Do you want to spend the summer outdoors, earning money while soaking up the rays?
The NYC Parks' Department has more than 25 seasonal jobs listed, ranging from protecting the city's wildlife to guarding beachgoers.
Other positions that need filling include summer camp counselors, plumbers, fitness instructors and "playground associates." Most positions last from late spring to early fall, but specific dates vary with each position. Be warned: applying for a few of these jobs — such as the Wildlife Monitor position — will cost you $94.25 to cover finger printing and background checks.
Further job and application details are available with each seasonal job description.
The list this year offers 11 position new for 2015. Here's a few highlights:
Mobile Unit Playground Associates ($19.51/hour)
You could work in a van as a "mobile unit playground associate," bringing free outdoor movies to underprivileged neighborhoods in all five boroughs. Associates drive the van to and from garages and parks, assist in setting up and breaking down the equipment and generally make sure screenings are professionally implemented.
There are three other mobile unit playgrounds associate positions not specifically associated with movies, but which entail organizing general family fun — games, arts and crafts, fitness activities and other community activities.
Wildlife Crew Leader/Monitor ($18.96/hour or $15.03/hour)
As a crew leader, you'd work at Rockaway Beach Endangered Species Nesting Area (RBESNA) and help supervise other staff, write reports, enter data and other administrative tasks. You could see all kinds of migratory birds that seek refuge in the Rockaways, including black skimmers, American oyster catchers and piping plovers — a New York State endangered bird.
You missed the boat on lifeguarding for this summer season. BUT....
Lifeguarding is one of the most popular summer jobs out there, given how relaxing sitting on a chair by the ocean or pool looks. Lifeguards work while the beaches are open, from Memorial Day weekend in late May through Labor Day on September 5. They work 48 hours per week and those working their first year earn at least $13.75 an hour, amounting to a weekly salary of about $650.
While the qualifying tests to become a lifeguard have passed — they typically happen in December or January — you should keep them in mind for next year. If you pass the qualifying tests, a 40 hour training period follows. It includes a CPR course and final swimming and written tests.
