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Posted: March 2, 2026 (2 days ago)

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Summer Recreation Employment-Summer Free for All Free Lunch + Play Program (16+)

City of Portland

Portland Parks & Recreation

Fresh

Location

Salary

$19.99 - $25.33

per hour

Closes

April 28, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a counselor or lead in Portland's Summer Free for All program, where you'll help provide free lunches and fun play activities for kids in local parks during the summer months.

It's a flexible, part-time role perfect for young adults or students who enjoy working with children, being outdoors, and promoting inclusive community events.

Ideal candidates are enthusiastic team players committed to diversity, equity, and creating positive experiences for youth from all backgrounds.

Key Requirements

  • Must be at least 16 years old for Counselor roles (18+ for Lead Counselor)
  • Available for mandatory training the week of June 15 and program dates from late June to late August
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in all interactions
  • Ability to work flexible hours including days, evenings, weekends, and possibly holidays
  • Experience or interest in working with youth and facilitating recreational activities
  • Reliable attendance and adaptability to varying weekly hours based on program needs
  • Pass background check and any required health screenings for working with children

Full Job Description


Summary:
Are you looking for a job that is flexible and fun? Portland Parks & Recreation is hiring for summer jobs across Portland!
Recreation Associate Jobs:
  • Counselor: Free Lunch and Play Park Site (16+)
  • Counselor: On-Call Sub Free Lunch and Play Park Site (16+)
  • Lead Counselor: Free Lunch and Play Park Site (18+)

Recreation Associate Pay:

  • Training Pay is $19.99 for all Recreation Associate jobs
  • Counselor and Lead Counselor base pay is $19.99 - $23.33 (entry is $19.99)
  • 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.

  • The premium pay range listed includes the $2.00 premium.
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 people for summer Recreation Employment opportunities for the Summer Free for All Free Lunch + Play program in parks.

Portland Parks & Recreation strives to hire people that share in our mission of providing inclusive programming that celebrates and reflects the diversity of Portland and the youth we serve and align with City of Portland's core values of Anti-Racism and Equity.

This includes a daily commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.

FREE LUNCH + PLAY

The Free Lunch + Play program runs from late-June to late August with mandatory training dates the week of June 15. This is intended for summer employment.


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 30th will be guaranteed an invitation to interview. Applications submitted after March 30th, 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 parks around Portland. When you apply you can only 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

Qualification Needed:
  1. Experience with playing, interacting, and providing positive experiences for youth and families.
  2. Ability to build relationships, solve conflicts, and collaborate with a team.
  3. Ability to communicate and engage 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.
Applicants must also:
  • For Counselor: Be at least 16 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 16 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 $19.599)

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.
  • The premium pay range listed includes the $2.00 premium.

Training Pay: The training pay is $19.99 for all counselor positions.

Counselor: Free Lunch + Play Park Site

Work outside in parks with youth and families come to play games, do arts and crafts, and enjoy the playground.

Daily tasks include playing with youth, promoting activities, interacting with park users, setting up equipment, cleaning, and taking down equipment.

Counselors will serve lunches to youth 18 and under, follow Federal rules for meal distribution, and provide great customer service.

They will work with and take directions from the Lead Counselor to make sure everyone has a fun and safe time.

Locations: Parks in North Portland, Northeast Portland, East Portland, Southeast Portland, Outer East Portland, and Southwest Portland (locations subject to change).

Shift Range: Monday through Friday 10am-2pm (Shifts may vary by site).

*Must be able to lift and move30pounds throughout the shift each day.

Counselor: On-Call Sub Free Lunch + Play Park Site

On-Call Substitute Counselors work at different Free Lunch + Play sites in Portland when needed. They do the same work as Free Lunch + Play Counselors (see above description).

Open shifts will be posted on a scheduling app, and substitutes can pick their shifts and locations.

On-Call subs need to be flexible and ready to work with different teams at various sites during the summer. They should also feel comfortable asking questions.

This job is excellent for anyone who needs schedule flexibility.

Locations: Parks in North Portland, Northeast Portland, East Portland, Southeast Portland, Outer East Portland, and Southwest Portland (locations subject to change).

Shift Range: Monday through Friday 10am-2pm (shifts may vary by park sites). On-call Sub hours will vary depending on staffing needs and sub availability.

*Must be able to lift and move 30 pounds throughout the shift each day.

Recreation Associate – Lead Counselor: Free Lunch + Play at Park Sites

Each site has one Lead Counselor who works all summer and supports 1 to 3 Counselors.

They create a positive atmosphere, build a strong team, and help ensure that Free Lunch + Play is friendly and fun for kids and families.

Lead Counselors are responsible for counting meals, recording daily attendance, submitting required paperwork, tracking staff hours, suggesting activities and setting the daily site schedule with the team.

They also provide customer service to the public and co-workers and communicate every day with Free Lunch + Play Recreation Leaders.

Locations: Parks in North Portland, Northeast Portland, East Portland, Southeast Portland, Outer East Portland, and Southwest Portland (locations may vary).

Shift Range: Monday through Friday 9:45am-2:00pm (shifts may vary by park sites).

*Must be able to lift and move30pounds throughout the shift each day.




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 / Affirmative Action Employer

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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/2/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/4/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-portlandor-5232344