Indy Parks announces more than 200 summer job openings
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indy Parks on Tuesday announced more than 200 summer job openings for youths 16 and older.
“A lot of opportunities for folks to kind of make some money over the summer as well as to get some experience in our city’s parks,” said Ronnetta Spalding, Indy Parks’ chief communications officer.
Lifeguards, day camp counselors, cashiers, stage technicians, food program coordinators and other positions start at pay from $10-$15 per hour and will be located at parks offering day camps, pools, concerts and movies, free meals, and summer programs.
“Without them, we would not be able to have our pools open. We would not be able to have our summer concert series as well as any of our other summer activities,” Spalding said.
According to city officials, fewer people are interested in becoming lifeguards. Staff at Thatcher Park Pool say they’re in desperate need. “We’re very, very short-staffed right now so any applicants we’re accepting right now. We’re really, really trying hard to get people in here and practicing their prerequisites and all that kind of stuff so we can get them hired as soon as possible,” said Daylin Williams, head lifeguard at Thatcher Park Pool.
Spalding says these jobs also give people a chance to find new opportunities to grow and help make a difference in the community.
“They get to learn some leadership skills as well as just kind of how to be more responsible and they get to do it in kind of a great network of other staff members who really care about our city and care about making sure people are safe,” Spalding said.
“I started here at Indy Parks at (age) 16 seasonally and I stayed here,” said Brandon Warner, park manager for Thatcher Park.
“It’s my 14th year and I’ve gone full time,” said Warner. “I now have benefits and a competitive wage.”
Indy Parks says they understand the application process might be tough especially for a first job so they’ve got staff ready to help people navigate the process.
“We want to make sure that we’re able to provide as much assistance as possible so if anyone is inclined to going to parks.indy.gov and they have questions or they need help that we are there to help them,” Spalding said.
For more information on Indy Parks jobs and programs visit the Indy Parks and Recreation webpage, contact the Customer Service Center at (317) 327-PARK, or email IndyParksCS@indy.gov.