Recreation Leader Temporary – Special Events & Youth Programs

Full Job Description

• These temporary (extra hire) positions are for up to 40 hours per week. Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• These temporary positions are not eligible for County benefits.

Requirements

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

In this role, you will help create welcoming, engaging experiences for our community.

Under the guidance of the Recreation Coordinator and Recreation Supervisor, you plan, prepare, and facilitate programs and activities that bring people together.

You participate in staff meetings and trainings, assist with marketing future programming, and ensure each event runs smoothly by setting up and breaking down supplies.

When families have questions or comments, you help guide them to the appropriate avenue with care and professionalism.

Why It's a Great Department:

Pierce County Parks and Recreation manages more than 5,200 acres of parks, trails, and open space, ranging from community hubs to natural areas. We deliver diverse recreation programs and maintain the infrastructure that supports both active play and quiet connection with nature.

Our department is made up of four divisions: Park and Recreation Operations, Business Operations, Volunteer and Resource Development, and Park Stewardship and Infrastructure Delivery, working together to serve one of the most dynamic and fast-growing regions in Washington.

Guided by our mission to create livable communities, we provide opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn about sustainability, live healthy lives, and experience inclusive, thriving public spaces.

Joining Pierce County Parks means being part of a forward-thinking team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact, where your work truly makes a difference every day.

Learn more about the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Plan, prepare, and facilitate programs and activities under the guidance of the Recreation Coordinator and/or Recreation Supervisor.
• Participate in staff meetings/trainings.
• Assist with Marketing for future programming.
• Set up and break down programs and associated supplies.
• Direct family questions and comments to the appropriate avenue.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Recreation Coordinator and/or Recreation Supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and experience working on planning and facilitating youth recreational programming.
• Basic understanding and knowledge of programming age-appropriate activities for children.
• Fundamental understanding of outdoor programming.
• Ability to exercise mature judgment to ensure safety and enjoyment by program participants; lead both large and small group activities; maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, and volunteers; follow written and oral directions.
• Ability/willingness to actively work outside in all seasons in a park environment.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50lbs. (Program supplies).

Qualifications

• A minimum of 18 years of age
• Experience working with children in a recreational setting or desire to work with children in a recreational setting
• High School diploma or GED

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience planning and facilitating programs in art, games, hikes, experiments, and exploration

Special Requirements/Qualifications

• Ability to drive county vehicles
• Current CPR/First Aid certification required within 30 days of employment

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date.

Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step.

We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career.

We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.

Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?