Summer Recreation Employment - Fitness in the Park (Ages 18+)

Full Job Description

Recreation Associate Jobs: Customer Service Representative	Parks Activities Specialist Jobs: Fitness Instructor: Group Exercise
Recreation Associate Pay: Training Pay is $19.99 for all Recreation Associate jobs Customer Service base pay is $19.99 - $23.33 (entry is $19.99)	Parks Activities Specialist Pay: Training pay is $19.04 for all positions. Group Exercise base pay is $26.45 - $37.55 (entry is $26.45 or $29.61 based on certifications held).
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:

Fitness in the Park helps Portlanders stay active and achieve their fitness goals while connecting to community and nature in our parks. All fitness levels are welcome.

Outdoor fitness classes take place in parks across Portland, Monday through Friday, with classes in the mornings (8:00am-12:00pm) and evening (3:00pm-7:00pm) beginning May 4th at Irving Park.

All other locations will start June 22. We will also be hosting a few Saturday and/or late evening pop-up events over the course of the summer months.

PP&R is looking to hire energetic and qualified fitness instructors to teach classes that will engage with diverse populations, instructors with experience teaching intergenerational/youth fitness, as well as customer service representatives to help with program delivery, assisting participants with check-in and transactions, and providing park users with PP&R program information.

We are looking for people to work within various parks throughout Portland. This is an open and continuous recruitment and intended for summer employment. Eligible applicants will only be contacted when positions become available.

Note: This job is open for a long time. Applicants will be contacted when positions become available.

Job Type: Casual, Part-time. This job posting is for several positions, which are classified by the City of Portland as Recreation Associates and Parks Activities Specialist.

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 parks around Portland. When you apply you can choose multiple locations that you are willing 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

Loan.Tran@portlandoregon.gov

Requirements

Qualifications Needed:

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.
6. Ability to learn and show skills, or experience, in one-on-one and small group fitness.
7. Ability to learn and show skills, or experience, in teaching different types of Group Exercise classes like 32-count block, Tabata or HIIT, and mind/body classes like Yoga and Pilates.
8. Knowledge of how to take care of fitness equipment.
9. Knowledge and experience in using the best practices for health and wellness marketing and promoting fitness memberships.

Additional qualifications needed:

• One year of teaching experience.
• One certification from one of these approved organizations:
  • ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
  • ACE (American Council on Exercise)
  • AFAA (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America)
  • NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association)
  • NCSF (National Council on Strength and Fitness)
  • ISSA (International Sports Science Association)
  • NESTA (National Exercise and Sport Training Association)
  • NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
  • PCC Fitness Technology Degree
  • Cooper Institute Certification
  • Four-year college degree in a fitness related field (e.g., Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology)
  • Any accredited certification distributed by NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)

Applicant must also:

• Be at least 18 years old by date of hire.

Qualifications

How to Apply:

• Click "APPLY" to submit your 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 March 16, 2026– April 27, 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 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.

Additional Information

CUSTOMER SERVICE JOBS (RECREATION ASSOCIATE)

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. Responsible for providing quality customer service for our outdoor Fitness in the Parks programs. Providing customer service to anyone who participants in our programs, or anyone who seeks assistance or information regarding our programs. This includes frequent interaction with the public and Portland Parks & Recreation staff, including supporting Fitness Instructors. Ages: Customer Service Representative (Must be at least 18 years old) Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate): All customer service positions 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 Tasks include set up and take down of exercise equipment, and use of a mobile device to access customer information and process various customer transactions. This position requires moving small pieces of fitness equipment such as dumbbells, as well as stereos, tables, chairs, etc. Locations: Various Parks in Portland (Tentatively: Columbia Park (N), Gabriel Park (SW), Irving Park (NE), Kenton Park (N), Laurelhurst Park (SE), Lents Park (OE), Parkland Park (SE), Rose City Park (NE). Shift Ranges: Monday – Friday 7:15am-12:30pm and/or 2:15pm-7:30pm, Saturdays (shifts vary by event)

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR JOBS (PARKS ACTIVITIES SPECIALIST)

Instructs and/or monitors classes/activities in area of assignment. Instruction may occur outdoors and in all-weather while working in the Fitness in the Park program. May develop lesson plans related to area of assignment based upon overall program objectives and guidelines. Prepares materials for instruction of classes/activities; records participation for classes/activities; request class/activity supplies. Performs duties related to customer service, cross marketing, and delivery of assigned activities. Ages: All Fitness Instructors (Must be at least 18 years old) Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate): All Fitness Instructors pay is $26.45 - $37.55 (entry is $26.45 or $37.55 based on certifications held) Training Pay: All Fitness Instructor training pay is $19.04. Fitness Instructor - Group Exercise Required Certifications: At least one approved certification(s) from a bureau recognized organization as outlined below AND one year of teaching experience is preferred. Locations: Various Parks in Portland (Tentatively: Columbia Park (N), Gabriel Park (SW), Irving Park (NE), Kenton Park (N), Laurelhurst Park (SE), Lents Park (OE), Parkland Park (SE), Rose City Park (NE). Shift Range: Monday – Friday 8:00am-12:00pm and/or 3:00pm-7:00pm, Saturdays (shifts vary by event)

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