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Summer Program Leader Jobs in Eugene, OR (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

Eugene, OR ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Program Manager provides leadership and direction to the regional staff to ensure safe ... the summer (primarily in community organizations) throughout their region and is expected to:

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Summer Program Leader information

See Eugene, OR salary details

$11

$30

$57

How much do summer program leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer program leader in Eugene, OR is $30.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $45.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a summer program leader do?

A Summer Program Leader is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising activities for children or youth during summer programs or camps. They ensure the safety and well-being of participants, lead recreational and educational activities, and foster a positive and inclusive environment. Summer Program Leaders also communicate with parents, assist with conflict resolution, and help create memorable experiences for participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer program leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Program Leader, you need experience in youth supervision, activity planning, and a background in education or recreation, often supported by CPR/First Aid certification. Familiarity with scheduling software, safety protocols, and incident reporting systems is also valuable. Strong leadership, creativity, and effective communication skills help you engage participants and resolve conflicts smoothly. These skills ensure a safe, enriching, and well-organized environment where youth can learn and have fun.

What are typical challenges faced by a summer program leader and how can they be addressed?

Summer Program Leaders often encounter challenges such as managing diverse groups of children, adapting activities to varying interests and abilities, and maintaining high energy throughout long days. Effective communication, flexibility, and strong organizational skills are key to overcoming these challenges. Building rapport with participants and collaborating closely with fellow staff members helps create a supportive and engaging environment, ensuring the program runs smoothly and safely.

What is the difference between Summer Program Leader vs Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer Program LeaderCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer experience in youth programsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often entry-level
Work EnvironmentOrganized program settings, planning activities, supervising groupsOutdoor or recreational settings, supervising campers, leading activities
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, community centers, summer camps, youth organizationsSummer camps, recreational programs, youth organizations

Both roles involve working with youth during summer programs, but Summer Program Leaders typically have more responsibilities in planning and supervising entire programs, while Camp Counselors focus on supervising campers and leading activities. The roles often overlap, but the Leader position usually requires more experience and leadership skills.

Activity Leader - Youth Programs

Willamalane Park and Recreation District

Springfield, OR โ€ข On-site

$18.05 - $24.37/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

ACTIVITY LEADER - YOUTH PROGRAMS 

Part-time, Non-exempt, non-benefitted position

Training and Programs to begin 9/3/26 


APPLICATION CLOSING DATE:

Open to Willamalane employees only through 5PM on August 3, 2026 

Open until filled. Application screening will begin immediately

Desired start date by 9/3/2026


JOB DESCRIPTION: 


General Statement of Duties: Facilitates and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum and enrichment activities in a classroom setting for children from preschool through kindergarten age; provides a positive learning environment that supports children's social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development. Develops and recommends program activities and projects; ensures safety of children who are participating in the program; does related work as required.

Distinguishing Features of the Class: An employee in this classification is responsible for ensuring the safety of children in the program while supervising and assisting children in recreation activities such as games, songs, learning activities, arts and craft projects, and special events; and for developing and recommending program activities and projects. Work is performed under the supervision of a Youth Programs Supervisor, with daily on-site direction from a Program Leader. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of positions in this classification.


Examples of Essential Duties Performed: (Illustrative only. Any single position of a class will not necessarily involve all of the duties listed, and many positions will involve duties that are not listed.)


  • Monitors participant safety with various measures including attendance taking, active supervision, and frequent head counts. Ensures the safety of all participants at the site.
  • Supervises and assists children in recreation activities such as games, songs, educational activities, arts and crafts projects, and special events; leads and directs activities as requested.
  • Recommends program activities and projects to Program Leader and Recreation Coordinator.
  • Assists with serving snacks; performs necessary cleanup.
  • Respond to behavior concerns and implements PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies) Administers first aid and responds to emergencies as required.
  • At the direction of a Program Leader, prepares site; sets up supplies and/or equipment for activities; performs necessary cleanup.
  • Responds to questions from parents and keeps them informed regarding their child’s progress/achievements.
  • Adhere to the daily program schedule. 
  • Routine cleaning and sanitization of recreation program site and supplies.
  • Completes paperwork as required.
  • Reports cases of suspected child abuse to supervisor and contacts Department of Human Services as necessary.
  • Performs other job-related duties or tasks as required. 


DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge: Some knowledge of behavior management of school-age children; planning and implementing recreational and educational activities for school-age children. Some knowledge of school-age curriculum development; customer service; record keeping.

Skills: The administration of basic first aid and CPR; leading activities for children.

Abilities: Work successfully with children, parents and staff; deal effectively with behavioral problems of children; provide clear instructions and directions; understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Physical Demands of the Position: The employee will frequently be required to stand and be mobile for over 70% of the work period.  While performing the duties of this position the employee will frequently be required to crouch or kneel and seldom be required to bend and twist.  Physical exertion and coordination is occasionally required to lift materials up to 30 pounds such as activity materials, snack foods, furniture etc. The position requires manual dexterity and coordination, for the vast majority of the work period.  In performing the essential duties of this position, the employee will spend over 50% of the work period indoors and the remainder outdoors, thus exposure to heat in summer is possible.  Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation.  Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to the disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.

Personal Protective Equipment: Ability to use protective equipment required to perform job tasks as needed and as required by health and safety guidelines.

Minimum Experience and Training: At least 16 years of age and experience in community education, parks and recreation, or related areas which include working closely with children and the general public; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above-described duties.


Preferred Experience and Training: High school graduation or equivalency and one year of experience working with children, recreation management, child development, or a related field, and two years of progressively responsible experience in a childcare, community education, recreation setting, or related area; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above-described duties. Individuals bilingual in Spanish or ASL are encouraged to apply; a bilingual rate adjustment for Spanish or ASL is contingent upon passing a proficiency test. 

Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of or ability to obtain the following within first 30 days of employment:

  • First aid and CPR certification 
  • Oregon Food Handler Permit
  • Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect certification (RRCAN)
  • Introduction to Childcare Health and Safety certification (ICCHS)
  • Foundations for Learning certification (FFL)
  • Enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry (CBR), within 7 days of hire date.
  • This job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen test, and ability to pass a criminal background check will be required prior to employment.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 


Hours/Shift

Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. & 12:30 - 6:00 p.m. occasional Fridays.

Position follows Springfield Public Schools calendar.


Drug Free Workplace

Because this job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen test will be required prior to employment.


Oregon Pay Equity 

Willamalane Park and Recreation District determines starting pay based on the applicant's relevant education, experience and training within the wage and salary range for the position. This process is consistent with Oregon pay equity laws. 


Equal Opportunity Employer


BENEFITS: 

  • Paid sick leave beginning with date of hire, 1 hour accrual for every 30 hours worked. Part-time staff may use sick leave beginning on their 91st day of employment.
  • Annual cost of living increase (up to 4% as approved by the Board). 
  • Merit increase (3%) upon successful completion of the initial probationary period, and up a three percent (3%) increase annually thereafter as approved by the Board. 
  • Additional $1/hour increase upon successful completion of a Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL) competency test. 
  • Discount on selected childcare programs (see Policy Manual for restrictions).
  • 50-percent discount on selected childcare program (see Policy Manual for restrictions).
  • 25-percent discount on certain recreation programs.
  • Free use of pools for lap and play swim for employee only. Discount for household members. 
  • Free use of fitness center for employee only. Discount for household members.
  • Free Wellness programs for employee.
  • Payroll direct deposit is available.