Job Opportunities for Teens

Teens!  Seattle Parks and Recreation and other City agencies offer several different job programs and job types for you, mostly in summer. Some pay by the hour, while others offer a stipend and/or service hours. Whether your interest is in indoor or outdoor jobs, getting ready to enter the job market is an important step in your life.  

These opportunities are a great way to grow, get involved with your community, learn basic employment skills and, last but not least, earn a paycheck!

If you are interested in receiving updates on future youth employment program opportunities through Seattle Parks and Recreation, please visit this page often. Or contact Teen.Programs@seattle.gov and ask to be added to our email list.

Pre-Employment Training

Pre-requisite for all work-related opportunities offered by our recreation department*

Pre-Employment Training is a job readiness training program for young people ages 13-24. This training program occurs during Fall, Winter, and Spring. The goal of this training is to inform youth how to write a resume, provide interview practice, learn and practice communication skills and much more. Take this class to become eligible for other job opportunities, such as Summer YES/STEP Internships with more coming soon. 

Programs will vary depending on availability of staff and quarter being offered and run from 6-10 weeks. Each class meets twice a week and is scheduled for a 2-hour session.  

Stipends will be offered depending on the length of the program. Must complete the program to receive a stipend. 

YES! Youth Engaged in Service   

Must complete pre-employment training prior to applying 

YES! is a job readiness and leadership development opportunity for youth at age 15. YES! connects you to a broad range of service and training opportunities, preparing you for the working world. Participants partner with an adult mentor and support the operations and programming at a Seattle Parks and Recreation facility, park or program. The YES! program will help you make a difference in your community while gaining leadership and work skills.  

In this program, you can expect to. 

• Meet new friends and network with mentors in the community  
• Work collaboratively on a team  
• Gain leadership, life, and pre-employment skills through Career Lab  
• Work within Seattle Parks and Recreation in a mentorship capacity, gaining knowledge and employment skills in a positive environment  

The YES! Program is the first step of growth in job readiness and prepares you to obtain a job after program completion. 

Student Training Employment Preparation – STEP 

Must complete pre-employment training prior to applying 

STEP is a job readiness internship that teams young adults and teens (ages 16-24) with positive mentorships, either with Seattle Parks and Recreation or with an outside partner. The goal is to increase your ability to pursue careers that pay well and are meaningful to you. STEP is focused on teaching job readiness, "soft skills", life skills, and leadership.   

In this program you can expect to:  

• Meet new friends and network with mentors in the community  
• Work collaboratively on a team  
• Gain leadership, life, and pre-employment skills  

Youth in STEP earn an hourly wage - for a maximum of 120 hours (determined by the site’s needs).    

STEP’s goal is to set you on a path to obtain a job upon completion, or in the near future; a “STEP”ping stone to your future! 

Basketball Scorers and Timers 

During basketball season (Fall and Winter), community centers need scorers and timers. This opportunity pays $20 an hour to start; candidates must attend a mandatory training and be able to work on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from January through March. Scorers and timers are paid on a site-by-site basis. If you are interested, please ask at your local community center. 

Workshops  

Watch for workshops offered at various Teen Life Centers and community centers. These workshops are unpaid but provide much-needed information on topics like jobs, college and financial aid applications, banking and financial futures; work performance improvements, and more.