Scientists In Parks Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Salary: Location
Zanewood Recreation Center, 7100 Zanewood Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN
Job Type: Seasonal Temporary (0-39.99 Hrs/Wk; <6 Months)
Job Number: 2026-00090-AB
Department: Recreation & Parks
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
Vacancies: 2
Address: Zanewood Recreation Center, 7200 Zanewood Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN
Posting Type: Open to the public
Position Summary
Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department is looking for highly motivated, team-oriented and enthusiastic individuals who have a desire to make difference in youth programs to help increase participation and eliminate barriers. Youth programs for youth 5 - 12 years old. A Recreation Specialist is responsible for assisting with the implementation of youth mobile recreation and outreach programs and will work under the general supervision of the Recreation Program Supervisor and Youth Programs Specialist.
A Recreation Specialist will assist with implementing youth, teen mobile recreation, special events in the community, supervision of participants and staff and outreach opportunities in the community. We are looking for team members who enjoy being outside, working in a fast-paced environment, interacting with youth, and teens. As a team member of the Recreation and Parks team you will work together to develop innovative programs focused on quality partnerships and achieving successful results.
Application Deadline: This job posting will be open until filled. If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Engage youth in sports, arts, science, literacy, nature, team building and events
• Engage existing and potential community partners in youth programs
• Implement, plan, and evaluate recreational activities for youth under 13 years old
• Implement programs at various special events in the City of Brooklyn Park
• Assist in supervision of youth program locations and participants
• Recruit and register youth to participate in youth programs
• Assist in reporting deliverables to Recreation Supervisor and Youth Programs Specialist
• Assist in evaluation of youth program locations, participants and staff
• Assist with duties in youth programs such as data entry
• Attend all staff development/training programs and staff meetings
• Assist with building and park clean-up after each event
• Work collaboratively with all team members to establish a welcoming, engaging and supportive environment for youth, parents and community members
• Maintain order and assure participants are following set policies
• Understand and implement Center of Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health guidance
• Understand policies and procedures to ensure safe environment exists for all participants; complete required reports
• Report any accident and assist with completing the required reports
• Appropriately handle and report incidents to the Prevention & Intervention Specialist and Youth Services Manager and/or police officer
• Participate in First Aid and Emergency training when provided
• Other job duties as assigned

Minimum and Desired Qualifications
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience
18 years of age or older
Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to interact with youth in a caring, responsible and professional manner
• Ability to maturely and appropriately respond to any emergency or incident that may arise
• Ability to communicate effectively and respond with tact and courtesy
• Ability to load and unload supplies and recreation equipment
• Ability to maintain order and security
• Ability to effectively work with youth and others
• Ability to be a strong and positive leader with the youth, families, partners and peers
• Ability to make rational decisions based on established policy and procedure
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Prepare for, lead, and clean-up after program activities and events
• Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectations
• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement

Desired Qualifications

• Coursework, classes or training leading to a college degree in Recreation, Education, Human Services, or related field
• 21 years of age or older
• Experience supervising seasonal staff and volunteers
• Experience in leading arts, sports, team activities, outdoor games and science activities
• Experience working with young people with disabilities
• Experience working with at risk youth from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• Experience working in youth development activities with teens and/or youth
• Experience working with mobile recreation/outreach, youth sports, camps, clinics or sports leagues
• Previous successful experience working with the public and providing customer service
• Previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao or Vietnamese language(s)
• A valid driver's license

Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fully and safely perform the essential duties.

• This is a seasonal, non-benefited position that will work an an average of 15-38 hours per week. Works shifts are primarily in the evening hours Monday - Friday from 1pm-9pm and possible weekend shifts available between 9-7pm; may work daytime shifts during week
• Lifting and carrying equipment and supplies weighing at a minimum of 10 lbs. to a maximum of 30 lbs.
• Ability to set up recreation equipment (i.e. portable basketball hoops, speakers, folding tables,) and arts and supplies
• Ability to work independently with participants
• Ability to verbally communicate to participants, parents and staff promptly and effectively
• Ability to make rational decisions and comprehend written instructions to deliver program plan

Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Fifty-four percent of residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.
Additional Information
Department/Division:Recreation and Parks Department/Zanewood Recreation Center
Anticipated Hiring Wage: $15.85 starting wage with no experience. With additional desired qualifications, pay is up to $24.60 per hour, depending on qualifications
Limited Benefits:

• Earned Safe & Sick Leave mandated by the state - Employees earn one hour of Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours of Sick Leave per year. This specific leave applies to all employees (including temporary and part-time employees) performing for at least 80 hours in a year for the City.

We welcome applications from all individuals, including (but not limited to): people of all abilities, persons of color, Veterans, LGBTQ+ and women. If you need these materials in an alternate format or if you have a disability related need and need assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at
Regular, full-time City of Brooklyn Park employees (40 or more hours per week) are eligible for a benefits package including:
Vacation

• New employees generally earn 10 days of vacation per year
• Vacation accruals increase with longevity up to a maximum of 20 days per year

Sick Leave

• Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation

Holidays

• 12 paid holidays per year
• 1 floating holiday to be used any day in the year with supervisor approval

Health Insurance:

• Employees may choose a health plan with an option to waive coverage if covered under another qualified plan
• The City contributes a portion to the cost of health insurance
• Available to City of Brooklyn Park employees working 30 or more hours per week

Dental Insurance

• Employees may choose between two dental plans with an option to waive coverage if covered under another qualified plan

Life Insurance

• The City provides term life insurance with an option for employees to purchase additional and dependent term life insurance at group rates

Disability Insurance

• Short-term disability insurance available at group rates
• Long-term disability insurance available at group rates

Retirement

• Public Employee's Retirement Association (PERA) pension plan (employer/employee contributions)
• Optional 457 pre-tax and post-tax (Roth) deferred compensation plans for tax-deferred retirement savings

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Reimbursement account for health care and daycare expenses using pre-tax contributions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and referral services

Fitness

• Free on-site fitness facilities; Wellness program and fitness classes offered

Direct Deposit (mandatory)

• Payroll checks are automatically deposited into designated account(s) on payday

Regular, part-time benefited City of Brooklyn Park employees (20-29 hours per week) are not eligible for Health Insurance, but are eligible for the following benefits:

• Sick and Vacation at a pro-rated rate
• Decreasing Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account(s)
• Deferred Compensation, if enrolled.

Seasonal/Temporary employees

• Temporary, Seasonal, and non-benefited part-time employees earn one hour of Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked by an employee, up to a maximum of 48 hours of Sick Leave per year.

Benefits may differ based on union contracts for employees represented by a collective bargaining unit. This summary is for information only and is subject to change or revocation without notice. This summary shall not constitute a contract or guarantee, express or implied.
01
What is your connection with the City of Brooklyn Park?

• Current Brooklyn Park Resident
• Active Member of Community Group in Brooklyn Park
• Currently enrolled in school in Brooklyn Park
• BrookLynk alumni
• None apply

02
Do you possess a fully valid, unrestricted driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03
Are you able to fluently speak, write, and understand any of the following languages? (Check all that apply)

• Spanish
• Hmong
• Russian
• Somali
• Vietnamese
• Lao
• None of the Above

04
If you are fluent in other languages than what is listed above, please list the language(s).
Required Question