Camp and Program Staff II (Youth Services Initiative)

Boulder, CO April 15, 2026 Part Time

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

April 29, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

17.55 - 24.57

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a part-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Confirm with the Hiring Manager

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

If you’re energized by sunshine, laughter, and meaningful connections, this role is your sweet spot. As a YSI Staff member, you’ll guide outdoor adventures, run high‑energy games, and create inclusive spaces where youth from underrepresented communities feel supported and celebrated. You’ll be a mentor, a cheerleader, and the person who makes every day feel like an opportunity.

Under general supervision, this part-time position with Boulder Parks & Recreation’s Community Programs Team supports the delivery of recreation and leisure programming for Boulder’s youth through camps, people with disabilities through EXPAND, and youth, teens, and families living with low income through the Youth Services Initiative. This role includes being a camp counselor at summer or school day off camps and being a program staff at weekly activities and special events with people with disabilities and/or people living in low-income housing sites. This position serves as an assistant.

The Parks and Recreation department is seeking individuals to work in Ongoing/Varied and Seasonal roles. We will be hiring multiple employees based on our programs and hours of operation. Please keep in mind that the city’s benefit package offer will differ based upon work hours and the duration of the assignment you accept.

• Ongoing/Varied: Work less than 20 hours/week with no planned end date to work. No medical, dental, or vision insurance is available, but employees receive benefits including sick time-off, wellness program, EcoPass for transit, recreation pass, and retirement plans.

• Seasonal Max: March – September. Work six (6) to 11 months, averaging more than 30 hours/week. Medical insurance is offered, but not dental or vision insurance. Other benefits received include sick time-off, wellness program, EcoPass for transit, recreation pass, and retirement plans.

• Seasonal Traditional: May – September. Work less than six (6) months, averaging more than 30 hours/week. No medical, dental, or vision insurance is available, but employees receive benefits including sick time-off, wellness program, EcoPass for transit, recreation pass, and retirement plans.

• Seasonal Limited Hours: March – September. Work less than 11 months, averaging less than 30 hours/week. No medical, dental, or vision insurance is offered, but employees receive benefits including sick time-off, wellness program, EcoPass for transit, recreation pass, and retirement plans.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Implements recreation and leisure programming for specified populations.
Organizes and leads group activities for 5-15 individuals.
Creates groups, sets up activities, gives instructions, actively supervises participants throughout activities. 
Provides adjustments to general program plans so they are successful for specified populations such as providing accommodations and rule modification as needed. 
Assists in supervising participants and
Assists the supervisor in supporting Camp & Program Staff. 
Supervises and interacts with participants with a variety of different needs and abilities. 
Creates a fun and engaging environment for participants.
Provides one on one support to youth, teens and adults with disabilities as needed. 
Supervises the proper use of equipment by campers. 
Provides guidance and instruction to other staff ensuring they understand their role in activities and are actively participating.  
Communicates with Camp Director and Program Staff Lead about questions or concerns with campers or staff. 
Ensures safe environment for participants.
Follows all current health and licensing rules and recommendations. 
Follows general safety rules and recommendations for Community Programs Team and Boulder Parks & Recreation. 
Utilizes behavior management and support techniques to adequately ensure participants’ safety. 
Utilizes group management skills to keep participants safe and engaged. 
Models group and behavior management techniques for Camp and Program Staff. 
Communicates positively and proactively with parents, care givers, head staff and program coordinators about participant behavior concerns.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ability and willingness to attend and complete trainings as required, including State of Colorado Child Care requirements.
Ability and willingness to provide support to people with disabilities.
Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.
Ability to confidently provide excellent customer service to participants and guardians in programs.
Ability to demonstrate strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, including conflict resolution.
Ability to evaluate conditions in assigned area and make decisions related to safety in high pressure situations.
Minimum 18 years of age.
Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ability and willingness to drive participants and staff in vehicles provided by Boulder Parks and Recreation.
Ability to communicate bi-lingually in English/Spanish.
Knowledge of injury prevention and treatment.
Knowledge of principles and experience or certification in instructing sport, recreation or leisure activities.
Experience supervising/leading staff and/or volunteers.
Experience working with and/or supporting people with disabilities.
One thousand (1000) hours of verifiable experience directly supervising school age children in a group setting.
First Aid, CPR and AED Certified.
Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Must meet State of Colorado School-Age Licensing Qualifications:

Minimum of 455 hours of verifiable experience directly supervising school age children in a group setting OR a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field of study.
Experience working with youth, teens, people with disabilities and/or underrepresented communities in group or 1:1 settings.
Experience leading recreation or leisure programming with youth, teens and/or adults.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Program Supervisor

Supervision Exercised: None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Physical and mental effort: Ability to physically participate in activities, run, climb, swim, lift or support the weight of children. Must have sufficient strength, agility, stamina, and flexibility to lift, carry or move a variety of objects up to 20 lbs. Must be able to work while crouching, kneeling, bending, stooping, or assisting children for long periods of time. Must have sufficient hearing to be able to hear and discriminate differing sounds in a variety of situations.  Sufficient vision to be able to discriminate between colors, size, and type of objects and people, both close and distant. 
Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Machines and equipment used: Non-motorized watercraft including kayaks and paddleboards, general recreational equipment.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated: 02/05/2025

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to [email protected].