Summer Recreation Employment - Fitness in the Park (Ages 18+)
City of Portland
FreshPosted Mar 16
✓ Fresh Listing
Posted: March 16, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Summer Recreation Employment - Summer Day Camps (Ages 15+)
City of Portland
Portland Parks & Recreation
Location
Portland, Oregon, 97204
Salary
Not specified
Type
Closes
April 28, 2026
SES Pay Grade
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This job involves working as a part-time counselor or lead counselor at summer day camps run by Portland Parks & Recreation, where you'll help organize fun activities for kids at various community centers and schools across the city.
It's a flexible, seasonal role perfect for teens and young adults aged 15 and up who enjoy working with children and being outdoors during the summer.
Ideal candidates are energetic, responsible individuals who can attend required training and commit to the summer schedule.
Key Requirements
- Must be at least 15 years old for Counselor positions (18+ for Lead Counselor)
- Available to attend mandatory in-person training from June 15-18, 2026
- Able to work part-time during the summer season at one of the specified Portland locations
- Strong interest in working with children and leading recreational activities
- Reliable and able to follow safety protocols for day camps
- Submit application by March 31, 2026, for guaranteed interview at top location choice
- Pass any required background checks or onboarding processes
Full Job Description
Are you looking for a job that is flexible and fun? Portland Parks & Recreation is hiring for summer jobs across Portland!
Recreation Associate Jobs:
|
Recreation Associate Pay:
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. |
| 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 |
Summary: Portland Parks & Recreation is hiring part-time employees for summer day camp counselors around Portland!
Summer day camp counselor training will be held the week of June 15th- June 18th.
We are looking for people to work at the following locations: Charles Jordan, Matt Dishman, East Portland, Mt. Scott, Montavilla, Peninsula, St.
Johns and Southwest Community Centers, Multnomah Arts Center, and Portland Parks and Recreation’s SUN Community Schools.
PP&R SUN Community Schools (Arleta, Alice Ott, Beaumont, Centennial, Faubion, Grout, Lane, Mt.
Tabor, Parkrose, Roseway Heights, Sitton) are hiring counselors for summer day camps and/or summer SUN programming.
SUN sites doing summer SUN programming will have trainings offered mid to late June (dates to be determined by each site and communicated during onboarding).
This recruitment is intended for summer employment only. Please note – all locations have very limited positions available.
Summer camp counselor training is required to attend from June 15-June 18, 2026. All training days will be held in person.
Note: This job is open for a long time. Applicants will be contacted when positions become available. Early applications are encouraged.
Applications submitted by March 31st will be guaranteed an invitation to an interview at your top choice location only.
Applications submitted after March 31st will only be invited to an interview on an as needed basis.
Job Type: Casual, Part-time. This job posting is for several positions, which are classified by the City of Portland as Recreation Associates.
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 Community Centers and 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:
Ability to promote a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
General knowledge of assigned recreation area.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.
Ability to recognize and respond to safety and emergency situations.
Ability to problem-solve and respond to customer concerns.
Applicants must also:
- For Counselor: Be at least 15 years old by date of hire.
- For Lead Counselor: 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
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.
Community Centers and SUN Community Schools by area: |
North Portland: Charles Jordan Community Center Peninsula Park Community Center Sitton SUN Community School St. Johns Community Center | Northeast Portland:
Beaumont SUN Community School FaubionSUN Community School Matt Dishman Community Center Montavilla Community Center Parkrose HS SUN Community School Roseway Heights SUN Community School |
Southwest Portland: Multnomah Arts Center Southwest Community Center | Southeast Portland: Alice Ott SUN Community School Arleta SUN Community School Centennial MS SUN Community School East Portland Community Center Grout SUN Community School Lane SUN Community School Laurelhurst Park Woodstock Community Center |
Additional Information
COUNSELOR 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. 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. Ages: Counselor (Must be at least 15 years old) Lead Counselor (Must be at least 18 years old) Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate): All counselor positions base pay is $19.99 - $23.33 (entry is $19.99) Lead Counselor premium pay is $21.99 - $25.33 (entry is $21.99)
Training Pay: The training pay is $19.99 for all counselor positions. Counselor: Summer Day Camps Counselor: Help with pre-school and youth camps during summer months. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St Johns, and Southwest Community Centers, Multnomah Arts Center, and Alice Ott, Arleta, Beaumont, Centennial, Faubion, Grout, Mt. Tabor, Parkrose, and Sitton SUN Schools. Shift Range: Weekday mornings and afternoons. Lead Counselor: Summer Day Camps Help with pre-school and youth camps during summer months. Participates in program leadership and provides direction to counselor staff. Locations: East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St Johns, and Southwest Community Centers, Multnomah Arts Center, and Alice Ott, Arleta, Beaumont, Centennial, Faubion, Grout, Mt. Tabor, Parkrose, and Sitton SUN Schools. Shift Range: Weekday mornings and afternoons. Positions fill quickly. Other counselor opportunities include: Counselor: Sub Counselors help with youth camps during the summer months. Able to fill in for shifts during summer months for all sites. Shifts become available with one day to one week’s notice. This is a great option if you are someone who will be gone many weeks at a time. Hours are not guaranteed. Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St Johns, and Southwest Community Centers, Multnomah Arts Center, and Alice Ott, Arleta, Beaumont, Centennial, Faubion, Grout, Mt. Tabor, Parkrose, and Sitton SUN Schools. Shift Range: Weekday mornings and afternoons. |
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 Employer
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