This month we’re sharing not one but two opportunities on adventure playgrounds in Hackney and Portsmouth.
Senior Playworker – Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground (12‑month FTC)
Young Hackney is recruiting for a Senior Playworker to join the team at Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground on a 12-month fixed-term contract / secondment, covering maternity leave.
About the role
The Senior Playworker will support the planning, delivery and evaluation of high‑quality adventure play provision, including:
- Developing term-time and holiday provision
- Supporting the day-to-day running of the playground, including staff oversight, site safety, safeguarding and resource management
- Deputising for the Play Manager when required
- Helping maintain a safe, creative and continually evolving play environment
- Carrying out structure inspections, repairs and maintenance
- Championing anti‑oppressive, anti‑racist and inclusive practice
This is a hands-on, outdoor role, involving fire and water play, structure building, arts and crafts, sports, gardening, trips and residentials. Unsurprisingly, the postholder will work outdoors all year round and in all weather conditions.
Hours and contract
36 hours per week, including evenings and weekends during term time.
Winter term time: Tue – Fri 10:45-19:30, Sat 10:45-16:15
Summer term time: Tue-Fri 11:00-19:45, Sat 10:45-16:15
School holidays: Mon-Fri 09:30-17:45
Closing date: 31 May 2026
Ways to apply
For an informal conversation about the role, contact simeon.marriottdixon@hackney.gov.uk.
Deputy Playground Manager – Portsmouth City Council
Earlier this month we also shared that Portsmouth City Council is recruiting a full-time Deputy Playground Manager to work across its six adventure playgrounds.
Each playground team includes four playworkers, one of whom is the Playground Manager. In the Manager’s absence, the Deputy Playground Managers share responsibility for the site, staff, safeguarding and the day‑to‑day running of the playground.
Outside of opening hours, teams spend time:
- maintaining and developing the site
- planning and reflecting on delivery
- responding to safeguarding needs
- completing training
- engaging with other agencies and the community
- supporting other playgrounds across the city
It’s a substantial, hands-on role within a long-established adventure playground service.
For more information visit the Portsmouth City Council website: https://searchjobs.portsmouth.gov.uk/jobs/job/Deputy-Playground-Manager/1421.
The Playwork Foundation 