Recreation Specialist - Teen Programs (Zanewood Recreation Center)

Recreation Specialist - Teen Programs (Zanewood Recreation Center)

Salary

$15.85 - $24.60 Hourly

Location

Brooklyn Park, MN

Job Type

Seasonal Temporary (0-39.99 Hrs/Wk; <6 Months)

Job Number

2026-00062-DG

Department

Recreation & Parks

Opening Date

04/30/2026

Closing Date

6/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

Vacancies

2

Address

Zanewood Recreation Center, 7200 Zanewood Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN

Posting Type

Open to the public

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department is looking for highly motivated, team-oriented and enthusiastic individuals who have a desire to make difference in teen programs to help increase participation and eliminate barriers. This application is to work in our teen programs, for youth 12-17 years old, based out of Zanewood Recreation Center. A Recreation Specialist is responsible for assisting with the implementation of teen programs, events and field trips and will work under the general supervision of the Teen Program Specialist.

A Recreation Specialist will assist with implementing teen recreation programs, special events, and outreach opportunities in the community, including supervision of participants. We are looking for team members who enjoy being outside, working in a fast-paced environment, interacting with youth, and teens. As a member of the Recreation and Parks team you will work collaboratively with team members and leadership to develop innovative programs focused on quality partnerships and achieving successful results to ensure that programs align with the mission and goals of the Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department.

In 2026, the City has opened a new teen center--The Wood--connected to the Zanewood Recreation Center.

Application Deadline: This job posting will be open until filled. If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Take initiative in planning, leading, and evaluating teen recreation programs that include sports, arts, team-building activities, and leadership development
• Actively engage with teens to create a welcoming and supportive space where all youth feel valued and encouraged to participate
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all youth participants by following established procedures, policies and protocols; implementing conflict resolution strategies, and reporting any concerns
• Build strong community relationships with schools, nonprofits, and local leaders to expand opportunities and partnerships for Brooklyn Park teens
• Implement, plan, and evaluate recreational activities for youth and teens under 18 years old
• Identify needs and make referrals to the Prevention and Intervention Specialist for teens in need of support services
• Assist in the coordination of special events and pop-up teen activities throughout Brooklyn Park
• Assist in supervision of teen program locations and participants
• Recruit, register, and retain teen participants through creative outreach, school partnerships, and relationship-building with families
• Assist in reporting deliverables Teen Program Specialist
• Assist Teen Program Specialist in evaluation of youth program locations, participants and staff
• Assist Teen Program Specialist with duties in youth programs
• Attend required staff development trainings and meetings to stay current on best practices in youth engagement and recreation
• Maintain clean and organized program spaces by assisting with setup and cleanup of activities and ensuring safety standards are met
• Assist with building and park clean-up during, after shift, and after events
• Maintain order and assure participants are following set policies
• Understand and implement Center of Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health guidance
• Report any accident and assist with completing the required reports
• Appropriately manage and report incidents to the Prevention and Intervention Specialist and/or police officer if needed
• Participate in First Aid and Emergency training when provided
• Other job duties as assigned

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Education

Undergraduate level studies or classes in areas of recreation, youth development, education or related field

Experience

None

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to relate and interact with teens in a caring, responsible and professional manner
• Demonstrated strong relationship-building skills with teens, families, and community members from a diverse environment
• Ability to respond promptly, maturely and professionally to emergencies, conflicts, and behavioral challenges
• Skilled in communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to maintain order and security
• Ability to effectively work with youth and others
• Ability to be a strong and positive leader with the youth, families, partners and peers
• Ability to make rational decisions based on established policy and procedure
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and outdoor activities as needed
• Willingness to engage in performance management process, using feedback and evaluations to grow professionally and improve program outcomes
• Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Proven ability and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive workplace related to racial equity, diversity and inclusion
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectations
• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supervising seasonal staff and volunteers
• Passion for working with teens and experience in leading youth programming (recreation, mentoring, education, sports, arts, science or related fields)
• Experience working with youth and teens with disabilities
• Experience working with youth facing high barriers from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• Experience working in youth development activities with teens and/or youth
• Experience working in community youth sports, camps, clinics or sports leagues
• Previous successful experience working with the public and providing customer service
• Previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao or Vietnamese language(s)
• A valid drivers license

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fully and safely perform the essential duties.

• This is a seasonal, non-benefited position that will work an an average of 15-38 hours per week. Works shifts are primarily in the evening hours Monday - Friday from 1pm-9pm and possible weekend shifts available between 9-7pm; may work daytime shifts during week
• Lifting and carrying equipment and supplies weighing at a minimum of 10 lbs. to a maximum of 30 lbs.
• Ability to set up recreation equipment (i.e. portable basketball hoops, speakers, folding tables,) and arts and supplies
• Ability to work independently with participants
• Ability to verbally communicate to participants, parents and staff promptly and effectively
• Ability to make rational decisions and comprehend written instructions to deliver program plan

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Fifty-four percent of residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.

Our Vision, Values and Goals

Additional Information

Department/Division:

Recreation and Parks Department/Zanewood Recreation Center

Recreation Specialists will work Monday - Friday; 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. including evenings and weekends. Anticipated work months are September-June with a possibility to continue working through the summer.

Anticipated Hiring Wage: $15.85 starting wage with no experience. With additional desired qualifications, pay is up to $24.60 per hour, depending on qualifications.

Limited Benefits:

• Earned Safe & Sick Leave mandated by the state - Employees earn one hour of Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours of Sick Leave per year. This specific leave applies to all employees (including temporary and part-time employees) performing for at least 80 hours in a year for the City.

We welcome applications from all individuals, including (but not limited to): people of all abilities, persons of color, Veterans, LGBTQ+ and women. If you need these materials in an alternate format or if you have a disability related need and need assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at humanresources@brooklynpark.org.

Regular, full-time City of Brooklyn Park employees (40 or more hours per week) are eligible for a benefits package including:

Vacation

• New employees generally earn 10 days of vacation per year
• Vacation accruals increase with longevity up to a maximum of 20 days per year

Sick Leave

• Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation

Holidays

• 12 paid holidays per year
• 1 floating holiday to be used any day in the year with supervisor approval

Health Insurance:

• Employees may choose a health plan with an option to waive coverage if covered under another qualified plan
• The City contributes a portion to the cost of health insurance
• Available to City of Brooklyn Park employees working 30 or more hours per week

Dental Insurance

• Employees may choose between two dental plans with an option to waive coverage if covered under another qualified plan

Life Insurance

• The City provides term life insurance with an option for employees to purchase additional and dependent term life insurance at group rates

Disability Insurance

• Short-term disability insurance available at group rates
• Long-term disability insurance available at group rates

Retirement

• Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) pension plan (employer/employee contributions)
• Optional 457 pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) deferred compensation plans for tax-deferred retirement savings

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Reimbursement account for health care and daycare expenses using pre-tax contributions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and referral services

Fitness

• Free on-site fitness facilities; Wellness program and fitness classes offered

Direct Deposit (mandatory)

• Payroll checks are automatically deposited into designated account(s) on payday

Regular, part-time benefited City of Brooklyn Park employees (20-29 hours per week) are not eligible for Health Insurance, but are eligible for the following benefits:

• Sick and Vacation at a pro-rated rate
• Decreasing Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account(s)
• Deferred Compensation, if enrolled.

Seasonal/Temporary employees

• Temporary, Seasonal, and non-benefited part-time employees earn one hour of Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked by an employee, up to a maximum of 48 hours of Sick Leave per year.

Benefits may differ based on union contracts for employees represented by a collective bargaining unit. This summary is for information only and is subject to change or revocation without notice. This summary shall not constitute a contract or guarantee, express or implied.

01

What is your connection with the City of Brooklyn Park?

• Current Brooklyn Park Resident
• Active Member of Community Group in Brooklyn Park
• Currently enrolled in school in Brooklyn Park
• BrookLynk alumni
• None apply

02

Do you possess a fully valid, unrestricted drivers license?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you able to fluently speak, write, and understand any of the following languages? (Check all that apply)

• Spanish
• Hmong
• Russian
• Somali
• Vietnamese
• Lao
• None of the Above

04

If you are fluent in other languages than what is listed above, please list the language(s).

Required Question

Employer City of Brooklyn Park

Address 5200 85th Avenue N

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, 55443

Phone 763-493-8016

Website http://www.brooklynpark.org