Parks Outdoor Program Supervisor #2602-1232-01
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 Parks Outdoor Program Supervisor is responsible for implementing and leading outdoor recreation, environmental education, team-building activities, volunteer, and outdoor-based programs in the City of New Haven’s Parks’ natural environments. This seasonal position will run from May 2026 - September 2026.
This position works primarily on weekdays during the summer camp season, with required evening and weekend hours as programming needs dictate. The Supervisor provides instruction to individuals of all ages, with a strong emphasis on youth engagement and empowerment through natural resource–based education and recreation.
The role also includes supervision of Parks Outdoor Program Aides and volunteers, assistance with trail and facility maintenance, and management of outdoor adventure equipment and program supplies.
Required certifications and program-specific trainings, as determined by the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator, must be obtained within two months of hire. (See also Necessary Special Requirements)
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Presents and leads natural history education, natural recreation, team building, and outdoor adventure programs for people of all ages.
- Delivers environmental education in both classroom and outdoor settings.
- Develops and adapts programming, including activities accessible to individuals with disabilities.
- Supervises participants of all ages to ensure their enjoyment and safety during activities.
- Represents the department at citywide and community events, meetings, and facilities.
- Leads supervision of program aides, volunteers, and students in environmental education and recreational activities.
- Communicates proactively and professionally with program participants, parents, educators, and program staff.
- Coordinates with local educators and experts to facilitate field trips and outdoor education experiences.
- Conducts administrative tasks such as promotion of programming, registration, attendance tracking, record keeping.
- Maintains accurate program records using spreadsheets and word processing software.
- Assists in selecting and purchasing supplies and equipment needed for programming.
- Maintains organized inventory of supplies, materials, and equipment for programming.
- Sets up equipment and materials needed for each program.
- May assist with trail maintenance and improvement of park amenities.
- Assists with maintaining cleanliness, order, and safe access to program areas, equipment, and facilities.
- Follows safety guidelines and protocols established by the department.
- Completes all required certifications and trainings within necessary timeframe, at the discretion of the program coordinator.
- Performs related work as required.
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or equivalent
- At least 1 year of study in Recreation, Education, Environmental Sciences, or closely related field at an accredited institution or equivalent on-the-job experience in a municipal or school setting.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in environmental education, natural history interpretation, or recreation programming,
- An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Knowledge of local natural history, organized recreation, and outdoor adventure activities.
- Experience with classroom management or group facilitation.
- Ability to lead environmental education and outdoor adventure programs for participants of all ages, including those adapted for individuals with disabilities.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated comfort with public speaking and group facilitation, especially with youth.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse communities.
- Bilingual ability (Spanish preferred) desired but not required.
- Proficiency at Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Experience with promotion of events and social media management.
- Experience with developing, posting and managing social media content.
- Familiarity with basic graphic design platforms and tools.
- Ability to accurately maintain records and program documentation.
- Effective planning, prioritization and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative with tasks as assigned.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with shared goals.
- Ability to use basic hand tools, battery/electric operated tools and follow instructions pertaining to trail maintenance and improvement of amenities.
- Must be able to work flexible hours, as some programming will include evening and weekend hours.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Valid Connecticut driver’s license (CT Public Passenger Endorsement is preferred.)
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including rain, snow, and temperature extremes.
- Physical agility and stamina sufficient to stand, walk, and remain mobile for extended periods.
- CPR/First Aid Certification - Must obtain within two months of hire if not current.
Candidate must demonstrate a commitment to obtain the following required training within the stated timeframes. Certifications of necessary training for summer programs will be required at the discretion of the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator. *Preference will be given to candidates who possess these certifications at time application.
- *Level 1 canoeing quick-start
- *Archery instruction
- *Belaying/Climbing
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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