding to customers issues
Position is part-time, temporary, non-exempt. Work hours will vary based on work assignment.
Minimum Qualifications
- At least 16 years of age
- Currently enrolled in High School
- Either a junior or senior (11th or 12th grades) at the start of the fall school year with a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average (GPA)
Proof of age, GPA, and enrollment status must be provided at time of hire.
Youth Services Monitor
Nature of Work
To supervise elementary aged after school and summer program activities to safely meet the recreation needs of the community. Program hours are 2:15 to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday when public school is in progress; hours vary during the summer months. Position may include evenings, weekends and extended hours on special event days.
Safety sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing according to City Policy
Minimum Qualifications
- Equivalent to a high school diploma plus six months supervisory experience in recreational activities. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
- Valid drivers license required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City policy.
- Standard First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification must be obtained within 60 days from date of hire.
The City’s Mobile Recreation Unit Serves as “The Fun Expert”
The Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department’s Recreation Programs wants City residents to know more about our Mobile Recreation Unit.
The mobile unit collaborates and partners with community and City departments to provide recreation games and activities that provide family engagement, interaction and fun for all ages!
In the Community Recreation Program, we are “The Fun Experts!” Bringing fun, games and activities, expert experience and safety to our community is our departmental and organizational objective.
The Mobile Recreation Unit supports local external agencies and public events, such as the Las Cruces Public Schools. The mobile unit also supports internal City departments, such as Visit Las Cruces and the Las Cruces Police Department.
Hosting special public events takes planning and coordination. We are available to support internal and external, public events if we are given proper advance notice. Two weeks – 14 days – in advance requests are required. But, ideally, more than two weeks is preferred.
Permit approval is based on a required 14-day advance request and availability of the mobile unit. Requests do not guarantee approval or booking.
There is no charge for this public service. The Mobile Recreation Unit provides games and staff expertise for our community because we are “The Fun Experts.”
For information on booking the mobile unit, please email your request to cchavez@lascruces.gov.
Youth Development and Diversion
The Youth Development and Diversion Program (YDD) is working to decrease the incidence of delinquency in our community, provide proper alternatives to detention while increasing the emphasis on prevention and early intervention in Juvenile Justice Services. The YDD provides a series of diversion programs for at-risk youth who commit a misdemeanor or status offense or are in need of positive health and personal development.
The role of the program is to provide youth an immediate consequence to their offense and to divert them from the formal juvenile justice system. Youth (ages 12 to 18) in the City of Las Cruces and surrounding areas of Doña Ana County, are eligible to participate in the diversion programs offered.
Entering the Program
Youth with Class 3 Citations issued by law enforcement are sent to the Youth Development and Diversion Office (YDD). The citation is screened by YDD and a referral is made to the YDD when it is determined that the youth is appropriate for services. The YDD also serves at-risk youth from other agencies/organizations such as the Las Cruces and Gadsden Public School Districts, 3rd Judicial District Court, and the Public Defender’s Office, as well as direct referrals (walk-ins).
Program Topics
The topics addressed in the YDD sessions are:
- Alcohol and drug abuse/prevention
- Bullying
- Civic responsibility
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
- Employment and continuing education
- Healthy relationships
- Leadership
- Self-esteem
- Teen dating violence
- Youth with mental health needs are properly referred to local service providers that can assist them with their needs.
Upon Successful Completion
All youth who successfully complete the YDD program receive a certificate and letter of completion. We maintain contact with participants up to 6 months after program completion and for T.I.P.P. participants we follow up with them up to 8 months. During this period, staff will contact the youth to see how they are doing at home, in the community, and at school. Referrals to outside resources can be made on behalf of the family as particular needs arise. YDD believes in the strength community collaboration brings to the healing process.
Program Reach & Funding
The Youth Development and Diversion Programs serves all of Doña Ana County. The program is grant-funded by the State of New Mexico’s Children Youth and Families Department, and with a match component by the City of Las Cruces.
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Presentation at Hatch Valley Schools
The City of Las Cruces Youth Development and Diversion program recently collaborated with La Piñon, Peak Behavioral Health, and the FPI Family Peace Initiative to present at Hatch Valley Schools. This important presentation focused on raising awareness about teen dating violence and promoting healthy relationships among youth.
While Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month has passed, the commitment to educating and empowering teens continues year-round. We thank our community partners for their continued dedication to youth well-being.
Contact Us
Physical Address:
890 N Tornillo Street
Las Cruces, NM 88001
Phone: (575) 541-2349
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Youth Programming:
Monday – Thursday 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturdays 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Teen Connection
Our Mission
Teen Connection is a free afterschool and summer program designed for middle and high school students (grades 6-12). As an extension of the A. Fielder Memorial Safe Haven program, it provides a safe and enriching environment with:
- Academic assistance
- Nutritional support
- Recreational and creative activities
- Guest speakers and enrichment opportunities
- Special events and trips
Program Details
Location: Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell Ave.
Schedule:
- Afterschool Program: Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- School Breaks: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- The program follows the Las Cruces Public School Calendar.
This program is free, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration
- 2025-26 school year registration is now closed.
- Summer registration dates will be announced closer to the summer.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
Zachary Guy
Email: zguy@clcstaging.lascruces.gov
Teen 3v3 Basketball Tournament
Tournament Play: Sept. 13-14, 2025
Registration ends Aug. 31, 2025
- All participants must be in high school.
- $10 per team (max roster of 4)
- 3 games guaranteed.
- Parent (manager) is required to register team.
- Parent-signed waivers are required for all participants.
- 2025-26 high school grade verification is required prior to tournament.
Divisions:
- Varsity
- Sub-varsity
- Girls
