Recreation Employment - Lifelong and Adaptive Recreation (Ages 18+) - Talent Pool

Recreation Employment - Lifelong and Adaptive Recreation (Ages 18+) - Talent Pool

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Multiple Locations, OR

Job Type

Casual

Job Number

2026-00641

Bureau

Portland Parks & Recreation

Opening Date

07/06/2026

Closing Date

12/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

Are you looking for a part-time job that is flexible and fun? Portland Parks & Recreation is hiring for the Lifelong and Adaptive Recreation team!

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 forecasted vacancies:

Here are the jobs you can apply to on this application. Click on them to learn more.

Recreation Associate Jobs:

• Counselor: Lifelong and Adaptive Program (18+)
• Lead Counselor: Trip Leader (18+)

Parks Activities Specialist Jobs:

• Instructor II: General Instructors (18+)
• Inclusion Assistant: Senior Center Project (18+)

Recreation Associate Pay:

• The training pay is $20.59 for all counselor positions.
• All Counselor base pay is $20.59 - $24.03 (entry is $20.59)
• Lead Counselor premium pay is $22.59 - $26.03 (entry is $22.59)
• 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 or leading trip excursions with Adaptive and Lifelong Recreation. For more information, please click here.
• The premium pay range listed includes the $2.00 premium.

Parks Activities Specialist Pay:

• The training pay is $19.61 for all instructor positions.

• Instructor II: General Instructor base pay is $21.79 - $28.87 (entry is $21.79 - $25.06 based on experience)

• Inclusion Assistant base pay is $21.61-$25.88 (entry is $21.61 or $22.61 based on experience)

• Premium will be applied to all hours worked as an inclusion assistant working directly with participants.

• The premium pay range listed includes the premium ($2.00 or $3.00 based on experience).

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 and Recreation Adaptive and Lifelong recreation are dedicated to ensuring access to recreational, educational, and wellness opportunities for adults age 60+ and people with disabilities. Programs are offered throughout Portland and include excursions and van trips, health and wellness, cooking, arts and crafts, music and dance, sports, and fitness, hiking and walking and much more.

We are looking for people that will lead van trips/excursions, teach classes on site at Community Centers or satellite facilities and/or virtually using an online platform and help facilitate virtual programs using an online platform.

If you are interested in applying as a certified Fitness instructor with Lifelong and Adaptive program, please apply to the Fitness Recruitment here (with link).

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, as well as virtual and partner locations. When you apply you can choose as many locations 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 for all jobs on this posting:

• Be able to create a welcoming and friendly environment.
• Know about the activities in your assigned area.
• Be able to talk and listen well with different kinds of people.
• Be able to spot and handle safety and emergency situations.
• Be able to solve problems and help with customer concerns.

The Recruitment Process

How to Apply:

• Click "APPLY" to submit your talent pool 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 July 06, 2026 to 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 list of talent pool 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

Virtual and partner locations also available.

Additional Information

Lead Counselor Jobs (Recreation Associates):

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. Counselors lead a variety of van trips and outings that include tours, hikes, meals, and social engagement, in addition to supporting the physical, social, and emotional well being of participants. Positions will be responsible for maintaining schedules, safety of participants and volunteers, and maintaining accurate program records.

Ages:

Counselor and 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)

• 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 of leading trip excursions with Adaptive and Lifelong. 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- Lifelong and Adaptive Program

Assist with Lifelong and Adaptive Recreation programs, following the guidance and direction from Lead Counselors and Recreation Coordinators.

Locations: East Portland Community Center, Matt Dishman Community Center, Montavilla Community Center, Mt. Scott Community Center, Peninsula Park Community Center, and Southwest Community Center and non-Parks satellite locations.

Shift Range: Weekdays and weekend mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

Lead Counselor - Trip Leader

Provide customer service to participants during a variety of outings/excursions for older adults or people with disabilities. Candidates should enjoy working/socializing with older adults or people with disabilities, be willing to assist with balancing participants while getting in and out of bus/van or at different activity venues, as needed. Will need to submit a DMV drivers record to drive City vehicles, bilingual preferred. Trips are varied with options Mon-Sat and occasionally Sundays.

• Van Trip Excursions can be 8-to-12-hour days where employees are responsible for transporting registered participants via minibus or 15-passenger van to tours/shows/activities.
• Meet us There trips can be 2-4 hour days and do not require driving. Counselors will meet at the location of trips within the Portland Metro Area. Counselors need to provide their own transportation and be able to walk 2 to 6 miles per outing.
• Hiking programs involve transporting registered participants via minibus or 15-passenger van to trailheads and leading the group on hikes. Shifts are 8-12 hours including 2-6 hours of total driving and up to 6 hours on trail.

Locations: Pick-up/Drop off at East Portland Community Center, Matt Dishman Community Center, Montavilla Community Center, Mt. Scott Community Center, Peninsula Park Community Center, and Southwest Community Center and non-Parks satellite locations.

Shift Range: Weekdays and weekend mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

Instructor Jobs (Parks Activities Specialists):

These jobs are not union represented.

Instructors prepare and present introductory lessons/activities for programs and classes. Areas of assignment are listed as follows: Creates a welcoming atmosphere, engages with participants, provides excellent customer service and is a resource for PP&R information. Staff help maintain clean facilities and/or 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. Duties include monitoring participation and completing needed paperwork and record keeping.

Ages:

Instructors (Must be at least 18 years old)

Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate):

Instructor II base pay is $21.79 - $28.87 (entry is $21.79-$25.06 based on experience)

Training Pay:

Instructor training wage is $19.61 for all instructor positions.

Instructor II: General Instructor

Instructors lead classes in a wide range of interests. 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. Class ideas could include textile dyeing, music instruction, memory writing, cultural enrichment, environmental education, and other continuing education activities. Instructors who teach virtually should be able to navigate Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, and can instruct others to do so as well.

Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Mt. Scott, Peninsula Park, St. Johns, Southwest Community Center, non-Parks satellite locations, and/or virtual using an online platform.

Shift Range: All operating hours.

Inclusion Assistant Jobs (Parks Activities Specialists)

These jobs are not union represented.

As part of the Adaptive Recreation program, the Inclusion Assistant provides on-site assistance to participants of all ages with physical, developmental and/or emotional disabilities as they integrate into general recreation programs. Duties include adapting activities, following inclusion or behavior plans, maintaining a safe environment, and promoting a participant's success in a program.

Ages:

Inclusion Assistant (Must be at least 18 years old)

Pay Range (applicants start at the entry hourly rate):

Inclusion Assistant - $21.61-$25.88 (entry is $21.61 or $22.61 based on experience)

• Premium will be applied to all hours worked as an inclusion assistant working directly with participants.
• The pay range listed includes the premium.

Training Pay: Inclusion Assistant training pay is $19.61 for all positions.

Senior Center Project Inclusion Assistant (This program is still pending):

The Senior Center Inclusion Assistant position will work with people with intellectual disabilities (IDD) who are over 50 years old, in a community-based program at 2 different PP&R sites- Charles Jordan Community Center and East Portland Community Center. The Inclusion Assistant aids participants living with a disability as they learn skills to integrate into retirement. Duties include adapting activities, following individual service plans, maintaining a safe environment, eating meals with participants, aid in toileting and promoting a participant's success in programs. Daily documentation on individuals meeting state requirements. Communication with caregivers, families and Recreation Coordinator.

Locations: Charles Jordan Community Center and East Portland Community Center

Shift Range: 3 - 5 days a week (M-F), 8:30AM - 1:30PM

Click here for additional information regarding the following:

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process - Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veterans Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations

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?

• Yes
• No - If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter on the announcement.

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)

• My application was submitted with the understanding that the City of Portland would keep the information confidential and would only disclose the information if ordered to do so. I would not have submitted this application without the promise of confidentiality.
• You may release my application; I am waiving confidentiality.

04

Have you worked for Portland Parks & Recreation before?

• Yes
• No

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?

• I am 18 or older.
• I am under 18. (This means you cant apply for this job.)

07

Which jobs(s) are you interested in? You can choose more than one.

• General Instructor
• Senior Center Project Inclusion Assistant (Program is pending)
• Counselor: Lifelong and Adaptive Program
• Lead Counselor: Trip Leader

08

If you chose General Instructor in question 7, please tell us what kinds of classes you can teach and whether you are interested in virtual or in-person instruction. Examples: a culturally specific art style, music or instrument, activities like skateboarding or gymnastics, or general topics like art or sports & games. Type N/A for Not Applicable if not applying for General Instructor

09

If you chose "Lead Counselor: Trip Leader" please indicate which type of program you are interested in working. You can select more than one if you are interested in that. Select N/A for Not Applicable if you did not choose this position.:

• Meet Us There
• Van Trips (requires driving 15-passenger vehicle)
• Hiking (requires driving 15-passenger vehicle)
• N/A - Not Applicable

10

If you selected the Van Trips or Hiking Lead Counselor positions in question 9, do you have a valid driver's license?

You will be required to submit a clean 5-year driving record from the DMV during the hiring process. Select N/A for Not applicable if you are not applying for these positions.

• Yes
• No
• N/A - Not Applicable

11

How many hours a week can you work? There are no wrong answers. (You can choose more than one if you have that flexibility).

• 5 - 10
• 10 - 20
• 20 - 30

12

Choose your preferred location(s). You can pick more than one.

• Sites in North Portland
• Sites in Northeast Portland
• Sites Inner East Portland
• Sites Outer East Portland
• Sites Southeast Portland
• Sites Southwest Portland

13

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.

• Yes
• No

14

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.

15

Please include your pronouns (optional).

Required Question

Employer City of Portland

Address 1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 987

Portland, Oregon, 97204

Website http://www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs