Park Adventures Program Leader

City of Minnetonka, MN; Minnetonka (MN); On-site; USD 22,578 - 25,416; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Gain leadership skills

Outdoor work environment

Visit multiple parks

Job summary

The City of Minnetonka, MN is hiring for a Seasonal Youth Program Assistant in Parks & Recreation. The role runs June 15 to August 7, with a carnival on Aug 8 and a Monday–Friday schedule (Fridays half day) totaling 30–32 hours per week.

Responsibilities include planning and leading activities for ages 5–11, attending trainings, and ensuring safety and positive discipline across program sites in Hopkins and Minnetonka.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• At least six months of experience working with youth, planning and leading recreational activities.
• Organizational skills and ability to follow detailed instructions as asked.
• Proven leadership skills with children.
• Ability to work independently and have excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work and communicate with a wide variety of ages and with parents/guardians.
• Must have transportation to different park sites in Hopkins and Minnetonka throughout each day.

Responsibilities

• Attend staff training prior to program start on June 11th and/or 12th.
• Be available for the majority of the summer season.
• Develop, prepare, and implement a weekly calendar of activities at assigned parks (e.g., group games, arts and crafts, sports).
• Assume responsibility for leading specific recreational activities as delegated by Site Lead, Program Coordinators, and Program Manager.
• Attend all staff trainings and weekly meetings (Friday mornings).
• Remain physically active while on duty and participate in all group activities with participants.
• Enforce all policies, rules, and regulations established by the playground coordinators and Hopkins-Minnetonka Recreation Services.
• Ensure that safety precautions are taken in all activities.
• Be familiar with and carry out emergency and accident procedures.
• Set up and clean up activity area, including building and grounds.
• Supervise participants using positive discipline while maintaining an informal, orderly, and safe atmosphere.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Program Manager.

Skills

Leadership with children

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Communication with parents/guardians

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Salary: $16.39 – $18.45 Hourly

Location: Minnetonka Parks & Recreation, MN

Job Type: Seasonal

Job Number: 2026-00031

Department: Recreation

Division: Recreation

Opening Date: 02/23/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Job Description

Assists in planning, organizing, and leading a variety of recreational activities for children ages 5-11 in a park setting. Leaders provide weekly themed sports, arts and crafts, group games, and more.

The program dates are June 15 to August 7. Saturday, Aug 8th is an end-of-program carnival on which this position will assist. The schedule is Monday through Friday (Friday is a half day for prep each week), with 30-32 hours per week.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Attend staff training prior to program start on June 11th and/or 12th.
• Be available for the majority of the summer season.
• Develop, prepare, and implement a weekly calendar of activities at assigned parks (e.g., group games, arts and crafts, sports).
• Assume responsibility for leading specific recreational activities as delegated by Site Lead, Program Coordinators, and Program Manager.
• Attend all staff trainings and weekly meetings (Friday mornings).
• Remain physically active while on duty and participate in all group activities with participants.
• Enforce all policies, rules, and regulations established by the playground coordinators and Hopkins-Minnetonka Recreation Services.
• Ensure that safety precautions are taken in all activities.
• Be familiar with and carry out emergency and accident procedures.
• Set up and clean up activity area, including building and grounds.
• Supervise participants using positive discipline while maintaining an informal, orderly, and safe atmosphere.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Program Manager.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• A commitment to and belief in the organization’s shared values.
• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• At least six months of experience working with youth, including planning and leading recreational activities such as physical activity, sports, indoor/outdoor games, team building, arts & crafts, etc.
• Organizational skills and ability to follow detailed instructions as asked.
• Proven leadership skills with children.
• Ability to work independently and have excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work and communicate with a wide variety of ages and with parents/guardians.
• Must have transportation to different park sites in Hopkins and Minnetonka throughout each day.

Desired Job Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent GED completed.
• One or more years of experience working or volunteering with children.
• Creativity in developing and implementing recreational activity ideas for youth.
• Knowledge and understanding of child behavior.
• Valid Minnesota Driver’s license.

Perks

• Gain leadership skills and supervisory experience.
• Lesson planning experience.
• Primarily outdoors; enjoy the sunshine and great weather that summer brings.
• Variety of job duties.
• Opportunity to visit both Hopkins and Minnetonka parks.
• Work with a variety of ages.
• Make a real positive impact on local youth in the community.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Minnetonka values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, public assistance status, or other protected classes.

This is a non‑benefit earning position.