JOB DETAILS

Summer Outdoor Rec Leader-Adventure Camp

CompanyBend Park and Recreation
LocationBend
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMarch 25, 2026
About The Company
Bend Park & Recreation District maintains and operates more than 2,700+ acres of developed and undeveloped parkland. That includes 81 parks/open spaces and 65 miles of trail. We offer over 1,000 recreation programs for all ages and abilities throughout the area and at the Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, The Pavilion and the Bend Senior Center. We also hold several community events including the July 4th Festival & Pet Parade and Days of Play. Bend Park & Recreation District is a special tax district, separate from the City of Bend. It is governed by a five member, elected Board of Directors and managed by an Executive Director. In 2006, Bend Park & Recreation District received the National Gold Medal Award for excellence in Park and Recreation management. This award is given to the best park and recreation agency in the nation for its population category. We continually strive to set the standard nationwide for exceptional and sustainable park and recreation services.
About the Role

Description

Benefit type: temporary non exempt

Benefits available: For a full description of our benefits, please click here. 


Calling all lovers of adventure! Bend Park and Recreation District is hiring Outdoor Recreation Leaders to facilitate the popular Adventure Camp program.

About the job:

Outdoor Adventure Leaders work with youth, primarily in Grades 5 to 9, leading part-day, full-day, and multi-day summer outdoor activities. Previous experience with raft guiding, rock climbing, mountain biking, working with groups of children, driving trailers, and wilderness first aid preferred. Other outdoor skills and passions a plus. Applicants should document in the application materials their range of outdoor skills, experiences, and relevant certifications.


A day in the life:

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:  

  • Leads participants in outdoor programs, helping to provide for a safe, positive and enjoyable experience.
  • Assists in planning, instructing in and leading potentially "high risk" outdoor trips and activities which may include: whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing (including setting top-rope anchors and belaying), map and compass, paddle boarding and canoeing.
  • Provides environmental education, cultural and natural history interpretation when appropriate.
  • Maintains field records, trip reports and accident/incident reports.
  • Communicates effectively with public including providing accurate information related to the program and responding to patron and parent questions and concerns.
  • Provides logistical support and assists with recommending supplies/gear to purchase as needed.
  • Sets up and breaks down equipment and supplies.
  • Assists with the general upkeep and care of equipment, vans and facilities used.
  • Drives van with trailer transporting participants to various sites.
  • Responds to accidents and incidents according to procedures.
  • Reports incidents of Child Abuse/Neglect observed by you or reported to you by a child.
  • Commits to having FUN and maintaining a positive attitude

Work Schedule:

  • Training will be throughout the first three weeks of June (weekdays only, 6/1-6/19). 
  • Mandatory river training days are 6/17 & 6/19, 6am-8pm.
  • Shifts will be 35-40 hours/week, Monday-Thursday throughout the summer (6/22-8/21). 
  • Plus, optional camp clean-up days the final week of August.

Requirements

What you’ll need for success:

Strong Knowledge of:

"High risk" outdoor activities and equipment for which you will be providing instruction and/or supervision; effective teaching techniques and age appropriate activities for populations served; safety guidelines related to outdoor activities.

  • Basic recreation activity planning, class management techniques and leadership strategies,
  • Progressive methods for teaching skills associated with assignment; and,
  • Basic youth development principle. 
  • Skill and Ability to:
  • Plan, lead and instruct assigned recreation activities;
  • Understand the needs of participants and adapt accordingly; 
  • Motivate participants through positive encouragement;  
  • Demonstrate skills responsible for teaching; 
  • Perform independently within a structured environment;
  • Interact effectively with a variety of patrons/participants; 
  • Communicate effectively, tactfully, and pleasantly with the public and others; and
  • Establish and maintain positive, respectful and cooperative working relationships with all contacts.  


Skill and Ability to:

  • Demonstrate initiative, exercise independent decision making, plan activities and tasks; 
  • Provide leadership from within team; 
  • Lift and set up equipment and supplies; 
  • Effectively communicate with staff and public, interact with a variety of patrons/participants; 
  • Actively participate in all activities; 
  • Establish and maintain positive, respectful and cooperative relationships with all contacts.


What we're looking for:

Education, Experience, and Training:

  1. Must be a minimum of 16 years of age; AND
  2. Currently attending high school; AND
  3. Some previous work, training/certification or volunteer experience related to position; OR
  4. Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training


Preferences

  1.  Familiar with the outdoor recreation scene in the Central Oregon region. 

License and Certifications:

  1. First Aid/CPR (training offered). Wilderness First Aid or WFR certification a plus.
  2. Possession of, or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days with an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy.
  3. 3 years of driving history and an acceptable driving history. Experience pulling trailers a plus.


Supervisory Responsibilities:

Works under the general supervision of the Outdoor Program Supervisor. May receive routine (daily/weekly) direction from Recreation Team Lead.


Supervision Exercised:

Potential leadership and direction provided to Recreation Leader 1 staff and volunteers.


Working Conditions:

The following are working conditions, including environmental and physical demands, required for this classification. 

  • Duties may be performed either indoors or outdoors, which may include working in extreme weather conditions.
  • Work schedule is varied and may require evenings, weekends and multi-day trips. 
  • The flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time. 
  • Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted, pushing, pulling, and kneeling in order to deliver equipment and supplies. 
  • The nature of this position is physically demanding and stressful, requiring constant safety awareness and attending to a wide variety of participant needs with periods of continuous demand and focus.


Selection Process:

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. An offer of employment is contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by Bend Park & Recreation District policies, including a background check and a driving history review when driving is required for position.


 

Veteran Preference Status

Under Oregon law, veterans who meet minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for employment preference. To qualify for veterans’ preference, you must submit required documentation prior to the closing date of the recruitment. Veterans’ preference cannot be awarded without required documentation. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain preferences will also apply to current and former members of the Oregon National Guard. For more information on if you qualify for veterans’ preference visit https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/veterans-preference.aspx


Equal Employment Opportunity:

Bend Park and Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer


Bend Park & Recreation District Core Competencies:

All positions with Bend Park and Recreation District are subject to district and position competencies. Below is a list of the most critical competencies for this position. Additional competencies are required for the position and may change based on needs. A complete list of the competencies is available from Human Resources.


Accountability • Customer Service Orientation • Safety • Judgment and Decision Making • Teamwork and Cooperation • Results Orientation •

Key Skills
Outdoor Recreation LeadershipRaft GuidingRock ClimbingMountain BikingWorking With ChildrenTrailer DrivingWilderness First AidEnvironmental EducationTrip PlanningSafety ManagementClass ManagementYouth DevelopmentIndependent Decision MakingEquipment SetupVan DrivingFirst Aid
Categories
Sports & RecreationEnvironmental & SustainabilityEducationTransportationSecurity & Safety
Benefits
Temporary Non Exempt
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
Outdoor Adventure Leaders will facilitate summer camp programs for youth primarily in grades 5 to 9, leading part-day, full-day, and multi-day outdoor activities such as rafting, climbing, and biking while ensuring participant safety and enjoyment. Duties also include providing environmental interpretation, maintaining field records, communicating with the public, and assisting with equipment logistics and van/trailer transport.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$21 - $23
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
144
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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