Summer Recreation Employment - Summer Day Camps (Ages 15+)
City of Portland
FreshPosted Mar 16
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Posted: March 16, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Summer Recreation Employment-Concerts-Movies-Cultural Events-Arts Programs (Age 17+)
City of Portland
Portland Parks & Recreation
Location
Portland, Oregon, 97204
Salary
Not specified
Type
Closes
April 28, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This summer job with Portland Parks & Recreation involves helping run free outdoor events like concerts, movies, festivals, and arts programs in parks across the city, including supporting arts workshops and performing arts camps for the community.
It's a flexible, part-time role perfect for young adults aged 17 or 18+ who enjoy creative activities, working outdoors, and interacting with people in a fun environment.
Ideal candidates are enthusiastic team players who can follow directions and commit to required training sessions in June.
Key Requirements
- Must be at least 17 years old (18+ for Lead Counselor roles)
- Available for mandatory in-person training: June 28-30 and July 1 for Cultural Events, or June 15-18 for Arts in the Parks
- Willing to work summer-only, part-time hours at various Portland parks
- Ability to support events, counsel participants, or lead small groups in arts and cultural activities
- Strong interpersonal skills for working with diverse community members, including children and families
- Physical ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Commitment to safety and providing enriching, drop-in experiences
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 $21.52) 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:
The Arts, Culture, and Special Events program called "Summer Free for All" includes three subprograms called 1) Movies, Concerts, and Events in the Parks; 2) Arts in the Parks; and 3) Performing Arts Camps.
This recruitment is for positions held at various parks located throughout Portland. This recruitment is intended for summer employment only. Please read a short summary of each program below.
CULTURAL EVENTS PROGRAM (Movies, Concerts & Events)
Summer Free for All Cultural Events (SFFA) is one of Portland’s most beloved and anticipated summertime traditions.
Each summer, SFFA partners with community groups, artists, nonprofits, culturally specific groups and more to produce free outdoor concerts, movies, festivals, and cultural events all throughout the city of Portland.
These events are led by Event Producers and supported by Recreation Leader and Attendant positions.
Required in person Training Dates: June 28th, June 29th, June 30th, and July 1st
ARTS IN THE PARKS (Mobile Arts Studios)
Arts in the Parks is an outreach program of the Multnomah Arts Center bringing art and music experiences to the public in parks and other community locations throughout the city.
Arts in the Parks programs are delivered by self-contained mobile units which provides free, safe, on-site, drop-in, enriching community visual and performing arts experiences.
They are led by Specialized Arts Instructors and supported by Counselor positions. Those interested in the Specialized Arts Instructor position should apply here.
Required in Person Training Dates: June 15 - June 18
PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS
Portland Parks & Recreation is partnering with the Center Powered by Y.O.U.TH (www.youthpdx.org) to provide creative and engaging performing arts camps for East Portland youth, making use of a digital music production lab, acoustic and electric instruments, and other expressive art forms.
The camps are led by instructors and supported by Counselor positions. Prior performing arts experience is helpful. Those interested in the instructor opportunities should apply here.
Required in Person Training Dates: June 15 - June 18
Note: This job is open for a limited 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 with your top choice program.
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 located at different locations 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, Senior 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 and Attendant: Be at least 17 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
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
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 17 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. This position works as a member of a team to prepare for and deliver performing and visual arts activities in partnership with Free Lunch + Play Program sites and other locations. They arrive on site where arts vehicles are assigned each day. They set up and tear down equipment such as tents, signs, tables, chairs, and art/craft activity stations. They create a welcoming atmosphere, engaging playfully with park users and guests, providing information about PP&R programs, events, opportunities, and news. Arts in the Parks Counselor positions assist Specialized Teaching Artists and Arts in the Parks Lead Counselors to deliver safe, fun, and equitable engagements. Prior experience with arts or music generally enables employees in this position to be more successful. Locations: North Portland, Northeast Portland, East Portland, Outer East Portland, and Southwest Portland. Shift Range: Tuesday through Friday 9:30am-2:45pm; Some Mondays and weekends by arrangement. Required Training Dates: June 15 - June 18Counselor: Performing Arts Camps Prior experience in music creation, digital music production and/or instrumental music generally enables employees in this position to be more successful. Location: Community Music Center programs at The Center Powered by Y.O.U.TH (SE 162nd & Stark) and neighboring park(s). Shift Range: Weekday mornings and afternoons. Required Training Dates: June 15 - June 18Lead Counselor: Arts in the Parks This position works as a member of a team to prepare for and deliver performing and visual arts activities in partnership with Free Lunch + Play Program sites and other locations. The primary job of this position is to drive and organize an Arts vehicle each day. They set up and tear down equipment such as tents, signs, tables, chairs, and art/craft activity stations. They create a welcoming atmosphere, engaging playfully with park users and guests, providing information about PP&R programs, events, opportunities, and news. Arts in the Parks Lead Counselor positions assist Specialized Teaching Artists and lead Arts in the Parks Counselors to deliver safe, fun, and equitable engagements. Prior experience with arts or music generally enables employees in this position to be more successful. Locations: Drivers report to Southwest Portland, and drive vehicles to a designated location in North Portland, Northeast Portland, East Portland, or Outer East Portland each shift. Shift Range: Tuesday through Friday 9:00am-3:30pm; Some Mondays and weekends by arrangement *Must have a valid driver’s license, be comfortable driving a cargo van, and be able to present a clean 5-year driving record from the DMV. Must be able to lift and move 20 pounds throughout the shift each day. Required Training Dates: June 15 - June 18Lead Counselor: Performing Arts Camps Participates in program leadership and provides direction to non-lead counselors. Prior experience in music creation, digital music production and/or instrumental music generally enables employees in this position to be more successful. Location: Community Music Center programs at The Center Powered by Y.O.U.TH (SE 162nd & Stark) and neighboring park(s). Shift Range: Weekday mornings and afternoons. Required Training Dates: June 15 - June 18 |
Attendant 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. Attendant positions are for the Summer Free for All Cultural Events (Concerts, Movies and Special Events). Attendants monitor drop-in recreation activities in the area of assignment. Creates a welcoming atmosphere, engages with park and facility guests, provides excellent customer service and is a resource for PP&R information. Executes event set up and breakdown, maintains park spaces, monitors 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. Monitors participation and completes needed paperwork and record keeping. Ages: Attendant (Must be at least 17 years old) Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate): All attendant positions base pay is $19.99 - $23.33 (entry is $19.99) Training Pay: The training pay is $19.99 for all attendant positions. Attendant –Event Attendant Works as a member of a team to prepare for and deliver movies, concerts, and other special events as needed. Sets up and tears down equipment including stages, audio/visual equipment, inflatable movie screens, generators, tents, and other supplies. Loads and transports equipment to parks in city vehicles and operate a lift gate as needed. Creates a welcoming atmosphere, engages with park users and event guests of all ages, sponsors, food vendors, and performers. Provides excellent customer service and is a resource for PP&R information. Driver’s License preferred. Experience with audio/visual operations preferred. Required Summer Training dates: June 28th, June 29th, June 30th, and July 1st. You must be able to attend on all dates. Locations: Various parks around Portland Shift Ranges: Hours may be weekdays and weekends, afternoons, evenings, and late evenings up to and past midnight. |
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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