Jobs · OTHR · Oregon

Recreation Employment - Sports League Official (Ages 15+)

City of Portland · Portland, OR · 3 wk ago
OTHR$19.61/hrTemporary

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is hiring for part-time, year-round positions in the Recreation Division.

About the role

Portland Parks and Recreation is seeking basketball Sports Officials ages 15 or older for the 2026-2027 youth sports leagues. On-court training teaches basic officiating skills—no prior experience is necessary. All Sports League Officials must complete PP&R’s Sports Officials Training Certification Program, which includes:

  • Seven weeks of Saturday training (8:45 am–12:00 pm) from mid-October to December
  • Two live game training Jamborees
  • Post-season training in March

Staff are responsible for officiating games in a safe and professional manner, demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and enthusiasm while serving as positive role models. New Sports Officials will not be paid for training until the hiring process is complete.

Saturday Youth Basketball Season: January 9, 2027–mid-March 2027.

Pay

  • Training pay: $19.61/hour for all Parks Activities Specialist positions
  • Sports Official base pay: $33.50 or $38.95/hour (determined by officiating grade level)
  • Lead Official base pay: $38.95/hour ($40.12/hour for training and scheduling other staff)

Additional language pay may be available for those who speak languages other than English and use them to assist the community.

Schedule

  • Flexible hours, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Hours vary weekly based on program needs; no guaranteed weekly hours
  • Primary shift: Saturdays, 8:30 am–4:30 pm

Locations

Various sites across Portland. Travel between locations is required.

Responsibilities

Sports Official (ages 15+)

  • Officiate games safely and professionally
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sport rules and supplemental PP&R rules
  • Communicate effectively with Lead Officials, Event Hosts, and the public
  • Serve as a positive role model for participants and staff

Lead Official (ages 18+)

  • Plan, coordinate, and conduct on-court trainings for Sports Officials
  • Schedule officials and assign games using software like RefTown
  • Handle conflicts, cancellations, and game-day situations
  • Provide excellent customer service to staff, coaches, parents, and players
  • Travel to trainings, staff meetings, and game sites

Requirements

  • Ability to promote a welcoming and friendly atmosphere
  • General knowledge of the assigned recreation area
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups
  • Ability to recognize and respond to safety and emergency situations
  • Problem-solving skills and ability to address customer concerns
  • Basic understanding of the sport being officiated
  • Physical ability to run and keep up with the pace of play
  • Ability to work with diverse populations and coworkers
  • Some positions may require First Aid/CPR or other certifications

Lead Officials must have knowledge of current league rules and NHFS rules; prior mentoring experience is preferred.

Benefits

This position offers limited benefits. Additional language pay may be available for bilingual candidates.

Application timeline

  • Applications open: August 10, 2026
  • Applications close: November 2, 2026
  • Early applications (submitted by September 21st) are guaranteed an interview
  • Applications submitted after September 21st will be considered on an as-needed basis

Veterans who wish to claim preference should attach relevant documents to their application.

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