Employment Opportunities

Employment Opportunities

youth sideline cheer coaches - rocket & flag

18 Yr Olds+

Apply Here

Overview

  • Zeeland Recreation is seeking positive, dependable coaches to lead our youth sideline cheer program. These positions emphasize skill development, confidence, teamwork, and creating a fun, welcoming environment for all participants. This is a recreational cheer program focused on development over perfection and participation over pressure.
  • Programs: Fall Sideline Rocket & Flag Cheer

  • Type: Seasonal; Stipend-Based Position & Experience

Rocket Cheer - Head Coach

  • Seasonal; Roughly (10) weeks; Mid-Aug through Mid-October; Average 3-4 hours per week
  • Stipend: $1,000; based on qualification and experience.
  • Estimated Time Commitment:
    • 20-25 hours of practices (9-10 weeks, one night per week, 2-3 hours)
    • 10 hours of games (6 weeks, Saturday mornings, 60 min games)
    • 6-8 hours of collaboration with Rocket cheer to ensure continuity between programs
  • Responsibilities:
    • Plan and lead all Rocket Cheer practices and games.
    • Oversee assistant coaches and flag sideline cheer coach(es) and overall program alignment
    • Teach age-appropriate cheer skills, including motions, jumps, chants, and routines.
    • Create a positive, inclusive environment where all participants feel supported.
    • Communicate clearly and professionally with league participants, families, assistant coaches, and the Recreation Coordinator.
    • Model strong leadership, professionalism, and sportsmanship at all times.

    • Ensure all participants have a positive experience and continue to grow confidence and skills.

Rocket Cheer - Assistant Coach

  • Seasonal; Roughly (10) weeks; Mid-Aug through Mid-October; Average 3 hours per week
  • Stipend: $400; based on qualification and experience.
  • Estimated Time Commitment:
  • 20 hours of practices (9-10 weeks, one night per week, 2 hours)
  • 6-7 hours of games (6 weeks, Saturday mornings, 60 min games)
  • Responsibilities:
  • Support the Head Coach during all practices and games.
  • Assist with skill instruction, organization, and participant engagement.
  • Present in a professional manner at all times.
  • Communicate effectively with the Head Coach.
  • Help ensure every participant feels included, supported, and confident.
  • Reinforce a fun, development-focused program environment.

Flag Cheer - Head Coach

  • Seasonal; Roughly (10) weeks; Mid-Aug through Mid-October; Average 2 hours per week
  • Stipend: $500; based on qualification and experience.
  • Estimated Time Commitment:
    • 8-10 hours of practices (one night per week, 1 hour)
    • 5-6 hours of games (6 weeks, Saturday mornings, 45 min games)
    • 2-4 hours of collaboration with Rocket cheer to ensure continuity between programs
  • Responsibilities:
    • Plan and lead all Flag Cheer practices and games.
    • Oversee assistant coaches and volunteer coaches.
    • Teach introductory cheer skills appropriate for first-time and younger participants.
    • Assist with Rocket Cheer programming to ensure continuity of learning progressions, including jumps, motions, shared cheers, and preparation for advancement.
    • Support consistency across programs, including shared cheers and skill foundations.
    • Create a fun, welcoming, and confidence-building environment.
    • Communicate clearly and professionally with league participants, families, and the Recreation Coordinator.
    • Ensure all participants have a positive experience and continue to grow their skills.

Flag Cheer - Assistant Coach

  • Seasonal; Roughly (10) weeks; Mid-Aug through Mid-October; Average 2 hours per week
  • Stipend: $100; based on qualification and experience.
  • Estimated Time Commitment:
    • Approximately 15 total hours for the season.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Attend all practices and games.
    • Support the Head Coach during practices and games.
    • Assist with instruction and participant engagement.
    • Present in a professional manner.
    • Communicate effectively with the Head Coach.
    • Help ensure all participants feel supported and excited to participate.
    • Promote a positive, inclusive, and development-focused environment.

Certifications & Training (All Coaches)

  • Required:
    • Concussion Awareness Training (CDC Heads Up, NFHS, or equivalent)
    • Background Check Clearance - ZPS
    • Required training may be completed prior to the start of the season.
  • Preferred:
    • CPR & AED Certification (Adult & Child preferred)

    • First Aid Certification

programming secretary

18 Yr Olds+

We’re excited to open this newly created position on our team — the Programming Secretary! This role was developed as part of a recent support structure reorganization to strengthen administrative operations across our offerings. The Programming Secretary will provide essential administrative support for our Aquatics, Events, Programs, and Sports programs. You’ll play a key behind-the-scenes role supporting the Aquatics Coordinator, Programs & Events Coordinator, and Youth Sports Coordinator, helping ensure our programs run smoothly, efficiently, and with a high level of organization. This role is focused on administrative work and does not include front desk duties, with only rare common-sense exceptions as needed. If you would enjoy supporting a hard-working team of coordinators that produce a wide variety of programs for our community, we'd love to hear from you!

  • Apply Here
  • Job Description
  • Compensation: $16.66-$23.95 per hour (starting rate dependent on previous experience) | Annual increase on July 1st 
  • Hours: 35 hours per week | Mon-Fri | 8:30 AM-3:30 PM (relatively flexible)
  • Benefits: N/A
  • Reports To: Aquatics Coordinator (Kristine Ferry), Programs & Events Coordinator (Katelyn Parker) and Youth Sports Coordinator (Mandee Matzke)
  • Qualifications: Previous secretarial experience is preferred, but not required | Associates or Bachelor's degree is preferred, but not required 

Little League Umpires

12 Yr Olds-Adults

Zeeland Rec is looking for umpires for our Zeeland Little League Baseball and Softball programs! Both home plate and field umpires are needed. Umpire resource guides, equipment and training is provided. 

  • Apply Here
  • Questions? Email our Little League President, Brandon LaRosa: zeelandlittleleague@zps.org
  • Dates: April-July
  • Game Days: Monday-Saturday
  • Times: Mon-Fri games range from 5pm-8pm | Sat games range from 9am-1pm (games last around 2 hrs each)
  • Pay Rate: $25-$45 p/game (depending on age, certification, etc)
  • Qualifications: Knowledge of the game of baseball/softball (training will be provided upon hiring) | Love for kids | Dependable
  • Training: In-person training is required in April | Details TBD

Adult Softball Umpires

18 Yr Olds +

We're looking for adult softball umpires for our Summer and/or Fall Adult Softball Leagues!

  • Apply + Questions: Contact Brett Geertsma | bgeertsm@zps.org | 616-748-3231
  • Pay Rates: $27-$29 p/game (depends on certifications)
  • Games Per Night: 3-4 
  • Summer: May-August | Mon, Tue, Wed or Thur Leagues
  • Fall: Sept-Oct | Mon, Tue or Wed Leagues

Adult Soccer Site Supervisors

18 Yr Olds +

We're looking for adult soccer site supervisors for our summer soccer leagues!

  • Apply + Questions: Contact Brett Geertsma | bgeertsm@zps.org | 616-748-3231
  • Pay Rate: $17 p/game
  • Mens League: Tuesdays | May 13-July 22 (Skip July 1)
  • Coed League: Thursdays | May 15-July 24 (Skip July 3)
  • Game Times: 6pm, 7pm, 8pm
  • Location: Main & Fairview Green Space

Program Instructors

Do you have an aquatics, fitness, leisure or sports program you would like to run through Zeeland Recreation? We're always open to new ideas that would help us serve our community... anything from engineering to art to sports to senior activities and everything in between! We offer excellent compensation + lots of schedule flexibility. Below are the details. 

  • Submit a Program Idea: Fill Out THIS FORM
  • Art: Drawing, Painting, Sculptures and/or any other idea(s) you may have
    Food: Baking, Cooking, Cuisine, Date Nights, Pastries and/or any other ideas you have!
    Music: Singing Lessons, Instrument Lessons, Songwriting Lessons, Music Engineering Lessons and/or any other idea(s) you may have! 
    Science: Science, Engineering, Robotics, STEM, Chemistry and/or any other idea(s) you may have!
    Technology: Coding, Gaming, Photography, STEM and/or any other idea(s) you may have! 
    Toddler / Parent-Child: Open to any ideas you may have!
  • Other Ideas: We're open to any idea you may have!
  • Questions: Contact our Director, Brett Geertsma, at bgeertsm@zps.org or (616) 748-3231
  • Pay Rate: 70% of Revenue (Ex: $50 registration fee p/person = $35 p/person goes to instructor)

Gymnastics Assistant instructors

14 Yr Olds-Adults

This positionassists in instruction at our Gymnastics program by leading a group of 5-6 participants at various skill stations. If you love working with kids, have experience in gymnastics and want a fun summer job, we are looking for you!

  • Apply: Send resume to Katelyn Parker at kparker@zps.org
  • Compensation: $11 per hour
  • What We Are Looking For: Gymnastics Experience; Outgoing; Loves Kids
  • School Year: Mon and/or Thur Evening | Saturday AM
  • Summer: Weekday AM or PM | Sessions in June, July, August
  • Questions? Contact Katelyn Parker | kparker@zps.org | (616) 748-3240

Youth sports Gameday Staff

13 Yr Olds-Adults

We have a wide variety of employment opportunities through our youth sports programs. Review all details below and apply via the link if you are interested! 

  • Apply Here
  • Questions? Contact Mandee Matzke, Youth Sports Coordinator, at mmatzke@zps.org or (616) 748-3228
  • Qualifications: Previous experience playing and/or managing that sport
  • Soccer (Sept-Oct): Referees, Site Supervisors
  • Flag Football (Sept-Oct): Referees, Site Supervisors
  • Tackle Football (Sept-Oct): Referees, Scoreboard Controller, Announcer, Music Controller, Chain Crew, Site Supervisors
  • Volleyball (Nov-Dec): Line Judges, Site Supervisors
  • Basketball (Jan-Feb): Referees, Scoreboard Controller, Site Supervisors
  • Baseball & Softball (Apr-July): Umpires
  • Dates & Times: Vary by position | Contact Mandee Matzke for specific dates/times by position/sport at mmatzke@zps.org or (616) 748-3228
  • Compensation: Vary by position | Contact Mandee Matzke for specific pay rates by position/sport at mmatzke@zps.org or (616) 748-3228

Swim Lessons Supervisor

18 Yr Olds+

We are seeking an individual with a love of children and swimming to supervise our swim lessons! This person will be present and on deck at swim lessons to ensure the quality and consistency of lessons and to provide exceptional customer service to the families of swim lesson participants. 

  • Apply: Contact Kristine Ferry (616.748.3229 or kferry@zps.org)
  • Pay Rate: $13.86-$19.94 p/hr (starting rate depends on experience)
  • Hours: 12-15 hrs p/wk (Additional hours for swim lesson instruction and lifeguarding are also available)
  • Mon & Wed Shifts: 4:00pm-7:30pm
  • Saturday Shifts: 8:00am-12:30pm
  • Summer Shifts: M & W, 3:30pm-7pm | T & TH, 8:30am-12pm
  • Qualifications: Energetic | Responsible | Effective verbal and written communication skills | Detail oriented | Previous swim instruction/lifeguard/swim coach experience is a plus | Experience working with children is a plus | Relates well to children | Lifeguard or WSI certifications are preferred. However, Zeeland Rec will help you attain certification(s) if not currently held

Swim Lessons Instructors

16 Yr Olds-Adults

This is the perfect job for a high school student, college student, or adult looking for a side job! A free fitness membership is included with the job. 

  • Apply: Contact Kristine Ferry (616.748.3229 or kferry@zps.org)
  • Pay Rate: $13.86-$15.61 p/hr (starting depends on experience)
  • Shifts: Mon-Sat | Times Vary | Schedule is Flexible
  • Qualifications: Energetic | Responsible | Effective communicator | Lifeguard or WSI certifications preferred. However, Zeeland Rec will help you attain your certification(s) if not currently held

Lifeguards

15 Yr Olds-Adults

This is the perfect job for a high school student, college student, or adult looking for a side job! A free fitness membership is included with the job. 

  • Apply: Contact Kristine Ferry (616.748.3229 or kferry@zps.org)
  • Pay Rate: $12.60-$14.21 p/hr (depends on experience)
  • Shifts: Mon-Sat | Times Vary | Schedule is Flexible
  • Qualifications: Energetic | Responsible | Effective communicator | Lifeguard or WSI certifications preferred. However, Zeeland Rec will help you attain your certification(s) if not currently held

Daytime Aquatics Staff

15 Yr Olds-Adults

This is the perfect job for a homeschool student, college student, adult or senior looking for a part-time job! This position fills a combination of roles, including lifeguarding, teaching of swim lessons and any other assigned duties. A free fitness membership is included with the job. 

  • Apply: Contact Kristine Ferry (616.748.3229 or kferry@zps.org)
  • Pay Rate: $13.86-$19.94 p/hr (starting rate depends on experience)
  • Hours: Hours are flexible and can range from one shift a week (ex: 3 hours per week) all the way up to multiple shifts a week (ex: 25-30 hours per week)
  • Shifts: 1-5 Days Per Week | Mon-Fri | 4:30am-7:30am | 10:45am-1:15pm | 4:45pm-8:45pm | Applicants don't have to be able to work all shifts in order to apply
  • Qualifications: Energetic | Responsible | Effective communicator | Lifeguard or WSI certifications are preferred. However, Zeeland Rec will help you attain certification(s) if not currently held

Aquatics Aide

15 Yr Olds-Adults

This is the perfect job for a middle school or high school students who may be interesting in becoming a lifeguard and/or swim lesson instructor! Aquatic aides will assist in the water with group swim lessons while also assisting at Family Open Swim. A free fitness membership is included with the job!

  • Apply: Contact Kristine Ferry (616.748.3229 or kferry@zps.org)
  • Pay Rate: $12.60-$14.21 p/hr (depends on experience)
  • Shifts: Mon-Sat | Times Vary | Schedule is Flexible
  • Qualifications: Successful completion of a swim skills evaluation | Energetic | Responsible | Effective communicator

Fitness Instructors + Personal Trainers

18 Yr Olds +

We're looking for individuals to lead group fitness classes for either adults or even youth, as well as personal trainers to lead personal training sessions!

  • Apply: Contact Karissa Klyn, Fitness Coordinator (kklyn@zps.org | 616-748-3226)
  • Youth Fitness Instructors: Instructor(s) to develop and lead a youth fitness program
  • Adult Fitness Instructors: Instructor(s) to develop and lead adult fitness classes of any kind
  • Personal Trainer: Personal Trainer(s) available to work early mornings, evenings and Saturdays to lead Personal Training sessions + Equipment Orientations at our Fitness Center
  • Compensation: $32 p/class
  • Qualifications: Group fitness certification | Knowledge of physiology, exercise technique, and body mechanics | One year of experience instructing is preferred

Adult volleyball Site Supervisors

18 Yr Olds +

Zeeland Rec is looking for adult volleyball site supervisors for our Adult Volleyball Leagues!

  • Apply: Contact Brett Geertsma (bgeertsm@zps.org or 616-748-3231)
  • Pay Rates: $13.10-$18.90 per hour
  • Dates: Mon or Thur | Sept-Jan
  • Times: 5:30pm-10:30pm 
  • Tasks: Set up and take down nets | Manage event | Input score results

Adult basketball officials + Scoreboard controllers

18 Yr Olds +

Zeeland Rec is looking for adult basketball officials for our Winter Adult Basketball Leagues!

  • Apply: Contact Brett Geertsma at bgeertsm@zps.org or 616-748-3231
  • Officials: $25 p/game | 3-4 games p/night
  • Scoreboard Controller: $15 p/game | 3-4 games per night
  • Dates: Wednesdays | Nov-Feb | 7pm-10pm

Substitute Adult Fitness Instructors

18 Yr Olds +

We are searching for great fitness instructors to add to our current list of subs! If you hold a current certification in group fitness, spin, Zumba (including Strong by Zumba), yoga and/or aquatics, please contact Karissa Klyn, Fitness Coordinator, at kklyn@zps.org or 616-748-3226!