Seasonal Recreation Leader I Salary $22.00 Hourly
Location: Tukwila, WA 98168, WA Job Type: Temporary/Seasonal Job Number: 26-00014 Department: RECREATION Division: YOUTH PROGRAMS Opening Date: February 18, 2026 Closing Date: Continuous
Description: The City of Tukwila is seeking Seasonal Recreation Leader 1 positions to support Parks and Recreation Summer 2026. These entry-level, seasonal positions provide on-site program support, participant supervision, basic customer service, and facility/program/event set-up and tear-down and monitoring during scheduled activities and events.
Recreation Leader I staff support summer recreation programming including camps, recreational activities, special events, sports, and enrichment programs. Positions follow established procedures and receive close supervision while assignments are in progress.
This is a seasonal/temporary position and will not exceed 1040 hours. These positions are also not eligible for health benefits or retirement.
Work Schedule and Hours: Work schedules will vary based on assigned summer programs and events. Recreation Leaders may be scheduled for up to eight (8) hours per day and up to forty (40) hours per week, with most weeks typically ranging from 20-40 hours.
Program hours may include:
Onboarding and training will begin in May; programs will begin in June. You must be available to attend onboarding and trainings. Schedules may be adjusted based on business need to ensure proper coverage is met.
Ability to work varying shifts, including morning, afternoon, evenings, weekends, and holidays is required. Ability to maintain reasonable, predictable, and regular attendance during assigned shifts.
Wage: $22.00 per hour
About the City: The City of Tukwila is a dynamic suburb of Seattle, Washington. A unique city, Tukwila is one of the most diverse communities in the country, with more than 80 languages spoken in its schools. Also located in Tukwila is the largest retail mall in the Pacific Northwest. While about 22,000 people reside in Tukwila, more than 47,000 work in the City every day and more than 150,000 go in and out of the city daily.
Mission Statement: To provide superior services that support a safe, inviting, and healthy environment for our residents, businesses, and guests.
Core Values: Caring - We support the diverse community we serve with compassion, empathy, and kindness. Professional - We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and act with integrity and transparency. We are respectful and courteous with all. Responsive - We are timely and effective in the delivery of great customer service. We continually strive to find innovative ways to improve.
How to Apply: Initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "education" and "work experience" section of your application.
To be considered for these positions, you MUST apply online and complete the entire application. You must also answer the supplemental questions, which outline all summer Recreation Leader opportunities. Please select and answer all supplemental questions for each Recreation Leader 1 position that you are interested in applying for.
The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer and strives to employ a diverse workforce reflective of the community it serves. Qualified applicants with multicultural experience and/or backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Veterans Preference: City of Tukwila follows the guidance given by the State of Washington regarding applying Veterans Preference under provisions of RCW 73.16.010 and WAC 357.16.110 (2). Please attach a copy of your DD214 or NGB Form 22 to your online application if you are eligible to claim Veterans Preference. Character of service should reflect as being Honorable. General discharge under Honorable Condition does not qualify.
Selection Process: This selection process may include but is not limited to evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, testing, and interviewing. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to humanresources@tukwilawa.gov.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Management reserves the right to modify or add duties consistent with operational needs.
Assist in organizing, leading, and monitoring recreational activities including arts and crafts, games, sports, camps, excursions, and special events.
Supervise and monitor participant behavior; enforce program rules, safety guidelines, and City policies in a positive and professional manner.
Provide on-site supervision to ensure a safe, inclusive, and welcoming program and event environment.
Assist with opening, closing, setting up, and cleaning program spaces, facilities, and events.
Support customer service functions including but not limited to: greeting participants, answering basic questions, and providing program information.
Inventory, issue, and maintain recreational equipment and supplies; report safety hazards or equipment needs to supervisors.
Provide basic first aid and assist with incident and injury documentation when required.
Support City-wide special events and summer programs as assigned.
Perform light maintenance and facility oversight duties related to program operations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Basic recreation program activities, games, and group activities for youth and adults
Safe work practices and basic program safety principles
Customer service principles
Basic recordkeeping practices
Ability to:
Perform physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, standing, walking, and repetitive motions for extended periods
Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind
Adapt to changing work assignments and respond to urgent or time-sensitive tasks
Work independently or as part of a team with limited supervision
Provide friendly, positive, and supportive customer service to participants and the public
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with participants, volunteers, coworkers, and the general public
Supervise groups and maintain order in a respectful, professional manner
Follow instructions, policies, and procedures
Exercise good judgment in routine situations
Physical Demands:
Ability to stand, walk, run, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, feel, talk, hear, see, and participate in recreational activities for extended periods
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull equipment and supplies (up to approximately 75 pounds, with assistance as needed)
Frequent use of hands and arms for equipment handling and activity facilitation
Heavy Work: Exerting up to 75 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly for program or event set-up and take-downs.
Education, Experience, and Other Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum age of 15 years at time of employment (Ages requirements differ per program, please see supplemental questions)
Currently enrolled in high school with satisfactory academic progress, or possession of a high school diploma or GED
Strong interest in leading activities for youth, including arts, sports, and games
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience working or volunteering in youth programs, recreation programs, camps, or customer service settings
Familiarity with recreation program structure, curriculum, or policies
Licenses, Certifications, and Special Requirements:
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, and AED certification prior to employment or within a designated timeframe after hire
Must be physically capable of assisting and participating in recreational and physical activities
The examples of duties and responsibilities listed are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change based on the needs of the City and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Final candidates will receive a conditional offer of employment pending the results of a background check conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. A criminal history alone does not automatically disqualify a candidate and will be reviewed using job-related criteria.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and evaluates qualifications in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This position is a seasonal/temporary position and Non-PERS or benefits eligible. This position is limited to no more than 1040 hours in a 12-month period.
Seasonal Recreation Leader Positions:
Please indicate which seasonal Recreation Leader position you are applying for (Please check all boxes that you are interested in applying for)
Camp Tukwilly (Youth camp ages 5-11) • Must be 17+ to apply • 40 hours per week • Program: June 22-August 21 • Training will begin in May If this is your preference, Are you 17 or older at the time of hire? Yes No
Teen Venture Camp (Teen camp ages 12-14) • Must be 18+ to apply • 40 hours per week • Program: June 22-August 21 • Training will begin in May If this is your preference, Are you 18 or older at the time of hire? Yes No
Preschool Camp (preschool ages 4/5) • Must be 17+ to apply • Season: June-August 14 • 20 hours per week for 7 weeks Preschool camp is a 7-week program (training in June, program begins in July and will run for 7 weeks) If this is your preference, Are you 17 or older at the time of hire? Yes No
Activity and Sports Camps (ages 5-11) • Must be 17+ to apply • Season: July-August • Activity and Sports Camps are a 6-week program • Training will occur in either May early July If this is