Program Assistant - Camps and Programs

Job Description

Salary: $16.00 per hour

Deadline to apply: August 18, 2025. Position will stay open until filled, if not by then.

Average of 16 hours/week. This will consist of set office hours. Supervisors will work with your schedule to build a schedule. Some nights and weekends will berequired.

Program Assistants create, lead and organize nature camps, community recreation and outdoor education programs for all ages and assist full-time staff with program or event needs.

The Camps and Programs Assistant will be tasked with the following seasonal responsibilities:

September April: Craft-based, Community Recreation, Outdoor Education and Special Event programming

Fall and Winter Day Camps - the focus will be assisting with camp planning and implementation

May August: the focus will be assisting with Nature Day Camp planning and implementation

Goals and Objectives

Fulfill CWPD mission through camp and program offerings

Assist in planning and facilitating community, outdoor, special event and/or recreation programs (September April)

Assist in the planning, facilitation and implementation of Nature Day Camps, Fall Camps and Winter Camps for children ages 3-12

Create brand new programs that meet needs and desires of the community (September April)

Duties and Responsibilities

Create fun, healthy and outstanding park experience that connects the community with the outdoors

Assist in planning and leading various park programs

Assist in the success of our Nature Day Camps, Fall Camps and Winter Camps

Project professionalism at programs to continue a positive public response toward the Park District

Research industry trends and apply when appropriate

Offer new program ideas, and improvements to existing programs

Obtain/prepare all items necessary for each program

Set-up and clean-up of program locations

Represent CWPD in a professional manner with residents, customers, etc.

Make recommendations and purchases of program equipment and supplies

Follow CWPD brand guidelines

Key Technical Skills and Knowledge Required

Proven experience working with children, especially ages 3 12 years old

Knowledge of how to effectively manage and create a program

Group and program leadership skills

Communicate with staff, partners, and the public through verbal and electronic means

Experience with arts and crafts, nature education, or recreation programming

Prepare periodic reports, maintain files and records using standard office software

Maintain First Aid, CPR, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogen certifications

Minimum Qualifications

Be able to lift objects up to 50 lbs.

Be able to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions

Pass a pre-employment drug test, physical examination and background check

Possess either a High School or General Education Diploma

Preferred Qualifications

1 to 2 years experience facilitating recreation or outdoor programming

Undergraduate degree completed or in progress in a related field, such as education, outdoor recreation, arts, or similar fields

Part-time