BEND, OR -- Bend Park and Recreation District needs adult volunteers to coach teams in two basketball programs starting in January. BPRD is also hiring for paid positions supporting teams in gym spaces for practices and game days, with pay ranging from $17 to $21. 

Coaches are needed for the Middle School Girls Basketball League - a partnership with Bend-La Pine Schools. The seven-week season runs from January 10 to March 2. Coaches are needed for the following 12 teams:

• Cascade: 6^th grade (2 teams)
• High Desert: 6^th grade (2 teams) and 7^th/8^th grade
• La Pine: 6^th grade and 7^th/8^th grade
• Pacific Crest: 6^th grade and 7^th/8^th grade
• Pilot Butte: 7^th/8^th grade
• Sky View: 6^th grade (2 teams)

Coaches are also needed for the 2023 Youth Basketball League for 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th graders. BPRD has 740 kids playing on 74 teams this season. The basketball season runs January 3 to March 4. Practices are held twice weekly in the evenings with games played on Saturdays. Coaches are needed for the following 8 teams: 

• North Star/Ponderosa: 3^rd grade boys
• Highland/Seven Peaks: 3^rd grade boys
• Ensworth/Juniper: 3^rd grade boys
• Buckingham/Trinity: 3^rd grade girls
• Bear Creek: 5^th grade boys
• Elk Meadow: 5^th grade boys
• Jewell: 5^th grade boys
• Miller: 5^th grade boys

Volunteer coaches receive training and on-going support. Safety is top priority, so all coaches must complete a volunteer application and criminal background check, as well as online concussion awareness training. Volunteers must enjoy working with youth and be able to create a positive, encouraging recreational environment for all players.

The BPRD sports department is also seeking paid staff to supervise gymnasium spaces during mid-week practices and Saturday games through the season. Pay rates are $18 to $21 per hour depending on experience and scope of duties.

Part-time employees are responsible to oversee the facility including opening/closing the gym, coordinating with school district employees if necessary and ensuring safety for volunteer coaches and participants. Employees who work on game days will also operate the score clock, supervise officials, answer questions, etc. View the BPRD jobs listings for details and how to apply.

Contact BPRD sports program coordinators Rich Ekman or Greg Brady for details and to volunteer or apply for paid positions.