Just because you’re spending your summer working doesn’t mean that you can’t also have a little fun while you’re at it. By finding a job that fits your interests, you’ll have more fun and get more enjoyment out of the experience. So, during your summer job hunt, take the time to think about what you like to do and find something that will let you do it all – and at the same time make a little extra cash.
New York City Parks & Recreation
For anyone who enjoys being by the beach and water, being a lifeguard through New York City Parks & Recreation could be a good summer job. The city hires 1,000 lifeguards to watch over the public pools and beaches in the borough.
To qualify to be a lifeguard, the individual must “be able to swing 50 yards in 35 seconds with proper form” and “have a minimum of 20/30 vision in one eye and 20/40 vision in the other without corrective lenses.”
Once the person meets these qualifications, they are provided with free instruction and conditioning. To receive certification to be a New York City lifeguard, the person must complete 40 hours of training as well as a CPR course.
In addition, “conditioning classes will also be available for individuals who need some help strengthening their swimming skills.”
For more information on becoming one of the city’s lifeguards, visit www.nyc.gov/parks.
New York YMCA Camp
Being a camp counselor can give you a chance to be outdoors in the middle of fun activities while working with children. One place looking for camp counselors is the New York YMCA Camp, which is located 86 miles northwest of the city in Huguenot, NY.
Seasonal employment with New York YMCA Camp is available for a sleep away camp, outdoor adventure trips, day camp, sports camp and outdoor education center.
One of the responsibilities of being a camp counselor includes being an activity leader. This could mean being a basketball coach, high ropes belayer, ceramics instructor, art educator, ski instructor or boat driver, swim instructor or lifeguard and bicycle mechanic.
The camp is looking for people to “join us as we build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.”
To find out more about New York YMCA Camp’s different job openings and how to apply for a position, visit www.newyorkymcacamp.org/employment.php.
U.S. Open
When the U.S. Open comes to town, plenty of seasonal job opportunities become available in the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, located in Queens.
One of the jobs available is to be a member of the courts and grounds team. This group of employees “ensures the cleanliness and quality of the BJK National Tennis Center outer courts and grounds via landscaping and maintenance.” These positions start in May and end in September.
Another job opportunity is being a part of the guest services team, whose purpose is to “ensure all guests receive an industry-leading guest service experience.” This position begins on August 30 and ends on September 12.
The USTA has a variety of jobs open for different periods of time, although there are some that don’t start until the end of the summer. For a complete listing of their seasonal job openings, visit www.usta.com and go to their “work for us” section.
Urban Park Ranger Summer Camps
New York City’s Department of Parks & Recreation is also looking for camp counselors for its Urban Park Ranger Summer Camps, which includes Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan, Marine Park in Brooklyn, Crotona Park in the Bronx and Blue Heron Park in Staten Island.
According to the Parks Department web site, the program is looking for “seasonal naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend their summer working with children as camp counselors in our Junior Rangers day camps to build park stewardship through fun, educational activities, such as canoeing, hiking, fishing, orienteering, arts and crafts and camping.”
The camp counselors work 40 hours a week. They also work some weekends and overnights.
Among the preferred qualifications for job candidates are education or experience in national science topics and teaching or camp experience, among others.
More information about the position, including a complete list of preferred qualifications, is available at www.nyc.gov/parks.
Madison Square Garden
Whether it’s a sporting event or concert, there’s always something interesting going on at Madison Square Garden, and their internship program gives college students a chance to be a part of it.
The program, which is offered in the summer, fall and spring, “is designed to provide students with real business exposure.”
During the interview process, students are asked what specific department they would like to work with. It is also possible for students to intern more than one semester so that they can have the chance to work for a different department.
In order to participate in the internship, students must be eligible to earn college credit and have a letter from their academic advisor about the number of credits they will be earning. They also have to be able to work at least 25 hours per week.
Although the position is for school credit, to offset any travel expenses, students receive a $25 stipend per day.
To find out more or apply, visit MSG’s employment section at www.thegarden.com.
New York City Summer Youth Employment Program
For people from 14 to 24 years old, the city has a Summer Youth Employment Program that can help them find a job that is a good fit. It places students in a wide variety of work environments so there are many opportunities to find something you’ll enjoy.
According to the city’s Department of Youth and Community Development web site, the program is for “entry level jobs at government agencies, hospitals, summer camps, non-profits, small businesses, law firms, museums, sports enterprises and retail organizations.”
The program lasts for seven weeks during the summer and participants work 25 hours a week.
The goals of the program are to “emphasize real-world labor expectations,” “increase awareness of services offered by local community-based organizations” and “provide opportunities for career instruction, financial literacy training, academic improvement, and social growth.”
To find out more about the program and how to apply, visit www.nyc.gov/dycd or call 1-800-246-4646.
