Recreation Leader
Join our team of fun and enthusiastic recreation staff this summer and enjoy working outside while leading youth and teens in a variety of fun camp settings. The City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department is currently accepting applications for part-time, non-benefited Recreation Leaders. Employment runs from June 15
August 25, 2026. Hours are typically Monday - Friday and may range from 7:30 am
6:00 pm depending on job and shift assignment. A paid ninety-minute onboarding session must be attended prior to start date. Other recreation program opportunities such as special events, track meets, athletic facility monitoring and concerts may be scheduled in addition to camp duties. At the completion of summer camp, staff may also be eligible for part time work in general recreation programs. This is an on-going recruitment to fill current and future staffing needs throughout the year. This recruitment may be closed at any time based on departmental needs. The initial application review will begin on March 16, 2026. The Recreation Leader provides support in the implementation of recreational programs and events. Interacts with participants, leads activities and provides information and education. Prepares recreational facilities for participant use and monitors recreational activities to ensure a safe environment for participants. The Parks & Recreation Department currently has the following vacancies for the 2026: Summer Program Staff/Recreation Leaders (up to 8 positions) Responsibilities include instructing and leading day camp activities and programs for youth and teens ages 6 - 16 years old in a variety of settings. Qualifications include prior experience working with youth and teens and/or camp leadership, leading games and outdoor activities, and knowledge of outdoor skills. Candidates must be team players, flexible, patient and comfortable working with participants of all abilities. This year programs include: Camp Cordata and BellingCamp (up to 6 positions) Bellingham Parks & Recreation will be offering three on-site day camps for youth called BellingCamp (BC) and Camp Cordata. BellingCamp will take place at Bloedel Donovan Park for 9 weeks and provide dynamic summer programming for kids 6 - 8 and 9 - 12 years old. Camp Cordata will be hosted at the Cordata Park Pavilion for 5 weeks and provide a fun setting for children 7 - 12 years old. Staff are responsible for instructing and leading day camp activities under the guidance of their Camp Director. Staff must be good natured, fun, creative, energetic and thrive in busy environments. Camps run Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:30 pm. Staff shifts may range between 7:30 am - 6:00 pm. Adventure Day Camp (up to 1 position) Adventure Day Camp is a 4-day a week, off-site, field trip-based camp that travels throughout the region and neighboring communities visiting parks, lakes, local businesses and more. Two staff drive a 15-passenger van and work with up to 13 children, ages 10 - 14 years old, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Thursday. Staff hours are typically 8:30 am
4:30 pm. On Fridays, hours vary, and additional hours may be available for special events and other programs. Staff should have behavior management skills, be comfortable driving a large vehicle, have safety and risk management skills, be organized, professional, flexible, and have exceptional time management skills. Please note: If applying for this position it is preferred that you are 21 or older as you may be required to drive a van. VolunTeens (up to 1 position) This program is designed for youth ages 13 - 16 years old and provides them with an opportunity to volunteer in a variety of settings while having fun. Also created as an off-site, field-trip based offering, two staff members will work with up to 10 participants and travel in a 12-passenger van. The program will be offered Monday - Thursday for 5 weeks throughout the summer and hours will be 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Staff hours will typically be 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Staff should be well organized, professional, fun and willing to work beside teen participants while accomplishing volunteer projects. All destinations will be planned and organized but will require weekly confirmation and communication. Please note: If applying for this position it is preferred that you are 21 or older as you may be required to drive a van. This position will start at Step 1 ($21.08/hour). Employees receive step increases in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $21.08 - $27.49. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. This position becomes represented by the Local 1937 bargaining unit after the completion of 1040 hours working an average of at least 12 hours per week, on an annual basis. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page. This position is not eligible for benefits except as required by law. This position will interact with and assist program participants, lead indoor and outdoor recreational activities and provide information and education in assigned program or event. Prepares recreational facilities for use; ensures that appropriate equipment and materials are available for classes and events; performs setup and take down of activities, supplies and equipment including tables, chairs and tents. Performs basic routine custodial tasks including litter pick-up and facility cleaning. Ensures a safe and appropriate environment for all participants and staff. Performs other related duties as assigned. Assists in maintaining a variety of records. Work is performed year round in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor public facilities and environments, including, but not limited to classrooms, stadiums, gyms, parks, trails, swimming areas and public attractions. Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job including: Ability to carry, lift and set up tables and chairs up to 25lbs; Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, ability to kneel, crouch, or bend at the waist to lift materials up to 25lbs; Ability to hear and speak sufficiently to communicate in classroom or recreational environment; Ability to work outside in inclement weather conditions. Minimum of six months experience working with the public. Experience leading recreation activities preferred. Experience working with people of all ages and abilities preferred. A combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above work is required. Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and child and vulnerable adult abuse records check (see Fair Hiring Practices below). Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire. Some positions require a valid Washington State Driver's License and good driving record as verified by a three-year driving abstract at time of hire. Must be at least 16 years old. Must possess or obtain First Aid and CPR certification within two weeks of hire and maintain currency throughout employment. Must possess or obtain Food Handler Card within two weeks of hire and maintain currency throughout employment. Must be willing and able to work various shifts depending upon the needs of the department, including evenings and weekends. You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along. Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City's commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed. This is a continuous recruitment. Complete applications will be sent to the department for further review. The Parks & Recreation department will contact the top candidates to schedule interviews. Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers. Equal Opportunity: Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment. Fair Hiring Practices The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment. The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made
Join our team of fun and enthusiastic recreation staff this summer and enjoy working outside while leading youth and teens in a variety of fun camp settings. The City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department is currently accepting applications for part-time, non-benefited Recreation Leaders. Employment runs from June 15
August 25, 2026. Hours are typically Monday - Friday and may range from 7:30 am
6:00 pm depending on job and shift assignment. A paid ninety-minute onboarding session must be attended prior to start date. Other recreation program opportunities such as special events, track meets, athletic facility monitoring and concerts may be scheduled in addition to camp duties. At the completion of summer camp, staff may also be eligible for part time work in general recreation programs. This is an on-going recruitment to fill current and future staffing needs throughout the year. This recruitment may be closed at any time based on departmental needs. The initial application review will begin on March 16, 2026. The Recreation Leader provides support in the implementation of recreational programs and events. Interacts with participants, leads activities and provides information and education. Prepares recreational facilities for participant use and monitors recreational activities to ensure a safe environment for participants. The Parks & Recreation Department currently has the following vacancies for the 2026: Summer Program Staff/Recreation Leaders (up to 8 positions) Responsibilities include instructing and leading day camp activities and programs for youth and teens ages 6 - 16 years old in a variety of settings. Qualifications include prior experience working with youth and teens and/or camp leadership, leading games and outdoor activities, and knowledge of outdoor skills. Candidates must be team players, flexible, patient and comfortable working with participants of all abilities. This year programs include: Camp Cordata and BellingCamp (up to 6 positions) Bellingham Parks & Recreation will be offering three on-site day camps for youth called BellingCamp (BC) and Camp Cordata. BellingCamp will take place at Bloedel Donovan Park for 9 weeks and provide dynamic summer programming for kids 6 - 8 and 9 - 12 years old. Camp Cordata will be hosted at the Cordata Park Pavilion for 5 weeks and provide a fun setting for children 7 - 12 years old. Staff are responsible for instructing and leading day camp activities under the guidance of their Camp Director. Staff must be good natured, fun, creative, energetic and thrive in busy environments. Camps run Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:30 pm. Staff shifts may range between 7:30 am - 6:00 pm. Adventure Day Camp (up to 1 position) Adventure Day Camp is a 4-day a week, off-site, field trip-based camp that travels throughout the region and neighboring communities visiting parks, lakes, local businesses and more. Two staff drive a 15-passenger van and work with up to 13 children, ages 10 - 14 years old, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Thursday. Staff hours are typically 8:30 am
4:30 pm. On Fridays, hours vary, and additional hours may be available for special events and other programs. Staff should have behavior management skills, be comfortable driving a large vehicle, have safety and risk management skills, be organized, professional, flexible, and have exceptional time management skills. Please note: If applying for this position it is preferred that you are 21 or older as you may be required to drive a van. VolunTeens (up to 1 position) This program is designed for youth ages 13 - 16 years old and provides them with an opportunity to volunteer in a variety of settings while having fun. Also created as an off-site, field-trip based offering, two staff members will work with up to 10 participants and travel in a 12-passenger van. The program will be offered Monday - Thursday for 5 weeks throughout the summer and hours will be 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Staff hours will typically be 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Staff should be well organized, professional, fun and willing to work beside teen participants while accomplishing volunteer projects. All destinations will be planned and organized but will require weekly confirmation and communication. Please note: If applying for this position it is preferred that you are 21 or older as you may be required to drive a van. This position will start at Step 1 ($21.08/hour). Employees receive step increases in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $21.08 - $27.49. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. This position becomes represented by the Local 1937 bargaining unit after the completion of 1040 hours working an average of at least 12 hours per week, on an annual basis. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page. This position is not eligible for benefits except as required by law. This position will interact with and assist program participants, lead indoor and outdoor recreational activities and provide information and education in assigned program or event. Prepares recreational facilities for use; ensures that appropriate equipment and materials are available for classes and events; performs setup and take down of activities, supplies and equipment including tables, chairs and tents. Performs basic routine custodial tasks including litter pick-up and facility cleaning. Ensures a safe and appropriate environment for all participants and staff. Performs other related duties as assigned. Assists in maintaining a variety of records. Work is performed year round in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor public facilities and environments, including, but not limited to classrooms, stadiums, gyms, parks, trails, swimming areas and public attractions. Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job including: Ability to carry, lift and set up tables and chairs up to 25lbs; Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, ability to kneel, crouch, or bend at the waist to lift materials up to 25lbs; Ability to hear and speak sufficiently to communicate in classroom or recreational environment; Ability to work outside in inclement weather conditions. Minimum of six months experience working with the public. Experience leading recreation activities preferred. Experience working with people of all ages and abilities preferred. A combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above work is required. Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and child and vulnerable adult abuse records check (see Fair Hiring Practices below). Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire. Some positions require a valid Washington State Driver's License and good driving record as verified by a three-year driving abstract at time of hire. Must be at least 16 years old. Must possess or obtain First Aid and CPR certification within two weeks of hire and maintain currency throughout employment. Must possess or obtain Food Handler Card within two weeks of hire and maintain currency throughout employment. Must be willing and able to work various shifts depending upon the needs of the department, including evenings and weekends. You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along. Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City's commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed. This is a continuous recruitment. Complete applications will be sent to the department for further review. The Parks & Recreation department will contact the top candidates to schedule interviews. Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers. Equal Opportunity: Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment. Fair Hiring Practices The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment. The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made