Recreation Employment – Music and Arts Centers (Ages 16+) - Talent Pool

PORTLAND, ORPosted 21 days ago

Job summary

• Job post source

  This job is directly from City of Portland

• Job overview

  This part-time, flexible Recreation Employment opportunity with City of Portland's Parks & Recreation Arts, Culture, and Special Events Division involves various roles such as Recreation Associates and Parks Activities Specialists to support community arts and recreation programs.

• Responsibilities and impact

  Applicants may work as attendants, customer service representatives, or instructors, engaging with the public, providing excellent customer service, maintaining facilities, monitoring safety, and delivering arts and music instruction across multiple Portland locations.

• Compensation and benefits

  Pay ranges from $19.04 to $40.19 per hour depending on role and experience, with training pay provided; benefits are limited but include union representation for some roles and potential language pay for bilingual skills.

• Experience and skills

  Candidates must create welcoming environments, communicate clearly, handle safety issues, and solve problems; specialized arts instructors require at least 500 hours of teaching experience and relevant professional development or credentials.

• Career development

  Opportunities to work in diverse arts and recreation roles with potential to gain experience in community engagement and arts instruction, supporting professional growth in arts education and recreation fields.

• Work environment and culture

  The City of Portland values diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds and languages, fostering a welcoming and supportive community environment.

• Company information

  Portland Parks & Recreation is a public agency dedicated to providing accessible parks and arts programs, operating community centers like the Community Music Center and Multnomah Arts Center with a long history of community service.

• Team overview

  Candidates will join teams at various community arts centers and engagement locations, working alongside other recreation associates and instructors in a collaborative environment.

• Job location and travel

  Positions are located across multiple sites in Portland, including SE and SW Portland, with flexible hours that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Application process

  Applicants must apply online between July 14, 2025, and December 29, 2025, submitting work history and supplemental questions; veterans may attach preference documents; selected candidates will be contacted for interviews as positions open.

• Unique job features

  This role offers a unique talent pool application process for multiple part-time arts and recreation positions with flexible scheduling and opportunities to work in culturally diverse community settings.

Company overview

The City of Portland is the municipal government responsible for managing the city of Portland, Oregon. It provides a wide range of public services including transportation, public safety, parks and recreation, and utilities. Revenue is primarily generated through taxes, service fees, and government grants. Established in 1851, the city has a rich history of progressive urban planning and environmental sustainability initiatives, making it a leader in green policies and community engagement.

How to land this job

• Tailor your resume to highlight your ability to create welcoming and friendly environments, emphasizing customer service skills and experience working with diverse groups, as these are key qualifications for the City of Portland Recreation roles.

• Focus on showcasing any experience related to arts, music, or recreation, including teaching, instructing, or event hosting, especially if you have prior hours of instruction or specialized arts knowledge for Instructor roles.

• Apply via multiple platforms including the City of Portland's official jobs website and LinkedIn, and monitor these sites regularly since this is a talent pool and openings may arise at different times.

• Connect with current employees or recruiters in Portland Parks & Recreation's Arts, Culture, and Special Events division on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent community events they managed or expressing your enthusiasm for Portland’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'customer service,' 'arts instruction,' 'safety monitoring,' 'community engagement,' and specific job titles like 'Recreation Associate' and 'Specialized Arts Instructor' to improve your chances of passing screenings.

• Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailoring your resume, applying through multiple channels, and identifying LinkedIn contacts to network with, saving you time and increasing your effectiveness during your job search.