Recreation Employment - Teen Program (Ages 15+) - Open Continuous *Revised*
City of Portland
Recreation Employment - Teen Program (Ages 15+) - Open Continuous *Revised*
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Recreation Employment - Teen Program (Ages 15+) - Open Continuous *Revised*
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Multiple Locations, OR
Job Type
Casual
Job Number
2025-00040
Bureau
Portland Parks & Recreation
Opening Date
01/06/2025
Closing Date
6/30/2025 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 staff to lead activities with the TeenForce program!
Here are the jobs you can apply to on this application. Click on them to learn more.
Recreation Associate Jo bs:
+ TeenForce Counselor (15+)
+ TeenForce Lead Counselor (18+)
Parks Activities Specialist Jobs:
+ General Instructor II (18+)
+ Fitness Instructor (18+)
+ Specialized Arts Instructor (18+)
Recreation Associate Pay:
+ The training pay is $19.52 for all counselor positions.
+ Counselor and Lead Counselor base pay is $19.52 - $22.78 (entry is $19.52)
+ Lead Counselor premium pay $21.52 - $24.78 (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 (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/documents/cop-2022-2026-collective-bargaining-agreement-laborers-local-483/download#page=78) .
+ The premium pay range listed includes the $2.00 premium.
Parks Activities Specialist Pay:
+ Training pay is $18.59 for all Parks Activities Specialist jobs.
+ General Instructor II base pay is $20.66 - $27.37 (entry is $20.66 - $27.37 based on experience)
+ USA Gymnastics certified instructors are eligible for a wage step increase.
+ Fitness Instructor base pay is $25.83 - $36.67 (entry is $25.83 - $28.93 based on certifications held).
+ Specialized Arts Instructor base pay is $30.99 - $39.25 (entry is $30.99 - $36.16 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 (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/documents/cop-2022-2026-collective-bargaining-agreement-laborers-local-483/) 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.
Note: This job is open for a long time. There are no set interviews or hiring dates. Applicants will be contacted when positions become available.
Job Type: Casual, Part-time.
Schedule: TeenForce is open Monday through Friday from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. 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, and Southwest. Mt. Scott community Center is currently closed for construction, but we are offering activities in the neighborhood within 3 miles of the center. 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. (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/class-comp/language-pay-differential-overview/language-pay-differential-eligibility)
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:
+ 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.
Qualifications needed for Fitness Instructor jobs, in addition to the 5 qualifications listed above:
1. One year of teaching experience.2. One certification from one of these approved organizations:
+ ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
+ ACE (American Council on Exercise)
+ AFAA (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America)
+ NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association)
+ NCSF (National Council on Strength and Fitness)
+ ISSA (International Sports Science Association)
+ NESTA (National Exercise and Sport Training Association)
+ NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
+ PCC Fitness Technology Degree
+ Cooper Institute Certification
+ Four-year college degree in a fitness related field (e.g., Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology)
+ Any accredited certification distributed by NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)
Qualifications needed for the Specialized Arts Instructor jobs, in addition to the 5 qualifications listed above:
+ Minimum of 500 hours of prior teaching experience for each discipline(s).
+ Have had significant traditional/non-traditional professional learning and/or development. Examples of this can include, but are not limited to:
+ An accredited degree or certificate program in a specialized art form(s) OR
+ Long-term self-lead practice of art form(s)/discipline(s), which may include teaching and/or continued education
The Recruitment Process
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 January 6, 2025 - June 30, 2025
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.
Community Centers by area:
North Portland:
Charles Jordan 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 (TeenForce operating within 3 miles of Mt. Scott at various locations.)
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 (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/documents/cop-2022-2026-collective-bargaining-agreement-laborers-local-483/)
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: $19.52 - $22.78 (entry is $19.52)
Lead Counselor premium pay is: $21.52 - $24.78 (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 (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/documents/cop-2022-2026-collective-bargaining-agreement-laborers-local-483/download#page=78) .
+ The premium pay range listed includes the $2.00 premium.
Training Pay:
The training pay is $19.52 for all positions.
Counselor: TeenForce Program
Assist with drop-in TeenForce programming for youth, ages 10-20.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott Neighborhood Programs, and Southwest Community Centers.
Shift Range: Weekday afternoons and evenings. Occasional weekends.
Lead Counselor: TeenForce Program
Assist with drop-in TeenForce programming for youth, ages 10-20. Participates in program leadership and provides direction to Counselor staff.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott Neighborhood Programs, 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:
Must be at least 18 years old
Pay Range (new employees start at the entry hourly rate):
General Instructor II base pay is $20.66- $27.37 (entry is $20.66-$23.76 based on experience)
-Fitness Instructor base pay is $25.83 - $36.67 (entry is $25.83-$28.92 based on certifications held)
-Specialized Arts Instructor base pay is $30.99 - $39.25 (entry is $30.99-$36.16 based on experience)
Training Pay:
Instructor training pay is $18.59 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. These activities include art, music, cooking, movement, dance, tumbling, gymnastics, and sports.
*USA Gymnastics certified instructors are eligible for a pay step increase.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott Neighborhood Programs, and Southwest Community Centers.
Shift Range: Weekday afternoons and evenings.
Fitness Instructor
Fitness Instructors lead group exercise and small group classes.
Locations: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, Mt. Scott Neighborhood Programs, and Southwest Community Centers.
Shift Range: Weekday afternoons and evenings.
Qualifications needed for Fitness Instructor jobs, in addition to the 5 qualifications listed above:
1. One year of teaching experience.2. One certification from one of these approved organizations:
+ ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
+ ACE (American Council on Exercise)
+ AFAA (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America)
+ NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association)
+ NCSF (National Council on Strength and Fitness)
+ ISSA (International Sports Science Association)
+ NESTA (National Exercise and Sport Training Association)
+ NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
+ PCC Fitness Technology Degree
+ Cooper Institute Certification
+ Four-year college degree in a fitness related field (e.g., Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology)
+ Any accredited certification distributed by NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)
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 Neighborhood Programs, and Southwest Community Centers.
Shift Range: Weekday afternoons and evenings.
Qualifications needed for the Specialized Arts Instructor jobs, in addition to the 5 qualifications listed above:
+ Minimum of 500 hours of prior teaching experience for each discipline(s).
+ Have had significant traditional/non-traditional professional learning and/or development. Examples of this can include, but are not limited to:
+ An accredited degree or certificate program in a specialized art form(s) OR
+ Long-term self-lead practice of art form(s)/discipline(s), which may include teaching and/or continued education
Click here (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/career-center/recruitment-policy) 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
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) (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bhr/67562)
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 (http://www.oregon.gov/PERS/)
Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
The City currently pays the employee's 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 (http://www.portlandoregon.gov/citycode/article/12414)
Casual employees accrue sick leave as outlined in the City of Portland protected sick time law.
Family Medical Leave (http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cfm?c=27799&a=12415)
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
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 between 15 - 17.
+ I am 18 or older.
07
If you are applying for a Counselor position, choose the jobs you're interested in. Select "N/A" if none apply. You can choose more than one. (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.
+ TeenForce Counselor (must be 15 or older)
+ TeenForce Lead Counselor (must be 18 or older)
+ N/A - Not Applicable
08
If you chose a Counselor position in question 7, what activities would you be interested in leading? Examples could be very specific activities or general topics to include sports or crafts. Type N/A for Not Applicable if not applying for any Counselor.
09
If you are applying for an Instructor position, choose the jobs you're interested in. Select "N/A" if none apply. 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.
+ General Instructor
+ Fitness Instructor
+ Specialized Arts Instructor
+ N/A - Not Applicable
10
If you chose "General Instructor" in question 9, 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.
11
If you selected Fitness Instructor in Question 9, do you currently hold the required certification(s)? You must have at least one approved certification to apply for the fitness job. Select N/A for Not Applicable if not applying for a Fitness Instructor
+ Yes
+ No - (This will disqualify you from this position. Please apply again when you hold the required certification or select a general instructor position.)
+ N/A - Not Applicable
12
If you selected Fitness Instructor position in question 9, what qualifying fitness certification(s) do you hold? You must have at least one approved certification from a bureau recognized organization for this Fitness job. (Please be ready to provide your certification(s) for review during the interview process.) Type N/A for Not Applicable if not applying for Fitness Instructor.
13
If you selected a Fitness Instructor position in question 9, please describe your experience teaching fitness classes. (One year of teaching experience is preferred for group exercise classes.) Type N/A for Not Applicable if not applying for Fitness Instructor.
14
If you selected Fitness Instructor position in question 9, what class(es) do you teach? Type N/A for Not Applicable if not applying for Fitness Instructor.
15
If you chose "Specialized Arts Instructor" in question 9, 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 experience. Type "N/A" for Not Applicable if you are not applying for a Specialized Arts Instructor job.
16
If you chose "Specialized Arts Instructor" in question 9, tell us about any education, training, or experience you have in your relevant field. 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. 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.
17
If you chose "Specialized Arts Instructor" in question 9, 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.
18
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).
+ 1-5
+ 5-10
+ 10-20
+ 20-30
19
Teen Force operates Monday through Friday from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. What days/times are you available to work?
20
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.)
+ Charles Jordan Community Center – 9009 N Foss Ave
+ East Portland Community Center – 740 SE 106th Ave
+ Matt Dishman Community Center – 77 NE Knott St
+ Montavilla Community Center – 8219 NE Glisan St
+ Mt.Scott Neighborhood Programs - Programs offered within 3 mile radius near 5530 SE 72nd Ave.
+ Southwest Community Center – 6820 SW 45th Ave
21
Why are PP&R programs important to our communities? Why do you want to work with the Teen program?
22
I understand there are no set interviews or hiring dates for this job. I understand that I will be contacted only when there are positions available, which may not happen right away.
+ Yes
+ No
23
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.
24
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
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