Work at Willamalane
Join the Team
Work at Willamalane for a summer filled with fun and purpose. Willamalane has a variety of summer jobs supporting the pools, summer camps, youth programs, and the care of parks and natural spaces. These roles offer hands-on experience and a fun way to make a positive impact in the Springfield community.
Lifeguard and Instructor Hiring Events
Monthly hiring events offer a chance to learn more about the roles and meet the team. Candidates will attend a brief overview of the position, including details about required training and certifications provided by Willamalane, then head into the pool for a short skills demonstration. Participants may receive a job offer at the end of the event. Registration is requested in advance.
Compensation and Benefits at Willamalane
Parks and recreation play an important role in supporting community health, connection, and well-being in Springfield. Working at Willamalane means contributing to spaces and programs that bring people of all ages together. Staff value respect, engagement, collaboration, and safety, and maintain a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Willamalane strives to ensure all employees receive an equitable compensation package based on their position, job performance, education, and experience, following Oregon Pay Equity laws. In addition to competitive pay, eligible employees have access to Willamalane's exceptional activities, programs, and facilities, which may also include discounts for members of their immediate households. Benefits are specified in the job announcement postings.
Employee benefits include:
- Access Willamalane Park Swim Center or Splash at no cost.
- Access district fitness centers and group exercise classes at no cost.
- Receive 25% off the district discount rate for eligible programs (when there is no waiting list) and may receive a 50% discount on tuition of specific childcare programs.
- Receive 25% off personal training sessions. This program is an excellent option for staff because it is flexible around your schedule and can be customized to your needs, ability, and comfort. Personal training sessions are available at Bob Keefer Center and Willamalane Park Swim Center.
- Paid sick leave.
- 3% increase upon successful completion of initial probationary period and then annually thereafter (as approved by the Board).
- Annual cost-of-living increase (up to 4% as approved by the board).
- Double time pay for any hours worked on district-designated holidays.
- Applicants who pass an American Sign Language or Spanish language competency test may be eligible for an extra $1 per hour.
- Flexible scheduling so your job works around you.
Recognized as a Great Place to Work
Willamalane’s high retention rates, free access to recreation facilities, paid training and certification, childcare discounts, competitive benefits, and flexible work policies reflect a culture that values, respects, and empowers employees to grow. Willamalane received multiple awards recognizing this commitment, including 2025 Employer of the Year awarded by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and recognition as one of Lane County's Best Places for Working Parents in 2025.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Willamalane is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, considers individuals for employment according to their abilities, qualifications, and performance. Employment decisions are made without regard to race (including traits historically associated or perceived to be associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), age, religion, color, sex (includes pregnancy-related conditions), national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, uniformed service or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal or Oregon law (ORS 659A.030, ORS 659A.082 or ORS 659A.112). Age, gender, or physical requirements may be considered if they constitute a bona fide occupational qualification necessary for the performance of the essential duties of the position.
Employment Eligibility
- Some positions have minimum age requirements based on occupational hazards.
- All applicants offered a position at the district must successfully complete a pre-employment criminal background check.
- In addition, all safety-sensitive positions require a successful pre-employment urine drug test. A failed drug test will disqualify a candidate for employment and render the candidate ineligible to apply for employment with the district for six months.
- If hired, a new employee must present documentation sufficient to establish work authorization in the United States.
Commitment to Inclusivity
At Willamalane, it's a priority to cultivate a work environment that is inclusive and respectful to all individuals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors. Willamalane strives to be accessible, equitable, and inclusive to all. Willamalane provides a welcoming work culture so all staff have access to the same opportunities and have a genuine sense of belonging.
By being part of the Willamalane team, you will have access to various resources that support inclusivity, including:
- Opportunities for feedback and data collection
- Access to wellness and mental health resources
- The option to display preferred pronouns
- Inclusive hiring and vendor practices
- Engagement with diverse community groups
- Opportunity to engage in various internal committees
Together, we can create a more inclusive and respectful community.
ADA Compliance and Reasonable Accommodation
Willamalane is committed to fully including all qualified individuals. Applicants or employees who need a reasonable accommodation for any stage of the recruitment and selection process should contact the human resources director or designee to engage in the interactive process.
Protected Leaves
Willamalane complies with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), Paid Leave Oregon (PLO), and Oregon Sick Leave laws.
Veterans’ Preference
Oregon’s veterans’ preference law requires Willamalane to grant a preference to qualified and eligible veterans and disabled veterans at each stage in the hiring and/or promotion process. To be qualified for veterans’ preference, a veteran or disabled veteran must meet the minimum and other special qualifications for the position and must declare veterans’ preference on their application and provide certification (DD-214) that they are a veteran or disabled veteran as defined by Oregon law prior to the application deadline. If the veteran has passed the minimum qualifications and any necessary requirements, has transferable skills, and provided the appropriate documentation, the veteran will be granted an interview. Willamalane is obligated to hire or promote a qualified and eligible veteran or disabled veteran if they are equal to or better than the top candidate, after the preference has been applied.
Application Tips
To get started, choose the job posting that fits your interests and click "Apply". Submit your application by 5 p.m. on the closing date to be considered.
All applicants must complete and submit an application online through Willamalane’s website to be considered. Applicants should answer the application questions thoughtfully. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged but not required unless otherwise indicated. If you are claiming Veterans’ preference, you must submit required documentation (DD-214) with your application. If you need assistance submitting your application, please contact HR@willamalane.org.
Not sure if you're ready to apply yet? Reach out to Willamalane’s talent acquisition team at HR@willamalane.org with any questions.