Recreation Employment - Community Centers (Ages 15+) - Talent Pool
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Multiple Locations, OR
Job Type
Casual
Job Number
2026-00642
Bureau
Portland Parks & Recreation
Opening Date
07/06/2026
Closing Date
12/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
The Position
Are you looking for a part-time job that is flexible and fun? Portland Parks & Recreation is hiring at Community Centers across Portland!
Were collecting names of people who are interested in working future part-time or seasonal jobs with Portland Parks. This doesn't mean there's a job open right now, but we're happy you're interested! We might not contact you right away. When jobs do open, we will connect you if youre selected for an interview.
The following positions are part of our talent pool and may have future openings:
Here are the jobs you can apply to on this application. Click on them to learn more.
Recreation Associate Jobs:
Parks Activities Specialist Jobs:
Recreation Associate Pay:
that requires direction and coaching of other Recreation Support Staff. For more information, please click here.
Parks Activities Specialist Pay:
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 hereParks Activities Specialist Union:
These positions are not represented by a Union.
Summary: Portland Parks & Recreation is hiring part-time employees for community centers around Portland! These jobs help run programs like school break camps, sports, art, and after-school activities. We are looking for people who can work as Counselors, Attendants, Customer Service Representatives, and Instructors.
Note: This is a talent pool and is collecting a list of people who are interested in the job. When a job opens up, we will look at your application to decide who to invite for an interview.
Job Type: Casual, Part-time. This job posting is for several positions, which are classified by the City of Portland as either Recreation Associates or Parks Activities Specialists.
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 around Portland. When you apply you can choose as many Community Centers as you want 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
Bureau of Human Resources
Loan.Tran@portlandoregon.gov
To Qualify
Qualifications Needed:
The Recruitment Process
How to Apply:
Hiring Process:
Step 1: Apply online between July 06, 2026 - December 28, 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 talent pool 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 by area:
North Portland:
Charles Jordan Community Center
Peninsula Park Community Center
St. Johns Community Center
Northeast Portland:
Matt Dishman Community Center
Montavilla Community Center
Southwest Portland:
Southwest Community Center
Southeast Portland:
East Portland Community Center
Mt. Scott Community Center
Woodstock Community Center
Additional Information
Counselor Jobs (Recreation Associates)
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 $20.59 - $24.03 (entry is $20.59)
Lead Counselor premium pay is $22.59 - $26.03 (entry is $22.59)
Training Pay: The training pay is $20.59 for all counselor positions.
Counselor: After School Program
Help with after-school programs and instruction.
Locations: Charles Jordan, Peninsula Park, and St. Johns Community Centers.
Shift Range: Weekday afternoons and evenings between 1:45pm-6:15pm.
Lead Counselor: After School Program
Help with after-school programs and instruction. Participates in program leadership and provides direction to counselor staff.
Location: Peninsula Park Community Center.
Shift Range: Weekday afternoons from 3:00-6:00pm.
Counselor: No School Day Camps
Help with youth camps on no-school days during Winter and Spring breaks. Shifts can include mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, and Southwest Community Centers.
Shift Range: Winter Break or Spring Break only. Weekday early mornings, mornings, afternoon, and evenings during PPS no school days.
Lead Counselor: No School Day Camps
Help with youth camps on no-school days during Winter and Spring breaks. Participates in program leadership and provides direction to counselor staff.
Locations: East Portland, Matt Dishman, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, and Southwest Community Centers.
Shift Range: Winter Break or Spring Break only. Weekday early mornings, mornings, afternoon, and evenings during PPS no school days.
Attendant Jobs (Recreation Associates)
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.
Attendants will monitor drop-in recreation activities in their assignment. Staff create a welcoming atmosphere, engage with park and facility guests, provide excellent customer service and are a resource for PP&R information. Duties include maintaining clean facilities and/or park spaces, monitoring the use of space and needs of guests, being proactive in addressing potential safety concerns, upholding the PP&R code of conduct, and communicating with supervisors, rangers, and security under established guidelines. Attendants monitor participation and complete needed paperwork and record keeping.
Ages:
Attendant (Must be at least 15 years old)
Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate):
Attendant base pay is $20.59 - $24.03 (entry is $20.59)
Training Pay: The training pay is $20.59 for all attendant positions.
Attendant - Facility Attendant
Maintains cleanliness and order of facility, stocks inventory, conducts set-up and take down of equipment for programs and rentals, physically moves items from space to space inside the facility and outdoors. Fosters an environment that is organized, safe, and welcoming.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, and St. Johns Community Centers.
Shift Ranges: Can include weekday and weekend early mornings, mornings, afternoon, and evenings, and possible holidays.
Attendant - Drop-in Attendant
Oversees Drop-In activity, gathers equipment needed, maintains a safe and clean space, and engages with participants, notify participants of the end of the activity time, returns all equipment to proper storage. Proactively addressing safety concerns, monitoring participation, and maintaining necessary paperwork and records are key aspects of their responsibilities. Fosters an environment that is organized, safe, and welcoming.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, and Southwest Community Centers.
Shift Ranges: Can include weekday and weekend early mornings, mornings, afternoon, and evenings, and possible holidays.
Attendant - Event Hosts
Facilitates rental set-up and clean-up and physically moves items from space to space inside the facility and outdoors. Leads party package activities. Fosters an environment that is organized, safe, and welcoming.
Locations: East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, and Peninsula Park Community Centers.
Shift Ranges: Can include weekday and weekend early mornings, mornings, afternoon, and evenings; possible after-hours rentals and holidays.
Customer Service Representative Jobs (Recreation Associates)
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.
Customer Service Representatives are responsible for providing quality customer service to everyone, either on site or over the phone, when representing Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) in a variety of environments, including, but not limited to, PP&R Centers/buildings, pools, parks, outreach events, schools, and other places where PP&R provides programs, activities and/or information sessions. This includes frequent interaction with the public and Portland Parks & Recreation staff.
Ages:
Customer Service Representative (Must be at least 18 years old)
Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate):
Customer Service Representative base pay is $20.59 - $24.03 (entry is $20.59)
Training Pay: The training pay is $20.59 for all customer service positions.
Customer Service Representative
Complete registrations for activities and process and collect admissions for drop-in activities including aquatic and fitness programs, tennis courts, and art studios. Demonstrate superior customer service skills. Provide facility reservation information, schedule lessons, sell concessions, process payments, answer phones, provide clerical support, take messages, and support facility rentals. Assist with cleaning and maintaining the facility throughout the day.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, and Southwest Community Centers.
Shift Ranges: Can include weekday and weekend early mornings, mornings, afternoon, and evenings, and possible holidays.
Instructor Jobs (Parks Activities Specialists)
These jobs are not union represented.
Instructors prepare and present introductory lessons/activities for programs and classes for a variety of age ranges including preschool, youth, teen, and adult. Areas of assignment are as follows: messy art, cooking, dance exploration, music exploration, sports, and movement, tumbling and dance exploration, fine arts, writing, and languages. Instructors create a welcoming atmosphere, engage with park and facility guests, provide excellent customer service and are a resource for PP&R information. Instructors will maintain clean facilities and/or park spaces, monitor 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. Instructors monitor participation and complete needed paperwork and record keeping.
Ages:
Instructor (Must be at least 15 years old)
Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate):
Instructor I base pay is $19.61 - $22.88 (entry is $19.61)
Instructor II base pay is $21.79 - $28.87 (entry is $21.79-$25.06 based on experience)
Training Pay: Instructor training pay is $19.61 for all instructor positions.
Instructor I - Assistant Instructor
Assistant instructors support delivery of a variety of classes and activities. They are an aid to program delivery and not responsible for the lesson planning or class content.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, Southwest, and Woodstock Community Centers.
Shift Range: All operating hours.
Instructor II - General Instructor
General Instructors are responsible for lesson planning, class content, and instruction for a variety of general recreation activities including art, music, cooking, movement, dance, tumbling, gymnastics, and sports. Specialty art, music, fitness, and tennis programs employ specialty instructors.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, Southwest, and Woodstock Community Centers.
Shift Range: All operating hours.
Click here for additional information regarding the following:
An Equal Opportunity Employer
This summary outlines the benefit programs, actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.
The City of Portland offers a comprehensive benefit package that is competitive with other private and public sector employers.
More detailed information can be obtained by calling the Health & Financial Benefits Office at 503-823-6031.
Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)
Casual employees can become eligible for health benefits (medical, dental & vision) through Affordable Care Act (ACA) employer provisions if they meet the necessary paid hours requirement, as determined by the Health & Financial Benefits Office.
Retirement
Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
The City currently pays the employees share of the retirement contribution.
Employees who are OPSRP members are vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65 (age 60 for police and fire.)
Sick Leave
Casual employees accrue sick leave as outlined in the City of Portland protected sick time law.
Family Medical Leave
In accordance with federal and state law, and the City policy for family medical leave, the City grants family and medical leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical related reasons.
01
Thank you for your interest in working with the City of Portland! We appreciate your time and want to make sure your application process goes smoothly. The questions that follow are important because they help us see if you meet the basic requirements of the job.
Your answers to these questions really matter. They give us information we need to know about your qualifications, ability, and availability.
Note: If you are asking for Veterans Preference, please attach a copy of your DD2-14 and/or Benefit letter. Make sure all documents are uploaded by the deadline mentioned in this job posting.
Have you read and understood everything above?
02
Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)
03
The City of Portland receives public records requests at times. Please indicate which response you find appropriate: (Answer will not disqualify you from the process)
04
Have you worked for Portland Parks & Recreation before?
05
If you answered Yes to question 4, tell us the job you had with Portland Parks & Recreation and when you had it.
06
How old are you?
07
If you are submitting an interest for a Counselor position, choose the job(s) youre interested in. Select "N/A" if none apply. You can choose more than one. (These jobs are also called Recreation Associates). Not all positions are available for all locations.
08
If you are submitting an interest for an Attendant position, choose the jobs youre interested in. Select "N/A" if none apply. You can choose more than one. (These jobs are also called Recreation Associates). Not all positions are available for all locations.
09
If you are submitting an interest for a Customer Service position, choose the job youre interested in. Select "N/A" if you dont want to be a Customer Service Representative. (These jobs are also called Recreation Associates).
10
If you are submitting an interest for an Instructor position, choose the jobs youre interested in. Select "N/A" if none apply. You can choose more than one. (These jobs are also called Parks Activities Specialists).
11
If you selected an Instructor in question 10, please tell us what kinds of classes you would like to or can teach. Examples: a culturally specific art style, music or instrument, activities like skateboarding or gymnastics, or general topics like art or sports & games. If you did not choose this position, type "N/A." for Not Applicable.
12
How many hours a week can you work? (There are no wrong answers, and you can choose more than one if you have that flexibility).
13
Choose the location(s) where you'd like to work. You can pick more than one. (Please note that not all jobs are available at every location.)
14
I understand this is a talent pool to gather interest, and there are no set dates for interviews or hiring. I know I will only be contacted if a job opens up, and that might take some time.
15
If you can speak, read, or write in a language other than English, please tell us which one(s). Let us know if you can speak, read, and/or write in that language. If this does not apply to you, type N/A.
16
Please include your pronouns (optional).
Required Question
Employer City of Portland
Address 1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 987
Portland, Oregon, 97204