What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recreation Employment - Community Centers (Ages 15+) - Talent Pool position at City of Portland?
Are you looking for a part-time job that is flexible and fun? Portland Parks & Recreation is hiring at Community Centers across Portland!
We're collecting names of people who are interested in working future part-time or seasonal jobs with Portland Parks. This doesn’t mean there’s a job open right now, but we’re happy you’re interested! We might not contact you right away. When jobs do open, we will connect you if you're selected for an interview.
The following positions are part of our talent pool and may have future openings:
Here are the jobs you can apply to on this application. Click on them to learn more. | |
Recreation Associate Jobs:
| Parks Activities Specialist Jobs:
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Recreation Associate Pay:
| Parks Activities Specialist Pay:
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| 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 | Parks Activities Specialist Union: These positions are not represented by a Union. |
Summary: Portland Parks & Recreation is hiring part-time employees for community centers around Portland! These jobs help run programs like school break camps, sports, art, and after-school activities. We are looking for people who can work as Counselors, Attendants, Customer Service Representatives, and Instructors.
Note: This is a talent pool and is collecting a list of people who are interested in the job. When a job opens up, we will look at your application to decide who to invite for an interview.
Job Type: Casual, Part-time. This job posting is for several positions, which are classified by the City of Portland as either Recreation Associates or Parks Activities Specialists.
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 Community Centers around Portland. When you apply you can choose as many Community Centers as you want 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.
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, Recruiter
Bureau of Human Resources
Loan.Tran@portlandoregon.gov
Qualifications Needed:
- Be able to create a welcoming and friendly environment.
- Know about the activities in your assigned area.
- Be able to talk and listen well with different kinds of people.
- Be able to spot and handle safety and emergency situations.
- Be able to solve problems and help with customer concerns.
If you select Preschool Assistant, applicant must also:
Already have or obtain a Food handler card (https://www.orfoodhandlers.com/eMain.aspx), within three weeks of hire.
How to Apply:
- Click "APPLY" to submit your talent pool 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 July 14, 2025 - December 29, 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 talent pool 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.
Community Centers by area: | |
| North Portland: Charles Jordan Community Center Peninsula Park Community Center St. Johns Community Center | Northeast Portland: Matt Dishman Community Center Montavilla Community Center |
| Southwest Portland: Southwest Community Center | Southeast Portland: East Portland Community Center Mt. Scott Community Center Woodstock Community Center |
Counselor Jobs (Recreation Associates) |
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 (except preschool assistant) (Must be at least 15 years old) Preschool Assistant (Must be 18 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 $19.99 - $23.33 (entry is $19.99) Lead Counselor premium pay is $21.99 - $25.33 (entry is $21.99)
Preschool Assistant base pay is $19.99 - $23.33 (entry is $19.99) Preschool Assistant premium pay is $22.27-$25.61 (entry is $22.27)
Training Pay: |
| Counselor: Preschool Assistant Assist Lead Portland Parks Preschool Teachers with the Preschool for All teams in classrooms with children 3-5 years old. Assistants may plan and lead various activities, provide toileting and support diaper changing, nap time, meals and snacks (an active food handlers certificate will be required), dual language learners, and children with disabilities and/or learning differences. Assistants may be assigned to a regular site but may be needed to help cover shifts at other program locations. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, Peninsula, Southwest, St. Johns and Woodstock Community Centers Shift Range: Preschool runs Monday-Friday. Full day and half day shifts are available between 8:45am-3:15pm Age requirement: Must be at least 18 years old. |
| Counselor: After School Program Help with afterschool programs and instruction. Locations: Charles Jordan Community Center, Peninsula Park Community Center, and St. Johns Community Center. Shift Range: Weekday afternoons and evenings between 1:45pm-6:15pm. |
| Lead Counselor: After School Program Help with after-school programs and instruction. Participates in program leadership and provides direction to counselor staff. Location: Peninsula Park Community Center. Shift Range: Weekday afternoons from 3:00-6:00pm. |
| Counselor: No School Day Camps Help with youth camps during no-school days during school Winter and Spring breaks. Shifts can include mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, and Southwest Community Centers. Shift Range: Weekday early mornings, mornings, afternoon, and evenings during PPS no school days. |
| Lead Counselor: No School Day Camps Help with youth camps during no-school days during Winter and Spring breaks. Participates in program leadership and provides direction to counselor staff. Locations: East Portland, Matt Dishman, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, and Southwest Community Centers. Shift Range: Winter Break or Spring Break only. Weekday early mornings, mornings, afternoon, and evenings during PPS no school days. |
Attendant Jobs (Recreation Associates) |
| 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. Attendants will monitor drop-in recreation activities in their assignment. Staff create a welcoming atmosphere, engage with park and facility guests, provide excellent customer service and are a resource for PP&R information. Duties include maintaining clean facilities and/or park spaces, monitoring use of space and needs of guests, being proactive in addressing potential safety concerns, upholding the PP&R code of conduct, and communicating with supervisor, rangers, and security under established guidelines. Attendants monitor participation and complete needed paperwork and record keeping. Ages: Attendant (Must be at least 15 years old) Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate): Attendant base pay is $19.99 - $23.33 (entry is $19.99) Training Pay: The training pay is $19.99 for all attendant positions. |
| Attendant - Facility Attendant Maintains cleanliness and order of facility, stocks inventory, conducts set-up and take down of equipment for programs and rentals, physically moves items from space to space inside the facility and outdoors. Fosters an environment that is organized, safe, and welcoming. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, and St. Johns Community Centers. Shift Ranges: Can include weekday and weekend early mornings, mornings, afternoon, and evenings, and possible holidays. |
| Attendant – Drop-in Attendant Oversees Drop-In activity, gathers equipment needed, maintains a safe and clean space, and engages with participants, notify participants of the end of the activity time, returns all equipment to proper storage. Proactively addressing safety concerns, monitoring participation, and maintaining necessary paperwork and records are key aspects of their responsibilities. Fosters an environment that is organized, safe, and welcoming. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, and Southwest Community Centers. Shift Ranges: Can include weekday and weekend early mornings, mornings, afternoon, and evenings, and possible holidays. |
| Attendant - Event Hosts Facilitates rental set-up and clean-up, and physically moves items from space to space inside the facility and outdoors. Leads party package activities. Fosters an environment that is organized, safe, and welcoming. Locations: East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott and Peninsula Park Community Centers. Shift Ranges: Can include weekday and weekend early mornings, mornings, afternoon, and evenings; possible after-hours rentals and holidays. |
Customer Service Representative Jobs (Recreation Associates) |
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. Customer Service Representatives are responsible for providing quality customer service to everyone, either on site or over the phone, when representing Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) in a variety of environments, including, but not limited to, PP&R Centers/buildings, pools, parks, outreach events, schools, and other places where PP&R provides programs, activities and/or information sessions. This includes frequent interaction with the public and Portland Parks & Recreation staff. Ages:Customer Service Representative (Must be at least 18 years old) Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate): Customer Service Representative base pay is $19.99 - $23.33 (entry is $19.99) Training Pay: The training pay is $19.99 for all customer service positions |
| Customer Service Representative Complete registrations for activities and process and collect admissions for drop-in activities including aquatic and fitness programs, tennis courts, art studios. Demonstrate superior customer service skills. Provide facility reservation information, schedule lessons, sell concessions, process payments, answer phones, provide clerical support, take messages, and support facility rentals. Assist with cleaning and maintaining the facility throughout the day. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, and Southwest Community Centers. Shift Ranges: Can include weekday and weekend early mornings, mornings, afternoon, and evenings, and possible holidays. |
| Instructor Jobs (Parks Activities Specialists) |
| These jobs are not union represented. Instructors prepare and present introductory lessons/activities for programs and classes for a variety of age ranges including preschool, youth, teen, and adult. Areas of assignment are as follows: messy art, cooking, dance exploration, music exploration, sports, and movement, tumbling and dance exploration, fine arts, writing, and languages. Instructors create a welcoming atmosphere, engage with park and facility guests, provide excellent customer service and are a resource for PP&R information. Instructors will maintain clean facilities and/or park spaces, monitor use of space and needs of guests, is proactive in addressing potential safety concerns, upholds the PP&R code of conduct, communicates with supervisor, rangers, and security under established guidelines. Instructors monitor participation and complete needed paperwork and record keeping. Ages: Instructor (Must be at least 15 years old) Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate): Instructor I base pay is $19.04 - $22.21 (entry is $19.04) Instructor II base pay is $21.16 - $28.03 (entry is $21.16 - $24.33 based on experience) Training Pay: The training pay is $19.04 for all instructor positions. |
| Instructor I - Assistant Instructor Assistant instructors support delivery of a variety of classes and activities. They are an aid to program delivery and not responsible for the lesson planning or class content. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, Southwest, and Woodstock Community Centers. Shift Range: All operating hours. |
| Instructor II – General Instructor General Instructors are responsible for lesson planning, class content, and instruction for a variety of general recreation activities including art, music, cooking, movement, dance, tumbling, gymnastics, and sports. Specialty art, music, fitness, and tennis programs employ specialty instructors. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, Southwest, and Woodstock Community Centers. Shift Range: All operating hours.*USA Gymnastics certified instructors are eligible for a wage step increase. |
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 : $19 - $22
