City of Providence

Title of Position                                Ambassador, Eat Play Learn Summer Program
Salary                                                    $17.00/hour

Schedule:                                            Paid Training: Late-June (3 days, 4pm-6pm)

Programming Begins: June 29, 2026 at all open locations and runs until August 14, 2026 (Mon-Friday, 11am- 2pm with additional Saturday hours available 12pm-2pm)

Eat Play Learn Program Overview
The Eat Play Learn program activates parks across the city with free play, art, physical fitness and discussions about and creative exploration in nature. Additionally, we facilitate the free, community meals program for youth 18 and under. Teams of trained, play facilitators provide activities and materials to inspire child-directed free play and promote healthy habits and well-being for Providence youth and families visiting our city parks.

Eat Play Learn Ambassador Responsibilities
Ambassadors will work in teams, with each team assigned to a specific Providence
neighborhood park Responsibilities include:

Supporting children’s self-directed play.
Providing a variety of play-based activities for children to select.
Providing play and learning materials and securing all materials at the end of each day.
Ensuring the play space is free of hazards and trash.
Promote park stewardship and the importance of preserving and protecting Providence’s public parks.
Effectively redirecting unacceptable behavior and assisting children in resolving conflicts

as needed.

Creating a fun and welcoming environment for visitors of the park.
Serving Providence summer meals in compliance with federal regulations.

Eat Play Learn Ambassadors will also receive training in: community engagement and cultural
competence, food insecurity and free federal summer meals program, restorative practices
and emergency protocols.

In addition, the Eat Play Learn Ambassador is responsible for:

Collecting and recording daily data such as number of people (children/adults) engaging in activities; number of repeat users; amount of time spent at activities; and observations of the children’s activities in addition to other data.

Working with team members in reflective practice, daily reflections of what worked well and needs improvement in terms of the park play interactions and modify any behaviors as a result of those assessments.

Eat Play Learn Ambassadors will be trained and guided in basic play work, the practice of supporting children’s play without directing it. As a result, they will:

Understand the value of children’s self-directed play.
Be equipped to support children’s play without directing who it takes shape.
Be able to observe and assess children’s behavior and know when to step in when necessary.
Have strategies for effectively redirecting unacceptable behavior.
Be prepared to implement a variety of play opportunities

Successful applicants will:

Respect and enjoy children and appreciate the value of free play to their healthy development
Have experience working with/caring for children
Have supervisory or team leadership experience
Be able to collect and track data
Show qualities of playfulness, resourcefulness, creativity, flexibility, enthusiasm and tolerance
Be energetic, highly responsible, absolutely dependable and able to work independently and as a team member
Be able to move quickly, sustain periods of prolonged standing, lift up to 25 pounds, and work outdoors in all weather

Daily Access to reliable transportation

Conversant in Spanish or a Southeast Asian language preferred
High School or equivalent experience
Preference given to Providence residents

Note:
All applicants 18 and older, will be required to complete a form for a background check, run by the Providence Police
All applicants UNDER 18, will be required to complete an “Intent to Work” form, to be signed by legal parent/guardian
All applicants must be COVID-19 vaccinated
Application Deadline – Rolling hiring after successful interview until all jobs are filled or June 5, 2026
Email a letter of interest, resume and two references to: [email protected]

Welcome. The City of Providence is Rhode Island's Capital City and the largest municipality in the state. We employ over 1,400 employees all committed to service the residents and businesses of Providence.

Ambassador, Eat Play Learn Summer Program 2026

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