Recreation Leader (RNB)

Want to get paid to play? Join our team of fun and enthusiastic recreation staff this summer and enjoy working outside while leading youth and teens in a variety of fun camp settings.  

The City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department is currently accepting applications for part-time, non-benefited Recreation Leaders. 

Bellingham Parks & Recreation is seeking enthusiastic, fun and energetic leaders to join our staff. Employment runs from June 16 – August 29, 2025. Hours are typically Monday - Friday and may range from 7:30 am – 6:00 pm depending on job and shift assignment. A paid ninety-minute onboarding session must be attended prior to start date. Other recreation program opportunities such as special events, track meets and concerts may be available in addition to camp duties. At the completion of summer camp staff may also be eligible for part time work in general recreation programs.

This is an on-going recruitment to fill current and future staffing needs throughout the year. This recruitment may be closed at any time based on departmental needs. The initial application review will begin on March 3, 2025.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This position will start at  Step 1 ($20.54/hour. The full hourly range for this position is $20.54  - $25.02. 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.

NATURE OF WORK:
The Recreation Leader provides support in the implementation of recreational programs and events, interacts with participants, leads activities and provides information and education. Leaders prepare recreational facilities for participant use and monitor recreational activities to ensure a safe environment for participants.

The Recreation Leader is responsible for directly delivering programs to participants, distinguishing this role from that of the Recreation Aide. Additionally, the Recreation Leader differs from the Recreation Instructor, who assumes the day-to-day program lead role and possesses greater experience in delivering recreation programs and organizing special events.
 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Interacts with and assists program participants, leads indoor and outdoor recreational activities and provides information and education in assigned program or event.
2. Prepares recreational facilities for use; ensures that appropriate equipment and materials are available for classes and events; performs setup and take down of activities, supplies and equipment including tables, chairs and tents.
3. Performs basic routine custodial tasks including litter pick-up and facility cleaning.
4. Ensures a safe and appropriate environment for all participants and staff.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

1. Performs other related duties as assigned.
2. Assists in maintaining a variety of records.

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, stadiums, gyms, parks, trails, swimming areas and public attractions.

Physical ability to perform essential functions, including:

• Ability to carry, lift and set up tables and chairs up to 25lbs;
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, ability to kneel, crouch, or bend at the waist to lift materials up to 25lbs;
• Ability to hear and speak sufficiently to communicate in classroom or recreational environment;
• Ability to work outside in inclement weather conditions.

• Minimum of six months experience working with the public.
• Experience leading recreation activities preferred.
• Experience working with people of all ages and abilities preferred.
• A combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above work is required.

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check and child and adult abuse records check (See Fair Hiring Practices). 
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire. 
• Some positions require a valid Washington State Driver's License and good driving record as verified by a three-year driving abstract at time of hire.
• Must possess or obtain First Aid and CPR certification within two weeks of hire and maintain currency throughout employment.
• Must possess or obtain Food Handler Card within two weeks of hire and maintain currency throughout employment.
• Must be willing and able to work various shifts depending upon the needs of the department, including evenings and weekends.

**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 : $21