Youth Recreation Lead

City of Bellevue; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Bellevue seeks a positive Youth Recreation Lead to deliver programs for ages 5–13 at community sites and parks. In this enhanced lead role, you will direct staff, ensure high-quality youth engagement, and coordinate activities across multiple sites.

Typical hours are 15–20 per week in afternoons/evenings and some weekends, with expansion to summer camps for ages 7–13. Responsibilities include coaching, supervision, and program operations.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in parks, recreation or related field.
• Comfortable working with diverse youth and teen populations.
• Must pass a criminal background check and have First Aid/CPR for summer duties.

Responsibilities

• Plan, oversee, and implement youth recreation programs and events.
• Lead daily youth sports program operations including prep, check-in, and safety.
• Supervise participants, coach basketball and/or soccer as assigned, and engage youth.
• Assist with program setup, inventory, and customer service at facilities.

Skills

Youth sports fundamentals

Program management

Team leadership

Communication

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

College coursework preferred

Tools

CivicRec

Inventory management

Job description

The City of Bellevue is seeking a positive, energetic, and reliable Youth Recreation Lead to deliver youth recreation and sports programs for ages 5–13 at Bellevue community sites and parks. In this enhanced lead role, the individual provides direction and support to program staff, ensures high-quality youth engagement, and leads the coordination of recreation and sports activities. Responsibilities include facilitating structured youth programs, supervising participants, supporting customer service and facility operations, and leading sports instruction in basketball, soccer, flag football, and other recreation games.

This lead position typically works 15–20 hours per week during afternoons, evenings, and select weekends, balancing duties as a Youth Sports Lead Coach and Recreation Assistant 3 at Crossroads Community Center. Common coaching locations include Crossroads Community Center, Robinswood Park, Tyee Community Gym, and Lake Hills Park or Tillicum Middle School between 3:30pm and 7:00pm.

For those interested in summer opportunities, the role may expand to leading a variety of recreation and sports camps for youth ages 7–13. Summer counselors supervise and guide children through full-day camp activities—including games, sports, water activities, and field trips, while maintaining a safe, inclusive environment. Seasonal full-time counselors work between 20–40 hours per week during the summer months, with schedules ranging from 7:30am to 6:00pm at Tyee Middle School.

City Council Vision Statement:

Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past.

Bellevue Parks & Community Services Vision:

In Bellevue everyone can connect to each other and to nature through experiences that help them to live, grow, and thrive.

Bellevue Parks & Community Services Mission:

We build a healthy community through an integrated system of exceptional parks, natural areas, recreation, arts and culture, and a broad base of community services.

• Plan, oversee, and implement parks, recreation, and community services programs,
• including Youth Sports activities and events.
• Lead daily Youth Sports program operations such as preparation, expectations, check-in,
• team-building, and indoor/outdoor games.
• Supervise youth participants; provide instruction, coaching, and positive engagement.
• Coach youth basketball and/or soccer teams, including leading practices and games.
• Design, implement, and facilitate program activities and events.
• Assist with program setup, preparation, and takedown.
• Ensure adherence to program and facility rules, policies, and safety standards.
• Inventory, maintain, and properly store equipment to ensure participant and property
• safety.
• Continuously adapt programs to enhance participant experience and encourage ongoing
• involvement.
• Lead and oversee the work of partially-benefitted city staff and volunteers.
• Greet and assist customers; provide program and facility information.
• Support CivicRec registrations and account maintenance.
• Answer and route phone calls and emails.
• Handle transactions accurately and prepare deposits.
• Maintain inventory for multiple program areas.
• Report damage, incidents, and injuries using proper forms.
• Assist with emergency situations.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.

• Two or more years of experience in assigned activity or program or in the general parks, recreation and community services field.
• Comfortable working with diverse youth and teen populations.
• High school diploma or GED; college level course work preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• First Aid/CPR required for summer camp assignments.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong understanding of youth sports fundamentals, programming, and group management.
• Skillfully develops/plans structured games that motivate participants and enhance learning youth and engagement.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with staff; leading program operations across multiple settings.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work in loud, multifunctional environments.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, talk, hear, and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 40 pounds.
• Work may be physically strenuous.
• Indoor and outdoor work environments depending on season.

This is a variable, non-exempt, non-union position.

Definition of a Variable Employee:

• Average weekly hours cannot be determined at date of hire.
• Hours may vary from week to week and are anticipated to 28 hours per week or less.
• NOTE: Will be considered full-time and eligible for medical coverage if hours average 30 hours per week or more over a 12-month measurement period (or 130 hours per month).