Recreation Program Specialist - Teen Late Night

About Seattle Parks and Recreation: Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value. 

Equity & Inclusion: Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs and facilities.

About The Division: SPR’s Recreation Division eliminates barriers through responsive, exceptional recreation services. We operate over 50 recreation facilities (community centers, teen centers, pools, school-based learning centers, environmental learning centers, boating and sailing centers) and provide opportunities for people to play, learn, and lead healthy, active lives. Our programs and events include fitness and athletics, licensed childcare and preschool, swimming and boating, youth development and job preparation, academic enrichment, and more -- including programs designed for older adults and people with disabilities, as well as grant and partnership programs designed and implemented with communities.

Are you looking for a new opportunity in 2026 to jump-start your career in Parks and Recreation youth programming?  Are you passionate about community-based teen programming?  Do you enjoy working with diverse community partners?  Do you want an important role as the front line to superior customer service with an organization that shares your values and provides opportunities for growth and development? If you answered “Yes” to these questions, the Recreation Specialist position might be the right job for you!

Seattle Parks and Recreation is seeking to fill a part-time (0.5 FTE) benefited Late Night Recreation Program Specialist position based out of our SW Region at the South Park Community Center and High Point Community Center. The position can work more than the minimum 0.5 FTE (20 hours/week) up to a full 40hrs/week. The Late-Night Program started in 1987 at the Rainier Community Center in South Seattle and now involves multiple locations across the city. This program regularly serves teens every Friday and Saturday night until midnight in the South Park and High Point neighborhoods. The Late-Night Program also contributes to community events, hosts its own weekly programs, and engages teens and tweens in schools. This is a public-facing job with high levels of customer service and community engagement. This position supervises multiple staff, and is in charge of programming, scheduling, hiring, staffing, and purchasing. High levels of creativity, an outgoing and social attitude, and the ability to network will go very far in this role. If selected for an interview, you will be notified by invitation to select an interview time during our interview days. Interviews may be in-person or virtual. This position is required to work nights and weekends, until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays

• Plan, develop and coordinate a specialized program of recreational activities.  
• Consult with leaders and specialists to interpret programs and provide assistance and guidance. 
• Assign and monitor the work of leaders, attendants and volunteers involved in providing recreational programs for special populations; some positions may supervise subordinate staff.   
• Review and prepare recommendations on general policies regarding handicapped, youth, adult and senior adult recreation programs. 
• Prepare budget recommendations for program area; and monitor budget expenditures as needed. 
• Recommend new recreation programs; and coordinate the implementa¬tion of approved programs. 
• Disseminate program information to individuals, groups and the general public; and meet with neighborhood and community groups to plan for special events and identify recreation program needs. 
• Plan, organize and conduct specific recreation programs and/or activities for special population groups. 
• Plan and conduct in-service training programs for subordinate and volunteer staff. 
• Organize, direct and coordinate the activities of appropriate Advisory Councils. 
• Arrange for the use of other facilities for recreation programs or special events; and recruit officials or instructors for programs. 
• Maintain records and prepare reports on program activities, invoices, attendance forms, work orders and registration. 
• Prepare press releases and other promotional materials for program; and submits to supervisor for review. 
• Purchase and maintain program supplies and equipment. 
• Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:  

• Associates degree or equivalent in public service, social work, recreation, education – especially with teen populations. 
• At least 2 years involvement with community-based teen programming.
• Experience in after school programming for youth and teens in schools, non-profits, or government service. 
• Experience in hiring and supervising staff. 
• Experience in RSJI (Race and Social Justice Initiatives) at the community level. 
• Training in De-escalation techniques and trauma-informed care.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

• Current Washington State driver's license. 
• First Aid and CPR Certificate within six months of hire. 
• Will be required to work evenings and weekends.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Required to work outdoors in all types of weather. 
• Potential exposure to hostile program participants. 
• Requires long periods of standing or walking. 
• Required to lift up to 50 pounds.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $43.42 to $50.56 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation time, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov

SPR’s Core Competencies are:

• Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high-quality standards.
• Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
• Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
• Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
• Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.