Recreation Leader - Discover the Outdoors

Benefit type: part-time non benefited

Benefits available: For a full description of our benefits, please click here.

About the job:

Outdoor Recreation Leaders instruct and lead activities in accordance with prescribed curriculum. You will interact with youth, facilitate activities and supervise some aspects of youth recreation programs, providing safe and rewarding opportunities for youth in fun outdoor experiences. This is a van-based program that picks up under-resourced participants at various low-income housing apartments or mobile home parks around Bend. "Discover the Outdoor" program explores state parks, team building activities, hiking trails, water activities, and staff help kids develop a positive relationship with the outdoors. Each camp will be targeted to engage ten middle-school aged youth.

A day in the life:

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:  

• Interacts with youth through outdoor activities, i.e.; hiking, floating, nature talks, games, and other recreational activities.
• Provides care and oversee the safety of youth in programs.
• Provides leadership, role modeling and direction to volunteers.
• Creates daily plans for classes and activities within established guidelines and curriculum.
• Oversees the safety, comfort and progress of participants.
• Adapts activities as needed to meet the abilities and needs of individuals.
• Prepares equipment, materials and supplies required for conducting activities
• Sets up, takes downs and cleans-up after class as required.
• Completes required class records, progress reports, certificates, etc.
• Communicates effectively with the public including providing accurate information related to work assignment and responding to patron and parent questions and concerns.
• Respond to accidents and incidents according to procedure.
• Acts as a Mandatory Reporter; reports incidents of child abuse/neglect.

Schedule:

• This camp will start at the end of June and run for eight sessions for youth ages 11 - 15.
• 32-36hrs per week
• Program runs Monday through Thursday

What you’ll need for success:

Strong Knowledge of:

• Basic recreation activity planning, class management techniques and leadership strategies,
• Progressive methods for teaching skills associated with assignment; and,
• Basic youth development principle

Skill and Ability to:

• Plan, lead and instruct assigned recreation activities;
• Understand the needs of participants and adapt accordingly;
• Motivate participants through positive encouragement;
• Demonstrate skills responsible for teaching;
• Perform independently within a structured environment;
• Interact effectively with a variety of patrons/participants;
• Establish and maintain positive, respectful and cooperative working relationships with all contacts.
• Communicate effectively, tactfully, and pleasantly with the public, others, and especially with the families since this is many of their first experiences in recreation programs.

What we’re looking for:

Education, Experience and Training:

1. Must be a minimum of 16 years of age; AND
2. Currently attending high school; AND
3. Some previous work, training/certification or volunteer experience related to position; OR
4. Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training. 
5. Bilingual in English and Spanish, preferred (additional compensation for this skill) 

License and Certifications:

1. Some positions may require possession of a driver's license and have 3 years of an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy.

2. Some positions may require possession of CPR/First Aide certification to be provided through on-the-job training.

3. Some positions may require certification related to assigned job to be provided through on-the-job training.

Supervision Received:

Works under the general supervision of a supervisor. Receives ongoing and specific direction from lead and supervisory staff. Carries out work with some independence but work and decisions are typically reviewed prior to final execution.

Supervision Exercised:

Supervision is not a responsibility of this position; however, position may provide direction over Recreation 1’s and volunteers.

Working Conditions:

The following are working conditions, including environmental and physical demands, required for this classification.

• Depending on job assignment, duties may be performed either indoors or outdoors, which may include exposure to environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures.
• Work schedule is varied and may require evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to walk and stand for sustained periods of time with frequent climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting.
• The flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time.
• Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending, and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted, pushing, pulling, and kneeling in order to deliver equipment and supplies and set-up and break-down equipment and facilities.
• Exposure to large crowds, uncooperative or difficult individuals, exposure to illness, and periods of continuous demand.

Selection Process:

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. An offer of employment is contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by Bend Park & Recreation District policies, including a background check and a driving history review when driving is required for position.

Veteran Preference Status

Under Oregon law, veterans who meet minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for employment preference. To qualify for veterans’ preference, you must submit required documentation prior to the closing date of the recruitment. Veterans’ preference cannot be awarded without required documentation. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain preferences will also apply to current and former members of the Oregon National Guard. For more information on if you qualify for veterans’ preference visit   https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/veterans-preference.aspx 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Bend Park and Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Application consideration and wage calculation:

To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete online application. Your application materials and any submitted responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation. Incomplete information may result in disqualification and/or affect your starting wage.

Bend Park & Recreation District Core Competencies:

All positions with Bend Park and Recreation District are subject to district and position competencies. Below is a list of the most critical competencies for this position. Additional competencies are required for the position and may change based on needs. A complete list of the competencies is available from Human Resources.

• Accountability • Customer Service Orientation • Safety • Judgment and Decision Making • Teamwork and Cooperation • Results Orientation •