Parks Outdoor Program Inclusion Aide #2602-1213-01
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
- $24 - $28 per hour
- Employment Type
- Seasonal
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
Apply now for Summer 2026 programs!
The Seasonal Parks Program Special Services Aide supports outdoor recreational and environmental education programs by providing inclusive services and specialized assistance to youth participants of all abilities, typically in a summer camp setting. This seasonal position will run from mid June 2026 - mid August 2026.
Under the direct supervision of Park Rangers and the programmatic supervision of the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator, the Aide provides individualized and small-group support to participants, promotes inclusive engagement in natural resource–based activities, and assists program staff in creating a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
The work will require weekday work Monday-Friday and some weekend work, as requested. The job setting is mostly outdoors, in a summer camp setting, with buildings and necessary amenities on site. Occasionally, this role includes assisting staff with maintaining trails and nature center/ ranger station facilities, maintaining outdoor adventure gear and equipment, as requested.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides one-on-one and small-group support to participants with diverse needs.
- Implements approved behavioral strategies to support program objectives and foster positive social interactions among participants.
- Provides support with self‑care and mobility tasks in accordance with individual needs and program guidelines.
- Assist with environmental education and outdoor adventure programs, including those adapted for individuals with disabilities.
- Provides insight and recommendations to program leaders regarding accommodations and alternative activity modifications.
- Promotes a supportive, inclusive environment that enables all participants to engage meaningfully in activities.
- Assists in the supervision of participants of all ages, ensuring a safe, structured, and enjoyable activity environment.
- Oversee participants during activities, meals, field trips, and transitions, ensuring safety and engagement.
- Follows safety guidelines and protocols established by the department.
- Completes necessary training and certifications in a timely manner, as required.
- Communicates proactively and professionally with program participants, parents, and program staff to promote the needs and experience of all participants.
- Works collaboratively with program staff to support overall program success.
- Represents the department at citywide and community events and facilities as assigned.
- Assists with attendance tracking and basic record keeping.
- Supports program promotion efforts as directed.
- Assists with organizing and maintaining program supplies and equipment.
- Assists in selecting and purchasing supplies as requested.
- Assists with maintaining access, cleanliness and orderliness of program areas and equipment.
- Performs related work as required.
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- College degree in Education, Special Education, or related field; or specific directly related training.
- A minimum of 6 months experience working with youth, particularly individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Ability to support participants with diverse physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.
- Knowledge of inclusive practices and accommodation strategies.
- Skills and knowledge to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment, allowing participants to achieve their full potential.
- Conflict resolution skills.
- Patience, flexibility, strong communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Experience and comfort with public speaking and group facilitation, especially with youth.
- Ability to maintain positive and professional communication with staff and families.
- Multilingual ability (Spanish, ASL preferred) desired but not required.
- Experience with classroom management or group facilitation.
- Effective planning, prioritization and organizational skills.
- Proficiency at Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative with tasks as assigned.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 1 month of hire if not already held.
- Valid Connecticut driver’s license
- Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions, including rain, snow, and temperature extremes.
- Physical agility and stamina sufficient to stand, walk, and remain mobile for extended periods.
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.
| Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. |
|---|