Employment Opportunities

RECREATION PROGRAMS & SPECIAL EVENTS/TRIPS COORDINATORBlue Island Park District – Recreation Department
Salary Range: $55,000.00 – $71,000.00 (+/- $60,000.00 DOE)

The Blue Island Park District is seeking a dynamic, organized professional to serve as Recreation Programs and Special Events Coordinator. Under general direction, this position is responsible for developing, managing, and evaluating a comprehensive array of general recreation initiatives, including youth, adult, and senior programming, as well as fitness activities such as Aqua Zumba. This role serves as the creative lead for signature community events and large-scale festival planning (e.g., Daddy-Daughter Dances, Halloween Bingo, Easter Egg Hunts, and community-wide celebrations). Additionally, the Coordinator acts as a vital support hub for summer camp operations and is responsible for streamlining communication initiatives directly between program participants and the department. The role also functions as the department’s marketing facilitator—overseeing social media, digital assets, and the production of the seasonal community brochure—while monitoring program budgets and compiling financial reports.

Desired Qualifications

• At least 1–2 years of experience in parks and recreation, community event planning, enrichment programming, or a related field.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when making decisions regarding staff, programs, participants, and daily operations, in accordance with Park District policy.
• Must obtain or maintain current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Ability to participate in and support a variety of physical recreation activities, fitness programs, and community events with energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism.
• Demonstrates professionalism, appropriate conduct, and sound decision-making when working with staff, participants, families, vendors, and community partners.
• Experience with community event coordination, multi-generational programming, summer camp operations, and festival planning.
• Proven ability to streamline processes and communication initiatives to improve user experiences for program participants and families.
• Demonstrates integrity, adaptability, dependability, punctuality, teamwork, self-control, and enthusiasm.
• Demonstrates strong leadership skills, accountability, and the ability to support and motivate seasonal staff, camp counselors, and volunteers.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and basic digital marketing/design tools.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Event Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience with RecTrac, WebTrac, or similar recreation management software, along with proficiency in financial spreadsheet tracking and basic office applications.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to assist with participant or event equipment transportation in a Park District vehicle, as needed.

Logistics & Employment Details

• Hours of Work: Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with regular evening and weekend hours required based on seasonal programming, festivals, and community special events.
• Work Location: Primary office duties and programming operations are based at the Memorial Park District Field House, located at 12804 S. Highland Ave. in Blue Island, IL 60406. This position requires regular travel to local community facilities, municipal properties, and partner school sites within School Districts 130 and 218 as necessary to oversee active programs.

Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check, pre-employment physical, and drug/alcohol screening.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and professional references via email or standard mail to the attention of the Executive Director:

• Contact: Theodore “Ted” Ruthenberg, Executive Director
• Email: TRuthenberg@blueislandparks.org
• Mailing Address: Blue Island Park District, 12804 S. Highland Ave., Blue Island, IL 60406
• Application Deadline: September 4^th, 2026 or Open Until Filled

 

Digital Application Submission

For expedited processing, please scan the QR code below. You will be automatically redirected to the Blue Island Park District career portal to complete your application.

mer season with good standing.

Security Officer – Seasonal

Job Description

Performs a variety of skilled and unskilled tasks in custodial care, supervision of Park District buildings and grounds, and provides information to the public on a broad range of programs, services, issues, and policies.

Supervision Received:

•Works under the close supervision of the Supervisor of Security.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures a safe and pleasant place for the public.

• Serve as a customer service link between the public and the Park District.

• Distributes information to the public regarding programs, services, activities, issues, 

• Offers first aid (if certified) and handles emergencies with police and fire departments.

• Assist with emergency procedures and building evacuation.

• Completes work orders for Maintenance.

• Ensures bicycles, skate boards, etc. are not allowed in parks, seizing those in violation after a warning.

• Keeps records of all bicycles, skate boards, etc.

• Cleans accidents, spills, etc. from rentals.

• Opens and unlocks facilities as needed.

• Keeps records of work completed.

• Maintains current skills and knowledge in the proper and safe techniques of security.

• Park Security is not a police department – it is the front line to secure the people aspect 

  of the park environment so everyone can use and enjoy the park system.

• Handling and defusing potentially dangerous situations.

• Providing employees and customer escorts after dark when requested.

Maintenance Worker – Seasonal

Job Description

The Blue Island Park District is looking for a skilled Maintenance worker to perform upkeep tasks such as repairs and cleaning. You will be responsible for applying basic fixes to equipment and building systems, landscaping, and ensure facilities are tidy and functional.

Being reliable with a keen eye for detail is the first step to getting this job. The ideal candidate will have experience and solid technical knowledge. You must also possess manual dexterity and physical stamina.

Responsibilities

Perform cleaning activities such as dusting, mopping etc.
Perform minor fixes such as repairing broken locks, filling gaps on walls etc.
Install appliances and equipment
Do Park upkeep by mowing lawn, collecting trash etc.
Conduct maintenance tasks such as replacing light bulbs
Inspect and troubleshoot equipment and systems
Report to facilities or maintenance manager for issues

Requirements

Proven experience as an assistant director or other similar position
Experience using hand and electrical tools
Ability to read technical manuals and drawings
Very good communication and interpersonal skills
Physical stamina and dexterity
High school diploma or equivalent
Must provide a valid Drivers License
Basic Computer skill (Word, Excel, email)

Office Intern

The Blue Island Park District is accepting summer time applicants for the Memorial Park Registration Office position. Bi-lingual speakers welcome.