Recreation Instructor (RNB)- SEP

City of Bellingham; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid sick leave

Job summary

City of Bellingham's Parks & Recreation Department seeks a Park Stewardship Volunteer Program Instructor to lead outdoor stewardship activities, provide environmental education, and engage community volunteers in park projects and school programs.

The position typically works 16 hours per week (Fridays and Saturdays) during the academic year, with potential for more hours based on program needs. Requires safety training and leadership in recreation settings.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six months experience preparing, teaching and leading recreation activities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working with people of all ages and abilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs duties in general recreation including class instruction, special events support, supervision and maintenance of facilities, and administrative support.
• Assists in program development, training and leading lower classified staff.

Skills

Leadership skills

Experience with recreation activities

Teaching/training

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Bellingham's Parks & Recreation Department is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, motivated, organized, and detail-oriented individual to join our Park Stewardship team!

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs a variety of duties in general recreation including class instruction, special events support, supervision and maintenance of the facilities, and administrative support. Assists in program development, training and leading lower classified staff.

For more information, please review the job description.

PARKS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR (1 VACANCY)

This position will assist and engage community members in the environmental restoration of Bellingham's parks and open spaces through hands-on stewardship and environmental education which may include volunteer work parties, outreach, community partnerships, and school stewardship programs. The ideal candidate will be a team player, flexible, experienced working and/or recreating outdoors, and patient and comfortable working with people of all ages and abilities. Familiarity with native and invasive plants, environmental restoration practices, and leadership skills is preferred.

This position typically works 16 hours per week (Fridays and Saturdays) throughout the academic year (September – June), with the opportunity to work up to full time some months based on program needs.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This position will start at Step 1 ($25.10/hour). Employees receive step increases on completion of 2080 hours in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $25.10 - $32.75.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer the following benefits that help you thrive in both your career and personal life.

• Work up to 69 hours per calendar month and flex up to full time for up to four months each calendar year.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 1 hour of Washington State paid sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked.

This position is not eligible for benefits, except as required by law.

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.

Closing Date/Time: Mon., October, 12 2026 at 8:30 AM Pacific Time

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of six months experience preparing, teaching and leading recreation activities required.
• Demonstrated leadership skills required.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working with people of all ages and abilities preferred.

ELIGIBILITY AND CHECKS

• 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.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record. Candidates must submit a three-year driving abstract prior to hire.
• Must possess or obtain First Aid, CPR/AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens certification within one month of hire and maintain throughout employment.

*You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**

Equal Opportunity

The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.