Playground Supervisor

WHITEFISH SCHOOL DISTRICT

POSITION DESCRIPTION

AREA: Playground Supervisor

REPORTS TO: Principal/Assistant Principal (As Assigned)

Whitefish School District seeks a Playground Supervisor to join one of the leading school districts in the state of Montana. With the support of our community, Whitefish School District creates an educational environment where each student can reach their academic potential, prepare for career opportunities, and become engaged citizens.

SUMMARY OF ASSIGNMENT:

Assists administrative and instructional staff by promoting a positive learning and working environment. Supervises K-4 or 5-8 students daily on the playground and in the lunchroom during recess periods.  Responsibilities include: providing large group supervision; ensuring a safe, secure, and enjoyable atmosphere; enforcing school rules and Montana Behavioral Institute-based behavioral expectations (viewing misbehavior as a learning opportunity); mediating conflicts; administering first aid; documenting behavioral interventions; and communicating with the Assistant Principal. All duties are to be undertaken in alignment with the District’s Strategic Plan, putting the safety, health, and well-being of students at the forefront of all actions and decisions. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possesses high school diploma or its equivalent.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience and Education

• Experience working with school-age children
• Experience as a school paraeducator
• One or two years of post high school training

Behavior Management and Student Interaction

• Positive influence on children’s behavior and standards of conduct
• Firm, fair, and consistent in dealing with student behavior problems
• Learn and apply school and District rules pertaining to student behavior
• Use good judgment in interacting with students

Safety and Activity Knowledge

• First aid/CPR training
• Basic knowledge of student games and their rules

Professional and Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate dependability and reliability
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student matters
• Ability to handle stressful situations
• Work cooperatively with other playground supervisors, custodians, food service personnel, and school staff

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to):

Student Supervision, Safety, and Health

• Supervises students on campus, the playground, and at lunch.
• Organizes activities, directs students in safe activities, and helps maintain an orderly, positive learning environment on the playground and in the lunchroom.
• Administers first aid and contacts the office, parents, or emergency services for serious illness/injury.

Behavior Management and Documentation

• Enforces behavior standards, reinforces desirable behavior, and assists in shaping positive social behaviors proactively.
• Documents student misbehavior and maintains ongoing behavior records for school improvement.
• Reports severe behavioral problems to the principal using appropriate forms.

Professional Conduct and Team Support

• Acts as a positive role model, builds student self-confidence, and exhibits positive approaches and patience when working with students, associates, teachers, and parents.
• Monitors students and serves on the classified staff/instructional team, supporting students in the classroom as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality and possesses effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Follows directives, respects authority, adheres to Board Policy, and performs other assigned duties.
• Demonstrates effective time management, organization, and record-keeping skills.

EQUIPMENT USED: None. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both inside and outside in various weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and stand; twist at neck and waist; kneel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

MENTAL/MOTOR DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely performs routine work. The employee frequently exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another). Guidance and reinforcement are usually available. The employee must maintain attentiveness intensity. The employee may be involved in social interactions which require oral and written communications. 

The physical demands, work-environment characteristics, and mental/motor demands described within this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations shall be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For those classified employees employed under a written contract for a specified term, nothing contained in this job description shall create a property right beyond the specified duration of the employment contract 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employed for prescribed term, salary, benefits and other working conditions to be determined by District Policy, Federal and State Law as well as appropriate funding from state, federal, and/or passage of levies.

EVALUATION:

Performance of said duties will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's Policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.

Updated 8/2026