This opportunity is open to current King County employees. We are not accepting external applications at this time.

The King County Parks Teen Program is hiring for a Recreation Specialist! 

We are seeking an individual with a passion for leadership, strong problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to fostering the safety and well-being of teens. You should bring excellent customer service skills, the ability to use de-escalation techniques effectively, and dedication to King County's Equity, Racial, and Social Justice (ERSJ) principles. If you're ready to engage with the community, inspire positive change, and make a difference, we want to hear from you!  

The King County Parks Teen Program creates opportunities for over 1,400 teens (ages 12-19) annually, offering a safe environment with free recreational, educational, and social enrichment in the White Center and Skyway communities. Designed to support underserved youth, the program includes recreational classes, homework help, leadership training, volunteer opportunities, field trips, and much more.  

Beyond fun activities, the program equips teens with essential life skills, conflict resolution strategies, health and wellness resources, and employment training. This isn't just a job-it's a unique opportunity to empower young people, enhance local resources, and improve the overall quality of life for residents in Skyway and White Center. 

Check us out on our socials:

• Website: Wcteenprogram.org
• Facebook: White Center Teen Program
• YouTube: White Center Teen Program
• Instagram: @atthelogcabin

  Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice: King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As the Recreation Specialist you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at www.kingcounty.gov/equity. 

  Apply now for a rewarding career at the Parks Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities.  Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

  Discover More About the Parks and Recreation Division: Visit our website and check us out atFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and Flickr.

  Job Duties

  • Recreation Program Management: Design engaging youth and teen recreation programs, evaluate safety and risk factors, and coordinate projects from start to finish. Serve as a point of contact for internal and external partners.
  • Staff Development: Lead and support team members by providing daily guidance, technical training, and ensuring consistency in service. Participate in the hiring process, including interviewing and recommending candidates.
  • Customer Service: Handle complex customer concerns and escalations with care. Assess and improve procedures to enhance customer experiences and  implement changes effectively.
  • Community Engagement: Represent the program at community meetings and   events, fostering partnerships to co-create meaningful programs with local residents and organizations.
  • Program Evaluation: Manage budgets and track expenditures. Set measurable goals, monitor outcomes, and share progress with  internal and external partners through clear and concise reports.

  Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

  Minimum Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience overseeing recreational activities with a strong focus on safety practices, including the ability to identify and address potential hazards to ensure participant well-being.  
  • Proven ability to practice positive leadership, follow directions, seek clarification when needed, and communicate concerns effectively to supervisors.
  • Skilled in resolving conflicts, employing sound judgment, and addressing challenges effectively.  
  • Ability to perform well under pressure and respond appropriately to emergencies or unexpected situations.  
    
    

  The Successful Candidate Will Have the Following Competencies:

  • Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
  • Collaborates: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
  • Interpersonal Savvy: Relates openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
  • Values differences: Recognizes the value different perspectives and cultures bring.
  • Builds Effective Teams: Builds strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.

  It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

  • Experience in coaching, mentoring, and guiding staff and volunteers to achieve program goals effectively.  
  • Demonstrated experience fostering community partnerships and driving engagement through lived or professional experience.  

  Required Licenses or Certifications:

  • Current CPR and First Aid certifications.
  • A valid driver's license is required to operate King County vehicles; you must be 21 or older to transport teen program participants and operate King County van.

  Supplemental Information

  • Work Location:  Steve Cox Memorial Park
  • Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week and has the following schedule: Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to - 8:00 PM. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. 
  • FLSA Status:  This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is overtime eligible.
  • Union Representation:  This position is not represented by a union.

  Who May Apply: This position is only open to current King County employees.

  Join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference and partnering with youth, families, and communities to create lasting impact.

  Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in an interview.  

  To apply, submit a:

  • Complete Application
  • Resume

  For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Crystal Yost at cyost@kingcounty.gov.

  Visit our website, explore aninteractive mapof our recent accomplishments and check us out atFacebook, X(formerlyTwitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTubeand Keeping King County Green News.

  Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

  Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

  Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

  King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

  No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

  To Apply

  If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.