City of Coon Rapids Hiring Seasonal Warming House Attendants to Support Winter Recreation

COON RAPIDS, Minn. -  The City of Coon Rapids is now accepting applications for Seasonal Part-Time Warming House Attendants, a role that serves as a frontline position within the city’s winter recreation system and plays a critical role in maintaining safe, accessible outdoor skating opportunities for residents during the 2025–2026 season.

The position is seasonal and part time, with selected candidates expected to work approximately 15 to 20 hours per week from December 2025 through February 23, 2026, weather permitting. The city currently has one to two openings available, according to the official job posting.

Warming House Attendants are responsible for the daily operation and oversight of outdoor skating facilities, including opening and closing warming houses, enforcing rink rules, assisting skaters, documenting attendance and incidents, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting youth and family programming. City officials describe the role as an entry-level opportunity with flexible evening and weekend hours, making it well suited for students and residents seeking seasonal income.

A Cornerstone of Winter Recreation

Coon Rapids operates an expansive parks system encompassing approximately 2,393 acres, with multiple outdoor skating sites staffed throughout the winter months. Attendants are stationed at neighborhood rinks and warming houses located at Riverview Park, Sand Creek Park, Thorpe Park, and Wintercrest Park, as well as at the Coon Rapids Ice Center, which features a year-round indoor arena and a refrigerated outdoor rink that typically operates from mid-November through mid-March.

To ensure safety for both staff and patrons, the city follows established cold-weather protocols. Warming houses are closed when temperatures reach minus five degrees Fahrenheit or when wind chills reach minus twenty degrees, consistent with regional winter recreation standards.

Role Expectations and Community Impact

Warming House Attendants function as the primary on-site representatives of the Parks and Recreation Department during winter hours. Beyond cleaning and snow removal, the role carries broader responsibilities related to safety, customer service, and community engagement.

Attendants monitor rink activity to ensure compliance with rules, assist skaters of all ages with needs such as skate lacing, verify that first aid supplies are stocked, and document maintenance issues, injuries, or other incidents. They may also assist with or lead special activities connected to city events, youth skating clinics, or seasonal programming.

Shifts generally follow a structured schedule of weekday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 1 to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m., aligning with peak community use and delivering the expected weekly hour range.

Qualifications, Physical Demands, and Compensation

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and demonstrate responsibility, organization, leadership potential, and the ability to interact positively with residents of all ages. No prior professional experience is required, though the city seeks candidates with skills and maturity substantially equivalent to entry-level customer service or facility support roles.

The position is physically demanding. Employees must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, shovel snow, operate assigned equipment, and work outdoors for extended periods in winter conditions that may include cold temperatures, moisture, and uneven footing.

The anticipated pay range is $13.00 to $15.00 per hour, depending on qualifications. City officials note that the position often serves as an accessible entry point into municipal employment for students and residents seeking their first public-sector work experience.

City Workforce and Employment Values

Coon Rapids, home to approximately 63,800 residents, is the 15th-largest city in Minnesota and employs roughly 375 municipal workers across departments.

The city emphasizes its commitment to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. Community demographic data indicates a population that is approximately 72 percent White, 9 percent Black or African American, 8 percent Asian, and 6 percent Hispanic or Latino. Within the municipal workforce, about 16 percent of employees identify as minorities, with Hispanic or Latino and Black or African American employees each comprising approximately 5 percent. Workforce gender data indicates roughly 79 percent male and 21 percent female representation.

City leadership states that employees are guided by a mission rooted in public service, trust, teamwork, innovation, and excellence, with an emphasis on fostering a respectful, collaborative, and community-centered workplace culture.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can review the full job description and submit an application through the City of Coon Rapids employment portal at:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/coonrapidsmn

The employer address for the position is City of Coon Rapids, 11155 Robinson Drive, Coon Rapids, Minnesota, 55433.

City officials encourage qualified residents to apply, noting that Warming House Attendants play a vital role in sustaining one of Minnesota’s most enduring winter traditions while ensuring that outdoor recreation remains safe, welcoming, and accessible for the entire community.

MinneapoliMedia