Recreation Employment - TeenForce Program (Ages 15+) - Talent Pool

Full Job Description

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 forecasted vacancies:

Here are the jobs you can apply to on this application. Click on them to learn more.
Recreation Associate Jobs: TeenForce Counselor (15+) TeenForce Lead Counselor (18+)	Parks Activities Specialist Jobs: General Instructor II (18+) Specialized Arts Instructor (18+)
Recreation Associate Pay: The training pay is $19.99 for all counselor positions. Counselor and Lead Counselor base pay is $19.99 - $23.33 (entry is $19.99) Lead Counselor premium pay is $21.99 - $25.33 (entry is $21.99)Employees working in a Lead Counselor role shall receive a Leadership premium of $2.00 per hour while performing that body of workthat requires direction and coaching of other Recreation Support Staff. For more information, please click here. The premium pay range listed includes the $2.00 premium.	Parks Activities Specialist Pay: Training pay is $19.04 for all Parks Activities Specialist jobs. General Instructor II base pay is $21.16 - $28.03 (entry is $21.16 - $24.33 based on experience) USA Gymnastics certified instructors are eligible for a wage step increase. Specialized Arts Instructor base pay is $31.73 - $40.19 (entry is $31.73 - $37.03 based on experience).
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:

TeenForce provides safe and fun spaces for teens to hang out with each other and surrounded by caring adults. Our staff are mentors who help teens in this recreation environment. They balance keeping the safe space with building positive relationships and making everyone feel welcome.

We offer classes, activities, events, and volunteer opportunities.

If you are interested in applying as a certified Fitness instructor withTeenForce, please apply to the Fitness Recruitment here(with link).Note: This is a talent pool and is collecting a list of people who are interested in the job.

When a job opens, we will look at your application to decide who to invite for an interview.

Job Appointment: Casual, Part-Time

Work Schedule: TeenForce is open Monday through Friday from 3:00pm - 7:00pm.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.

Community Center Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott and Southwest Community Centers. When you apply you can choose as many locations 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.

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, Recruiter

Bureau of Human Resources

Loan.Tran@portlandoregon.gov

Requirements

Qualifications needed for all jobs listed on this application:

1. Ability to promote a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
2. General knowledge of assigned recreation area.
3. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.
4. Ability to recognize and respond to safety and emergency situations.
5. Ability to problem-solve and respond to customer concerns.

Qualifications needed for the Specialized Arts Instructor jobs, in addition to the 5 qualifications listed above:

1. Minimum of 500 hours of prior teaching experience for each discipline(s).
2. Have had significant traditional/non-traditional professional learning and/or development. Examples of this can include, but are not limited to:
   • An accredited degree or certificate program in a specialized art form(s) OR
   • Long-term self-lead practice of art form(s)/discipline(s), which may include teaching and/or continued education

Preferred Qualifications for each role:

• TeenForce Counselor
  • Knowledge and understanding of the TeenForce program (One way to become familiar with the program is by becoming a TeenForce pass holder. Contact your local community center to learn how.)
• Lead Counselor and Instructor positions
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (preferred that candidates have finished high school or equivalent)

Qualifications

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 January 19, 2026 - April 26, 2026
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	Northeast Portland: Matt Dishman Community Center Montavilla Community Center
Southwest Portland: Southwest Community Center	Southeast Portland: East Portland Community Center Mt. Scott Community Center

Additional Information

Counselor Jobs (Recreation Associates)

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 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. Counselors are on-site engaging youth in low-key, drop-in areas and work the full length of the program hours. Ages: Counselors: Must be at least 15 years old Lead Counselors: Must be at least 18 years old Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate): All counselor position base pay is: $19.99 - $23.33 (entry is $19.99) Lead Counselor premium pay is: $21.99 - $25.33 (entry is $21.99) Employees working in a Lead Counselor role shall receive a Leadership premium of $2.00 per hour while performing that body of work that requires direction and coaching of other Recreation Support Staff. For more information, please click here. The premium pay range listed includes the $2.00 premium. Training Pay: The training pay is $19.99 for all positions.

Counselor: TeenForce Program Assist with drop-in TeenForce programming for youth, ages 10-20. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, and Southwest Community Centers. Shift Range: Weekday afternoons and evenings. Occasional weekends.

Lead Counselor: TeenForce Program Assist with drop-in TeenForce programming for youth, ages 10-20. Participates in program leadership and provides direction to Counselor staff. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, and Southwest Community Centers. Shift Range: Weekday afternoons and evenings. Occasional weekends.

Instructor Jobs (Parks Activities Specialists):

These positions 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. Instructors work only the days and times the specific class they teach is occurring. Ages: Must be at least 18 years old Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate): General Instructor II base pay is $21.16- $28.03 (entry is $21.16 - $24.33 based on experience) Specialized Arts Instructor base pay is $31.73 - $40.19 (entry is $31.73 - $37.03 based on experience) Training Pay: Instructor training pay is $19.04 for all instructor positions.

Instructor II – General Instructor General Instructors are responsible for lesson planning, class content, and instruction for a variety of general recreation activities. These activities include art, music, cooking, movement, dance, tumbling, gymnastics, and sports. *USA Gymnastics certified instructors are eligible for a pay step increase. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, and Southwest Community Centers. Shift Range: Weekday afternoons and evenings.

Specialized Arts Instructor: Specialized Arts Instructors lead private and group music lessons, ensemble/choir, specialized music (including culturally specific styles and genres), jewelry/metalsmithing, theatre, textiles, photography, drawing and painting, printmaking and book arts, literary arts, ballet academy, studio/professional dance, woodshop, sculpture, and ceramics. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, and Southwest Community Centers. Shift Range: Weekday afternoons and evenings. Qualifications needed for the Specialized Arts Instructor jobs, in addition to the 5 qualifications listed above: Minimum of 500 hours of prior teaching experience for each discipline(s). Have had significant traditional/non-traditional professional learning and/or development. Examples of this can include, but are not limited to: An accredited degree or certificate program in a specialized art form(s) OR Long-term self-lead practice of art form(s)/discipline(s), which may include teaching and/or continued education

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