Parks Outdoor Program Aide #2602-1013-02
Nature Center & More
- Date Opened
- Friday, February 20, 2026 12:01 AM
- Close Date
- Sunday, April 26, 2026 11:59 PM
- Section
- Parks Department
- Salary
- $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
- Employment Type
- Seasonal
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
Apply now for Summer 2026 programs!
The Parks Outdoor Program Aide supports the implementation and coordination of outdoor recreation, team-building activities, and environmental education programs conducted through the City of New Haven Parks summer camp and related programming. This assignment runs approximately from May-September.
The position is primarily based at West Rock Nature Center and requires mostly weekday hours, with occasional evening and weekend assignments at various city parks.
Under the direct supervision of Seasonal Parks Program Supervisors and Park Rangers, and programmatic supervision of the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator, the Aide assists with youth engagement and instruction in natural resource–based activities. The role also includes supporting trail and facility maintenance, assisting with equipment management, and helping deliver programming in both classroom and outdoor settings.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assists with lessons and activities related to natural history, natural recreation, team building, and outdoor adventure summer programs for people of all ages.
- Supports the delivery of environmental education in classroom and outdoor settings.
- Assists participants of all ages to ensure their enjoyment and safety during activities. Helps ensure participant engagement, safety, and enjoyment during activities.
- Assist in adapting activities for participants with diverse abilities, as directed.
- Assists in supervising participants, volunteers, and students during programs and events.
- Communicates effectively with program participants, parents and program staff.
- Participates in evening and weekend events as required.
- Assists with program promotion and outreach efforts.
- Support registration, attendance tracking, and basic record keeping.
- Helps set up and break down equipment and materials for programs.
- Assists with maintaining access, cleanliness and orderliness of program areas and equipment.
- Supports basic trail and ranger facility maintenance.
- Uses basic hand tools as needed and as trained.
- Follows safety guidelines and protocols established by the department.
- Perform related work as required.
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Recent high school graduate, college student, or recent college graduate.
- Some experience (preferably at least one season or semester) in environmental education, recreation activities instruction, information interpretation.
- Equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Working knowledge of organized recreation and outdoor adventure activities.
- Ability to support in delivery of nature education and outdoor adventure programs for participants of all ages, including those adapted for individuals with physical or cognitive challenges.
- Effective planning, prioritization, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently, once trained.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated comfort with public speaking and group facilitation, especially with youth.
- Ability to work well in a team environment with shared goals.
- Bilingual ability (Spanish preferred) desired but not required.
- Must enjoy outdoor work.
- Ability to use basic hand tools.
- Must be able to work flexible hours, as programming may include evening and weekend schedules.
- A valid driver’s license is not required but is preferred.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within one month of hire if not already held.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including rain and temperature fluctuations.
- Agility and physical fitness to be mobile and stand for extended periods of time.
SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
This is a General Fund, "Non Tested" position.
This seasonal position is not eligible to receive medical benefits, vacation pay, sick pay, holiday, union membership, or union contractual benefits. Any period of seasonal employment will not be construed in any way to mean probationary employment.
Employment Status and Limitations
- 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.
- 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.
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