Recreation Employment - TeenForce Program (Ages 15+) - Talent Pool
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Multiple Locations, OR
Job Type
Casual
Job Number
2026-00645
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 staff to lead activities with the TeenForce program!
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:
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:
Training pay is $19.61 for all Parks Activities Specialist jobs.
General Instructor II base pay is $21.79 - $28.87 (entry is $21.79 - $25.06 based on experience)
USA Gymnastics certified instructors are eligible for a wage step increase.
Specialized Arts Instructor base pay is $32.68 - $41.40 (entry is $32.68 - $38.14 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 here Parks Activities Specialist Union:
These positions are not represented by a Union.
Summary:
TeenForce provides safe and fun spaces for teens to hang out with each other and surrounded by caring adults. Our staff are mentors who help teens in this recreation environment. They balance keeping the safe space with building positive relationships and making everyone feel welcome.
We offer classes, activities, events, and volunteer opportunities.
If you are interested in applying as a certified Fitness instructor with TeenForce, 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.
Schedule: TeenForce is open Monday through Friday during afternoon and evening hours. 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.
Community Center Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott and Southwest Community Centers. 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 listed on this application:
Qualifications needed for the Specialized Arts Instructor jobs, in addition to the 5 qualifications listed above:
Preferred Qualifications for Lead Counselor and Instructor positions
TeenForce Counselor
Knowledge and understanding of the TeenForce program (One way to become familiar with the program is by becoming a TeenForce pass holder. Contact your local community center to learn how.)
Lead Counselor and Instructor positions
High School Diploma or equivalent (preferred that candidates have finished high school or equivalent)
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 CenterNortheast Portland:
Matt Dishman Community Center
Montavilla Community Center
Southwest Portland:
Southwest Community Center
Southeast Portland:
East Portland Community Center
Mt. Scott Community Center
Additional Information
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 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.
Counselors are on-site engaging youth in low-key, drop-in areas and work the full length of the program hours.
Ages:
Counselors: Must be at least 15 years old
Lead Counselors: Must be at least 18 years old
Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate):
All counselor position base pay is: $20.59 - $24.03 (entry is $20.59)
Lead Counselor premium pay is: $22.59 - $26.03 (entry is $22.59)
that requires direction and coaching of other Recreation Support Staff. For more information, please click here.
Training Pay:
The training pay is $20.59 for all positions.
Counselor: TeenForce Program
Assist with drop-in TeenForce programming for youth, ages 10-20, following the guidance and direction from Lead Counselors and Recreation Leaders.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, and Southwest Community Centers.
Shift Range: Weekday afternoons and evenings. Occasional weekends.
Lead Counselor: TeenForce Program
Lead drop-in activities within the TeenForce program. Provide directions to Counselor staff based on guidance from Recreation Leaders.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, and Southwest Community Centers.
Shift Range: Weekday afternoons and evenings. Occasional weekends.
Instructor Jobs (Parks Activities Specialists):
These positions 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.
Instructors work only the days and times the specific class they teach is occurring.
Ages:
Instructor (Must be at least 18 years old)
Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate):
General Instructor II base pay is $21.79- $28.87 (entry is $21.79-$25.06 based on experience)
Specialized Arts Instructor base pay is $32.68 - $41.40 (entry is $32.68-$38.14 based on experience)
Training Pay: Instructor training pay is $19.61 for all instructor positions.
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.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, and Southwest Community Centers.
Shift Range: Weekday afternoons, and evenings.
Specialized Arts Instructor:
Specialized Arts Instructors lead private and group music lessons, ensemble/choir, specialized music(including culturally specific styles and genres), jewelry/metalsmithing, theatre, textiles, photography, drawing and painting, printmaking and book arts, literary arts, ballet academy, studio/professional dance, woodshop, sculpture, and ceramics.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott, and Southwest Community Centers.
Shift Range: Weekday afternoons, and evenings.
Requirements: Specialized Arts Instructors must meet the requirements below:
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 jobs youre interested in. Select "N/A" if none apply. You can choose more than one but please note the age requirements are different. (These jobs are also called Recreation Associates). Counselors are on-site engaging youth in low-key, drop-in areas and work the full length of the program hours.
08
If you selected a TeenForce Counselor (15+) in question 7, please share your knowledge or familiarity with the TeenForce program. (This is a preferred qualification and will not disqualify you if you do not have knowledge of the program. If you do not have knowledge of the program, please enter "N/A." Familiarity can be gained by becoming a TeenForce pass holder-contact your local community center to learn more.) *
09
If you chose any counselor position in question 7, choose the topics you are interested in leading. You can choose more than one. Select N/A if you did not choose this position.
10
If you selected any counselor position in question 7, please describe what types of activities you would like to lead, or any other relevant interests, hobbies, and experiences. If you did not apply for a counselor position, please put N/A for not applicable. *
11
If you are submitting an interest for an Instructor position, choose the jobs youre interested in. You can choose more than one. (These jobs are also called Parks Activities Specialists). (Must be 18 years of age or older) Instructors work only the days and times the specific class they teach is occurring. Select "N/A" if none apply.
12
If you chose "General Instructor" in question 11, please tell us what kinds of classes you can teach. (Type NA if you are not applying for General Instructor). Examples: a culturally specific art style, music or instrument, activities like skateboarding or gymnastics, or general topics like art or sports & games.
13
If you chose "Specialized Arts Instructor" in question 11, please describe how you meet the 500 hours of instruction experience requirement for the specific art discipline for which you are applying. This can include personal and professional instruction experience. Include any classes, programs, or volunteer work you've done related to what you'd like to teach, such as places you've taught, types of programs, hours of experience, dates, age groups, positions, and anything else important. Type "N/A" for Not Applicable if you are not applying for a Specialized Arts Instructor job.
14
If you chose "Specialized Arts Instructor" in question 11, tell us about any education, training, or non-teaching experience you have in your relevant field. You can also mention awards, exhibits, or performances if they apply. If you are not applying for this position, type "N/A" for Not Applicable.
15
If you chose "Specialized Arts Instructor" in question 11, please list the specific skills you teach. Examples: "Violin," "Calligraphy," "Watercolor," or "Musical Theatre." We encourage you to share details about your skills beyond one-word answers, including culturally specific or traditional art forms. Be prepared to show a work sample or do a demo in the interview. If you are not applying for this position, type "N/A" for Not Applicable.
16
If you chose TeenForce Lead Counselor in question 7 or any Instructor position in question 11, do you have a High School Diploma or equivalent? (It is preferred that applicants have finished high school or equivalent). You must be 18 or over to apply for these positions.
17
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).
18
Teen Force operates Monday through Friday, during afternoon and evening hours. What days/times are you available to work?
19
Choose the location(s) where you'd like to work. You can pick more than one.
(These are the only locations Teen Force is offered.)
20
Why are PP&R programs important to our communities? Why do you want to work with the Teen program?
21
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.
22
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.
23
Please include your pronouns (optional).
Required Question
Employer City of Portland
Address 1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 987
Portland, Oregon, 97204