Job Details

City of Portland - Recreation Leader

Position Number: 6966108
Location: Portland, ME
Position Type: Health - Sports Mgmt, Recreation & Leisure Studies

City of Portland - Recreation Leader

About the City of Portland Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department:

The Portland Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department is comprised of 160 full-time and over 250 seasonal staff dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Portland, Maine. They achieve this by operating cultural venues, running community programs (including Before and After School, Swim Lessons, and Senior Adult programs), and maintaining public buildings, waterfront infrastructure, 70 parks, 40+ miles of trails, 13 cemeteries, and 30 playgrounds. Their diverse team, including Park Maintainers, Lifeguards, Event Managers, Horticulturalists, and many others, works collaboratively to provide spaces and opportunities for social connection, recreation, and community development.

Job Summary:

Do you want to have fun every day at work? Join the Portland Recreation team and assist in the design, management and direction of an array of recreation programs and activities in the Portland Community Centers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Formulates, manages and directs various recreation programs, leagues and activities for a wide range of age groups and customer needs;
Schedules and supervises the work of subordinate staff at community centers, schools and recreation sites;
Assists in the hiring of staff;
Assists staff and department in the evaluation of programs and the development of new programs;
Monitors and manages the safety of programs and facilities;
Oversees and regulates the scheduling of assigned facilities;
Assists in the promotion of programs by writing program development plans, preparing brochures and flyer information. Also assists in disseminating information through schools and community centers.
Monitors and prepares reports on program and facility use. Collects fees and keeps records of fees collected and deposited.
Communicates regularly with program participants, parents, school administrators and facility staff.
Performs emergency First Aid and CPR as needed, within the limitations of the specific certification

Required Skills & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Recreation or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
Considerable knowledge of a variety of recreational activities, and possesses the ability to direct them.
Working knowledge of the techniques, rules, materials and equipment needs of a variety of sports and athletic activities.
Ability to lead activities which may include bending, kneeling, reaching and repeating various range-of-motion techniques.
Considerable knowledge of human development as it relates to recreation programs and services
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City staff.
Ability to work effectively with schools, community groups and the public in providing recreation services.
Ability to work effectively with customers with special needs.
Skill and ability to supervise and manage subordinate staff.
Ability to work with a diverse population.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability and willingness to perform emergency First Aid and CPR as needed, within the limitations of the specific certification.
Working knowledge of Google Workspace and MyRec Software.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Certified Park and Recreation Professional
Working knowledge of MyRec Software

Necessary Special Requirements:

Must possess a valid Class C driver's license in good standing.
Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.
American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include early mornings, nights and weekends.

Expected Hours/Schedule:

Full Time position, 37.5 hours per week, working a flexible schedule which may include early mornings, nights and weekends.

Applications accepted until March 27, 2026.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Salary & Benefits:

This is a union position - Pro-Tech (Grade 6) - Salary range depending on experience: $53,274 - $67,489.76 annually or between $27.32- $34.61 hourly.

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment.
City benefits include:

Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
Thirteen paid holidays
Sick, vacation, and personal leave
Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
Use of City recreation facilities
Fitness Reimbursement
Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or call 207-874-8624.

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov.

To apply, visit https://selfservice.portlandmaine.gov/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=417&sreq=4&form=1000&desc=RECREATION%20LEADER