Lifeguards Wanted! East Hartford Parks and Recreation Looking to Hire 30 New Lifeguards for the 2021 Summer Season
East Hartford, CT— East Hartford Parks and Recreation is now accepting applications for Summer 2021 employment opportunities at our five outdoor aquatic facilities. We anticipate hiring more lifeguards this year than ever before - we need 30 new, certified lifeguards and swim instructors! East Hartford Parks and Recreation was proud to be one of the few towns in the area to open all of our outdoor pools and offer summer camp programs during the 2020 season. Most importantly, we were able to do so safely and successfully, adapting our programs and training our staff to abide by all state regulations and safety precautions. Therefore, we know that we will be able to safely operate again this summer, and we are looking for new, motivated staff to join our fantastic and fun-loving team!
Lifeguard applicants must be at least 15 years old and have current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding OR be able to successfully complete a course prior to the start of the summer season. Lifeguards are assigned to one of the town’s pools, and typically work a varied schedule including nights and weekends. Lifeguarding is a fantastic summer job, that combines training young adults to become responsible first responders while working outdoors in a relaxed environment with their peers. The starting rate for a certified lifeguard this summer will be $13.25 per hour.
Not yet certified? No problem! We will be offering lifeguarding courses to those who wish to apply but are not certified yet. The courses will give you the necessary certification before the summer season. The first course will be held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April 21st through May 8th, with two other course options in May and June. Spaces in our upcoming courses are limited due to social distancing regulations and in high demand - interested candidates are encouraged to register as soon as possible. There has never been a higher demand in the state for certified lifeguards! Full information about our upcoming courses, including dates, times and course prerequisites, is available online here.
Not a strong swimmer? Other available positions include camp counselors and park rangers. The Parks and Recreation Department estimates a need to hire and additional 15-20 new employees this year to work at various camp sites, parks and facilities throughout town.
Camp Counselors must be at least 16 years old and are responsible for planning and leading activities and experiences for children in a group setting, as well as overseeing the general safety and development of the children under their supervision. Camp counselors should be available to work the entire summer season, Monday through Friday, from late June to mid-August. Prior experience working with children is highly preferred, and CPR and/or First Aid certification is recommended, but not required.
Park Rangers must be at least 18 years old and will work a varied schedule of primarily evening and weekend hours in our parks and facilities. Rangers are responsible to open and secure our facilities, provide supervision during events and rentals, enforce policies governing facility use, keep attendance records, perform light cleaning and maintenance, and recognize emergencies and take necessary actions.
Working for East Hartford Parks and Recreation is a fun, rewarding experience! Those interested in applying for seasonal positions are encouraged to do so as soon early as possible, as interviews will begin soon. Employment applications are available on our website here. For more information on our employment opportunities, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 860-291-7160.