Portland Parks & Recreation is hiring again, thanks in part to union-backed ballot measure that Portland voters approved by 64% last November. A property tax levy to pay operating costs is expected to raise an estimated $48 million a year for five years. That’s the first stable dedicated source of operating funding Portland Parks & Recreation has had, and it will allow the bureau to restore programs while decreasing reliance on user fees.
The new jobs are union-represented under a contract with Laborers Local 483, and includes park maintenance workers, rec center customer service staff, exercise instructors, camp counselors, and aquatic staff like lifeguards and swimming and water fitness instructors.
The levy revenue won’t come in until property taxes are due in November, but Portland City Council voted unanimously in February to tap other funds in anticipation of that revenue in order to start hiring now.
Owing to continued uncertainty about the pandemic, it’s not clear how soon and how much programming Portland Parks & Recreation will be able to schedule for the summer, but for now the bureau expects to offer outdoor fitness programs, outdoor summer camps, and aquatic programs at outdoor pools.
The bureau is hiring for the season that starts June 20. After summer 2021, when public health guidance allows, it will fully reopen community centers and pools to the public.
UNION JOBS. APPLY ONLINE: portland.gov/parks/employment
