What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Recreation Employment-Summer Free For All Free Lunch + Play Program (16+) position at City of Portland, OR?
The Position
Are you looking for a part-time job that is flexible and fun? Portland Parks & Recreation is hiring for summer jobs across Portland!
Recreation Associate Jobs:
- Counselor: Free Lunch and Play Park Site (16 )
- Counselor: On-Call Sub Free Lunch and Play Park Site (16 )
- Lead Counselor: Free Lunch and Play Park Site (18 )
- Lead Counselor: Mobile Lunch and Play (18 )
Recreation Associate Pay:
- Training Pay is $19.52 for all Recreation Associate jobs
- Counselor and Lead Counselor base pay is $19.52 - $22.78 (entry is $19.52)
-
Lead Counselor premium pay is $21.52 - $24.78 (entry is $21.52)
- The premium pay range listed includes the $2.00 premium.
Recreation Associate Union:
These jobs are part of a union called (LiUNA) Labors' Local 483 - Recreation. You will start at the entry-level pay rate. To view the labor agreement, please click here
These jobs are part of a union called (LiUNA) Labors' Local 483 - Recreation. You will start at the entry-level pay rate. To view the labor agreement, please click here
Summary: Portland Parks & Recreation is hiring people for summer Recreation Employment opportunities for the Summer Free for All Free Lunch Play program in parks and for the Free Lunch Play Mobile Van program that travels daily to East Portland Apartment Complexes.
Portland Parks & Recreation strives to hire people that share in our mission of providing inclusive programming that celebrates and reflects the diversity of Portland and the youth we serve and align with City of Portland's core values of Anti-Racism and Equity. This includes a daily commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.
FREE LUNCH PLAY
The Free Lunch Play program runs from late-June to mid to late August.
This is intended for summer employment.
Note: This job is open for a long time. Applicants will be contacted when positions become available. Early applications are encouraged. Applications submitted by March 30th will be guaranteed an invitation to interview. Applications submitted after March 30th, will only be invited to an interview on an as needed basis.
Job Type: Casual, Part-time. This job posting is for several positions, which are classified by the City of Portland as Recreation Associates.
Schedule: This job has flexible hours and might include working during the day, evenings, weekends, or holidays. The number of hours you work each week can change based on program needs, and there is no guarantee of work hours each week.
Location: These jobs are at different parks around Portland. When you apply you can only choose multiple locations that you are willing to work at.
Benefits: This job has limited benefits. Click the Benefits tab for more information.
Language Pay: If you speak another language besides English and use it to help the community, you may get extra pay. To learn more, click here.
About Us: Portland Parks & Recreation is dedicated to making sure everyone can enjoy our parks and services, no matter their background. We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion. We encourage people who speak other languages to apply.
Contact Information
Loan Tran Polanco, Senior Recruiter
Loan.Tran@portlandoregon.gov
To Qualify
Qualification Needed:
- Experience with playing, interacting, and providing positive experiences for youth and families.
- Ability to build relationships, solve conflicts, and collaborate with a team.
- Ability to communicate and engage effectively with diverse groups of people.
- Ability to recognize and respond to safety and emergency situations.
- Ability to problem-solve and respond to customer concerns.
The Recruitment Process
How to Apply:
- Click "APPLY" to submit your application online.
- You need to answer the supplemental questions and fill out your work history.
- If you are a Veteran and want preference, attach your Veteran documents
Hiring Process:
Step 1: Apply online between February 24, 2025 – April 28, 2025.
Step 2: We will review your application to see if you meet the minimum needs for this role.
Step 3: If you qualify, you will be placed on a list of eligible candidates.
Step 4: We will contact eligible candidates for interviews as positions become available.
Step 5: Job offers will be made after interviews.
Step 6: The start date will be set once all hiring conditions are met.
Additional Information
COUNSELOR JOBS (RECREATION ASSOCIATE)
These jobs are represented by Labors' (LiUNA) Local 483 - Recreation. Applicants start at the entry hourly rate. To view the labor agreement, please go to the Labor agreements webpage and click on the appropriate link.
Counselors organize, plan, and lead a variety of activities including art, crafts, music, performance, science, games, nature, and sports in addition to supporting the physical, social, and cognitive development of preschool and school-aged participants. Positions will be responsible for maintaining discipline and safety while monitoring youth, consistently modeling appropriate behavior, maintaining accurate program records, and performing maintenance duties as assigned.
Ages:
Counselor (Must be at least 16 years old)
Lead Counselor (Must be at least 18 years old)
Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate):
All counselor positions base pay is $19.52 - $22.78 (entry is $19.52)
Lead Counselor premium pay $21.52 - $24.78 (entry is $21.52)
- The premium pay range listed includes the $2.00 premium.
Training Pay: The training pay is $19.52 for all counselor positions.
Counselor: Free Lunch Play Park Site
Work outside in parks with youth and families leading drop-in crafts, games, activities and handing out the Free Federal Lunch program prepared meals to youth. All staff are expected to be inclusive, friendly, reliable, and eager to play with diverse groups of children and youth during their entire shift each day. Free Lunch Play positions are physically active, high-energy jobs that take place in outdoor parks in all types of weather.
Locations: Parks in North Portland, Northeast Portland, East Portland, Southeast Portland, Outer East Portland, and Southwest Portland (locations subject to change).
Shift Range: Typically Monday through Friday 10am-2pm (Shifts may vary by site).
- Must be able to lift and move 25 pounds throughout the shift each day.
Counselor: On-Call Sub Free Lunch Play Park Site
On-Call subs perform the same counselor duties and will fill in at various Free Lunch Play sites throughout Portland when Counselors are out sick or on vacation. Shifts may become available on short notice. The on-call subs need to have the ability to get to work by car, carpool, foot, bike, or public transit. On-Call Sub position works well for those who need more flexibility during the summer, such as those who are going to summer school, have a second job, have existing commitments, are only available certain days each week, or need to take multiple weeks off during the summer. Must be available a minimum of two days a week when available. A willingness to work at multiple sites will increase the number of hours available.
Locations: Parks in North Portland, Northeast Portland, East Portland, Southeast Portland, Outer East Portland, and Southwest Portland (locations subject to change).
Shift Range: Typically Monday through Friday 10am-2pm (shifts may vary by park sites) or 9:15am-3:15pm for Mobile Program. On-call Sub hours will vary depending on staffing needs and sub availability.
- Must be able to lift and move 25 pounds throughout the shift each day.
Lead Counselors are the staff leaders and are expected to communicate and model exceptional customer service, safety protocols, and engagement techniques to all Counselor’s and volunteers on a consistent basis. Lead Counselors are also responsible for prioritizing the safety of all staff and guests, documenting, and maintaining accurate records, being a liaison to all program partners, creating a culture of inclusiveness, care, and fun, ensuring staff and volunteers remain engaged and on-task, daily communication with supervisors. This position holds significantly more responsibility and requires previous experience working with youth and families and leading others.
Recreation Associate – Lead Counselor: Free Lunch Play at Park Sites
Perform the tasks of the Counselor in addition to Lead Counselor duties. Ensure a safe, engaging, interactive and playful experience for all youth and families. Lead Counselors will oversee all on-site logistics and flow of the program they are assigned to, problem solve any issues that arise, act as the point person with activity program partners, Federal Lunch Drivers, and staff at the site level. Lead Counselors will serve pre-made lunches and follow all Federal rules and guidelines for meal distribution. Provides direction to counselor staff, works collaboratively with counselors to develop, and lead the daily schedule, role models expectations, provides excellent customer service, and guaranteeing all leftover meals are donated to approved donation sites at the end of each shift. Lead Counselors will act as role models and provide direction to Counselors, youth, volunteers, and Park Squad staff.
Locations: Parks in North Portland, Northeast Portland, East Portland, Southeast Portland, Outer East Portland, and Southwest Portland (locations may vary).
Shift Range: Typically Monday through Friday 9:45am-2:00pm (shifts may vary by park sites).
- Must be able to lift and move 25 pounds throughout the shift each day.
Recreation Associate – Lead Counselor: Mobile Lunch Play
Mobile Lunch Play provides recreation, games, crats, and pre-made free lunches to youth ages 18 and under at apartment complexes in East Portland that don’t have access to a park nearby. There are (2) Mobile Vanes with two staff in each van. Each van visits a total of five different apartment complexes each week, with each site getting a total of two visits each week. Staff meet at a centralized location in NE Portland daily to pack-up supplies, meet with Recreation Leader, plan activities for the day, and then drive to pick up prepared meals from Nutrition Services, and then drive to the site for the day, lead games, crafts, and recreation to youth, and then return to the same site in NE Portland. Daily tasks include set-up, take-down and general cleaning of equipment and area and van. Lead Counselors will oversee all on-site logistics and flow of the program, problem solve any issues that arise, and communicate with site managers. Mobile staff must be comfortable playing with and leading crafts, games, and activities for preschool and youth. Must have a valid driver’s license, be comfortable driving a small cargo van, and have a clean 5-year driving record from the DMV.
Locations: Shift will start and end each day in NE Portland daily to pick up the van and supplies.
Shift Range: Monday through Friday 9:15am-3:15pm
- Must be able to lift and move 25 pounds throughout the shift each day.
Click here for additional information regarding the following:
- City of Portland Core Values
- Recruitment Process - Work Status
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Veteran Preference
- ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer
Salary : $20 - $23
