Recreation Leader Generalist - Summer Free For All Free Lunch + Play - Temporary

Full Job Description

Job Appointment: Full-Time Temporary: June 8 – Early September, 2026
Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, Daytime Hours typically 40 hours and may be less some weeks due to inclement weather or workload. Mandatory All Staff Training Saturday, June 20 is a condition of employment. Weekend and/or evening hours may be offered for programs at Gateway Discovery Park for special events. Minimal overtime opportunities.
Work Location: Start and end location in NE Portland. Majority of day spent supporting Free Lunch + Play in public parks across the City of Portland.
Union Representation: LiUNA Laborers' Local 483 - Recreation. To view current labor agreements, click here.
Language Pay: This position is eligible for Language Pay Differential.

How to Apply:

• Submit your résumé and responses to supplemental questions by the closing date.

(Optional) Submit Veterans’ Preference documents, if applicable.

If this is your first time applying with the City of Portland, or if you haven’t requested veteran preference before (and would like to now), please attach your DD214-Member 4 and/or VA Benefit Letter to your application.

Once we verify your eligibility, we’ll record your veteran preference in our system so it automatically applies to your future applications.

• Click here for application tips for resume, supplemental question response and/or cover letter.

The Recreation Leader will carry out their responsibilities while exercising sound judgment and problem-solving skills in the daily performance of their work utilizing diplomacy, cultural awareness, and communication skills. This position requires experience working with youth, group management techniques, strong customer service skills, cultural sensitivity, communication, problem-solving, flexibility, and the ability to take direction and multi-task in an ever-changing environment. Must be able to regularly lift and move 30 lbs., have a valid drivers’ license, drive a city issued minivan, and work outdoors in public parks.

Seeking five (5) summer temporary Recreation Leader – Generalists. This position will work with and take direction from the Free Lunch + Play Coordinator and Supervisor in the program implementation of twenty plus (20+) park sites in a variety of multicultural and multilingual communities. Responsibilities include pre-season site prep, staff training, in-season support and mentoring of (100) Counselors, following Federal Lunch and Multnomah County Health guidelines, delivering prepared meals to sites, working with youth, providing group management support, and post-season site tear-down and close out. This position involves driving to 5+ parks each day.

The position is very hands-on and includes responding to texts and phone calls from counselors, coordinator, and the supervisor delivering supplies and lunches to sites, adapting to daily schedule and program changes, working as a Lead Counselor when needed, and providing excellent customer service to staff and the community.

What you'll get to do:

• Provide hands-on support and mentorship to (100) Counselors during the season.
• Engage with youth, deliver group management site support, and contribute to a positive program environment.
• Ensure compliance with Federal Lunch and Multnomah County Health guidelines.
• Drive a city van to multiple parks daily, responding to texts and calls, delivering supplies and prepared meals, and adapting to daily schedule changes.
• Support the daily operation of Free Lunch + Play park sites and staff.
• Conduct pre-season site preparation and post-season tear-down activities.
• Act as a Lead Counselor when needed, delivering excellent customer service to both staff and the community.
• Work outside in all types of weather.

Have a question?
Contact Information:
Loan Tran Polanco, Senior Recruiter
Loan.Tran@portlandoregon.gov

Requirements

The following are the knowledge, skills, and abilities the bureau has identified as critical, and your resume and answers to the supplemental questions should include/highlight these areas.

Applicants must also:

• Have a valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Possess or obtain a valid Food handler card Home Page - Multnomah County Food Handler Card , within two weeks of hire.
• Obtain a current CPR/AED certification within two weeks of hire.
• Have the ability to lift and move equipment daily, with the assistance of hand trucks and carts, that weigh up to 30 pounds.

Qualifications

What to Expect:

1. Application Review – February 16 – February 27, 2026: We'll review your application materials to ensure you meet the qualifications listed above.
2. Notice/Feedback – March 2, 2026: You will receive an email when the minimum qualification review is complete. If you disagree with your evaluation results, you may request a review of your evaluation results within 14 days of the email notice, per City Administrative Rule 3.01.
3. Selection Process – March/April 2026: The hiring bureau will review interested and qualified applications, conduct interviews, and check references. There is no guaranteed right to transfer into a vacant position.
4. Job Offer – April 2026: Final candidates will undergo a reference, background and driving record check.

*Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Additional Information

Learn More About:

• How to Apply Videos and Workshops
• City of Portland Core Values
• HRAR-3.01 - Recruitment Processes
• Veteran Preference Information
• Total Compensation and Benefits

We’re committed to providing a fair, inclusive, and accessible hiring process. If you need assistance with your application or would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, pregnancy, or religious belief, please contact the recruiter listed below.

Questions? We're here to help!

If you have questions about this recruitment or need assistance completing your application, contact:

Loan Tran Polanco, Senior Recruiter
Loan.Tran@portlandoregon.gov
Bureau of Human Resources