Youth & Recreation Program Aide #2602-1013-01
Summer Camps & More
- Date Opened
- Thursday, February 19, 2026 12:01 AM
- Close Date
- Thursday, December 31, 2026 11:59 PM
- Section
- Parks Department
- Salary
- $18 - $22 per hour
- Employment Type
- Seasonal
Introduction
Apply NOW for Summer Employment!
Ideal for college & responsible high school students seeking fun and rewarding employment for the summer.
New Haven is offering exciting programs for all children, in age groups from birth-19, including young adults from 20-24 for the Summer of 2025. Come be a part of it!
Hours of work will vary with assignment.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
The Youth & Recreation Program Aide plays a vital support role in the successful implementation of indoor and outdoor recreational programs, seasonal activities, camps, and special events. Working under the direction of Recreation Supervisors, Program Specialists, Camp Directors, and other designated staff, the Program Aide assists in delivering safe, engaging, and inclusive programming for participants of all ages, with a primary focus on youth programming (grades K–12).
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assists instructors, coaches, officials, and program staff in organizing and facilitating recreational activities, sports programs, camps, arts and crafts, and special events.
- Supports daily program operations, including set-up and breakdown of equipment, supplies, and activity areas.
- Supervise participants to ensure a safe, structured, and positive environment at all times.
- Promotes inclusion, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and positive behavior among participants.
- Provides assistance and support to participants who may need extra support.
- Monitors attendance and assists with registration, documentation, and record-keeping as directed.
- Communicates effectively and professionally with participants, parents/guardians, and staff.
- Maintains cleanliness, organization, and proper care of program facilities and equipment.
- Enforces departmental rules, policies, and safety procedures.
- Responds appropriately to incidents and emergencies in accordance with established protocols.
- Serves as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, responsibility, and enthusiasm
- Follows all safety guidelines and protocols established by the Department.
- Performs related work as required.
Examples of assignments:
- Activity Leader Assistant
- Arts & Crafts Assistant
- Camp Counselors / Junior Camp Staff
- Sports Program Assistant
- Event Support Staff
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- High school student (currently enrolled) or recent high school graduate.
- Interest in recreation, youth development, sports, arts programming, or community service.
- Prior experience working with children or in a recreational setting is preferred but not required.
- Whether assisting in a camp setting, arts and crafts, or other program, the ideal candidate for Program Aide should have some relatable experience in their designated area.
- Basic First Aid skills, including CPR, Heimlich Maneuver, treatment of allergic reactions, and concussion protocol is highly desirable.
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Previous experience working with children preferred but not required.
- Ability to work effectively with children and participants of diverse ages and backgrounds.
- Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work cooperatively in a team-oriented environment.
- Ability to follow direction while demonstrating initiative and sound judgment.
- Basic organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to learn and apply departmental safety procedures and emergency protocols.
- Basic knowledge of computer applications for attendance tracking and record keeping.
- Ability to model inclusive behavior and respect cultural diversity within the community.
- Dependability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.
- Must be able to work flexible hours, as programming may include evening and weekend schedules.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
Candidate must have:
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and seasonal schedules.
- Ability to perform physical tasks including standing for extended periods, bending, lifting equipment, and participating in activities.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, or snow depending on program assignment.
SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This "Non Tested" position may be General or Special Funds.
This part time or seasonal position is not eligible to receive medical benefits, vacation pay, union membership, or union contractual benefits. Any period of part time employment will not be construed in any way to mean probationary employment.
- Seasonal employment is limited to a maximum of 119 calendar days per appointment. Seasonal employees may work up to 40 hours per week during this period.
- Part-time employment is limited to no more than 19 hours per week.
- Returning seasonal employees are not eligible for reappointment to a seasonal position until one (1) year plus one (1) day has elapsed from the start date of their most recent seasonal appointment. Example: An employee whose seasonal appointment began on June 1, 2025 may not return to seasonal employment until June 2, 2026.
- Seasonal employees may transition to part-time employment only after a minimum break in service of thirteen (13) consecutive weeks.
- Part-time employees may transition to seasonal employment only after a minimum break in service of thirteen (13) consecutive weeks.
- Individuals may not hold two concurrent positions with the City of New Haven and/or the Board of Education at the same time, except for ten (10)-month employees.
- Current full-time ten (10)-month employees may work only during July and August in either a seasonal or part-time position.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, and (2) a pre-employment drug screening in accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy* for candidates aged 18 and up. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.
Selection Plan
Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources on an ongoing basis. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.
It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to determine if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. Submissions may be evaluated prior to a posted closing date, and a hiring decision may be made prior to the removal of the job posting.
Returning Seasonal Employees must apply via this portal; paper applications are no longer accepted.
Those persons interested in any other Parks or Public Works Seasonal employment must also apply for those positions via the corresponding JobAps portal.
Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.
Conclusion
To apply for this opportunity:
- Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.
- You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.
- MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!
- Review or modify your application for that position
- Click "Ready to Send App" or the "Send" tab; read page and click the attestation
- Click "Send to City of New Haven"
- You will be redirected to "CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION"
- You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission
- If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov
Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.
| Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. |
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