Specialized Recreation Leader - Temporary

Salary: $19.88 Hourly
Location : Lakewood WA, WA
Job Type: Extra Hire
Job Number: 26-00058
Department: Parks and Recreation Services
Division: Parks-Recreation Services
Opening Date: 02/18/2026
Closing Date: 2/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

• This is a part-time, 69 hours a month, temporary position and not eligible for County benefits.
• This is an in-office position. Your work site will vary, depending on the activity you are supporting.
• May be required at times to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Summary

• This program is part of our Specialized Recreation Program, designed for individuals ages 8 and up with special needs. During the school year, we primarily serve individuals aged 22 to 60. In the summer, we offer camps and programs that cater to a younger age range.
• This role typically has two schedule options, with some crossover to support programming.
• Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7 am to 5 pm
• Saturday, Sunday, and evening schedule - typically evening hours between 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and varying hours on weekends.

Core Daily Responsibilities

• Assist Coordinator & staff with planning, preparing, implementing, and leading programs and activities
• Participate in staff meetings/trainings
• Maintain a clean, safe, and inclusive environment throughout each activity
• Assist participants with daily tasks onsite and within the community
• Direct family questions and comments to appropriate avenue
• Perform other duties as assigned by the coordinator

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and experience working with people with disabilities in a recreational and/or work setting
• Knowledge and experience working with people of all ages with various needs
• Ability to problem solve, work with the public in a tactful manner, and possess organizational skills while remaining flexible
• Ability to exercise mature judgment to ensure safety and enjoyment by program participants; lead both large and small group activities; maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents and volunteers; follow written and oral directions; shifts vary

Why It's a Great Department:

Pierce County Parks and Recreation manages more than 5,200 acres of parks, trails, and open space, ranging from community hubs to natural areas. We deliver diverse recreation programs and maintain the infrastructure that supports both active play and quiet connection with nature.

Our department is made up of four divisions:
Park and Recreation Operations, Business Operations, Volunteer and Resource Development, and Park Stewardship and Infrastructure Delivery, working together to serve one of the most dynamic and fast-growing regions in Washington. Guided by our mission to create livable communities, we provide opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn about sustainability, live healthy lives, and experience inclusive, thriving public spaces.

Joining Pierce County Parks means being part of a forward-thinking team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact, where your work truly makes a difference every day.

Learn more about the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department

What is Specialized Recreation?

Specialized Recreation is a program that facilitates a variety of fun, exciting, and safe social and recreational activities for people with disabilities in our community. Through camps, clubs, sports, Special Olympics, and more, we aim to provide a wide selection of accessible and inclusive opportunities.

Learn more about Specialized Recreation

How to be Successful in the Role:

Are you someone passionate about social activities, helping others, and planning and implementing recreation programs? If so, this may be a wonderful role for you to use your skillset and interests to support our Specialized Recreation participants. Your knowledge and experience working with people of all ages and various needs will be helpful as you lead programing for people with differing abilities.

Your capacity to problem-solve, work with the public in a tactful manner, and use your organizational skills while remaining flexible, will be critical to your success.

Minimum Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• High School diploma or GED
• Must have valid driver's license required within 30 days of employment
• Be comfortable driving a 15-passenger bus
• Must have a current CPR/First Aid certification required within 30 days of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Work or volunteer experience with individuals with disabilities is preferred (experience can be through school, family, camps, childcare, church, volunteering, or job coaching)
• Active or previous participation in a recreation programming setting is preferred (experience can be through school, camps, childcare, church, volunteering, or job coaching)

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Supplemental Information
To be considered for…