Recreation Instructor (Regular Non-Benefited)

Join our team for an unforgettable summer adventure, all while getting paid! We're on the lookout for dynamic, energetic individuals who are passionate about making a difference. Recreation Instructors perform a variety of duties in general recreation, including class instruction, trip leading, special events support, supervision and maintenance of the facility and administrative support. These positions also assist in program development, training and leading lower classified staff. 

If you're ready to bring your enthusiasm and creativity into the community while enjoying a rewarding summer with us, we want to hear from you!

There are several current and upcoming openings in the Community Recreation programs. Schedules will vary based upon needs and the time of year. Schedules may include weekends, early mornings and/or evening hours.  The initial review will begin on March 3, 2025. This opportunity is open until filled.


SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This position will start at Step 1 ($21.70 / hour). The full hourly range for this position is $21.70 - $26.53. Employees receive step increases on completion of 2080 hours in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. 

At the City of Bellingham, we offer the following benefits that help you thrive in both your career and personal life.

• Work up to 69 hours per calendar month and flex up to full time for up to four months each calendar year.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 1 hour of Washington State paid sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked.

This position is not eligible for benefits except as required by law. 

This position becomes represented by the Local 1937 bargaining unit after the completion of 1040 hours working an average of at least 12 hours per week, on an annual basis. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

 
Current Recreation Instructor Opportunities:

At the City of Bellingham, Recreation Instructors perform a variety of duties in general recreation including class instruction, special events support, supervision and maintenance of the facilities, and administrative support. Assists in program development, training and leading lower classified staff. Camp-specific information is listed below:

Inclusion Specialist (3 positions)
Bellingham Parks & Recreation will be offering three on-site summer day camps for youth. The Inclusion Specialist works well with children with disabilities, has excellent communication skills, and enjoys working in a variety of camp settings. This position may be scheduled to work with a camp participant who needs assistance (physically, socially, behaviorally, or cognitively) as either 1:1 support or as an additional staff member. The Inclusion Specialist works closely with staff to promote a successful experience for all campers and should demonstrate skills in behavior management, social awareness, positive reinforcement, and redirection. Successful candidates should be flexible, creative, and good natured. Camp hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:30 pm. The Inclusion Specialist's hours are typically Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-4:00 pm from June 23 - August 22, with a mandatory training week of June 16-20.

Camp Cordata Director (1 position)
Bellingham Parks & Recreation will be offering a summer day camp for youth called Camp Cordata. This position will be working with children 7-12 years old. Staff are responsible for supporting the Recreation Coordinator with training, preparing, instructing and leading activities and programs. Qualifications include prior experience working with children and/or camp leadership, experience leading art and science activities, games and outdoor activities, knowledge of safety, outdoor skills and team building. Candidates will assist with administration of paperwork and process, implementation of daily schedule and ensuring that camp staff are following guidelines. They will also troubleshoot behavioral management issues that arise as well as interact with parents and guardians and assist with overall program development, training and leading lower classified staff. Staff must be good natured, fun, creative, energetic and thrive in hectic environments. Camp runs Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm, from June 23-August 22 with a mandatory training week of June 16-20. The Camp Cordata Director will work 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday-Friday.

Adventure Day Camp Director (1 position)
Adventure Day Camp (ADC) is a 4-day camp for children 10-14 years old that will run for 8 weeks between the hours of 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday-Thursday. It is an off-site, field trip-based camp where campers travel in a 15-passenger van with staff. On Fridays, ADC staff will assist Camp Cordata staff. Staff should have behavior management skills, be comfortable driving a large vehicle, have safety and risk management skills, be organized, professional, flexible, and have exceptional time management skills. Camp runs June 23-August 22 with a mandatory training week of June 16-20. Staff hours are typically 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

Event, Program and Trip Instructor (1 position)
This position will work directly with the Recreation Supervisor and Coordinators to support large department events, facility rentals, trips, sports leagues, community outreach and year-round programs. Hours will vary based on the time of year and specific needs. This position will be full-time (40 hours per week) from May to August and part-time for the remainder of the year, based on department needs. This position requires working some weekends, early mornings and/or late evenings. It requires being a team player, flexible, patient and comfortable working with people of all ages and abilities. Knowledge of Northwest Washington parks, trails and attractions is preferred as well as experience driving 12-passenger vans. 



ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Participates in planning, promoting, implementing, leading and instructing recreation programs and activities in the areas of community events, specialized recreation, athletics, and general programs. 
2. Ensures a safe environment for all participants and staff by enforcing Parks & Recreation policies, procedures and specific regulations of assigned area.
3. Procures supplies for assigned classes.
4. Maintains statistics of assigned programs, performs data entry and produces associated reports. 
5. Staffs assigned facilities during public and rental periods; monitors program activity within facility or designated park space.  
6. Performs setup and take down of activities, supplies and equipment; maintains facilities in accordance with departmental standards and procedures.
7. Assists in training, scheduling, leading and evaluating lower classified staff involved in assigned area.
8. Provides support for special events and programs.
9. Independently lead programs or trips without presence of supervisor.
10. Provides program information to recreation staff and participants.

 

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

1. Performs other related work of a similar level or nature.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed year-round in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor public facilities and environments, including, but not limited to classrooms, gyms, parks, trails, swimming areas and public attractions. Frequently interacts with the public in the field, which may include exposure to hostile, offensive language, or interactions with angry or volatile individuals. Exposed to outside weather conditions. Some assignments may require use of City or private vehicle.

Physical ability to perform essential functions, including:

• Frequently carry, lift and set up tables and chairs up to 50lbs.
• Frequently remain stationary for long periods of time; ability to kneel, crouch, or bend at the waist to lift materials up to 50lbs.
• Frequent exposure to outside weather conditions.
• Hear, communicate, and see sufficiently to receive and provide instructions in a noisy fast-paced environment, classroom setting, or recreational event while meeting mandated safety standards.
• Demonstrate the activity in conjunction with the instruction being provided.

• Minimum of six months experience preparing, teaching and leading recreation activities required.

• Demonstrated leadership skills required.

• High school diploma or GED.  

• Experience working with people of all ages and abilities preferred.

• Must possess or obtain First Aid, CPR/AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens certification within one month of hire and maintain throughout employment.

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check and child and vulnerable adult abuse records check.

• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire. 

• Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record. Candidates must submit a three-year driving abstract prior to hire.

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**
 
Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.
 

Applications will be forwarded to the Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department for review. Candidates selected to participate in additional assessment will be contacted by Bellingham Parks & Recreation staff.

Equal Opportunity:
Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40 ), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.

Salary : $22