City Needs Forty-Five Lifeguards to Operate Neighborhood Pools

The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department is actively recruiting staff to operate pools, golf courses and recreation programs this summer. In order to operate Bever, Jones and Ellis Pools, the City must hire 45 lifeguards in addition to those already hired to operate Noelridge and Cherry Hill Aquatic Centers. The City has increased lifeguard starting wages to $12.00 per hour to be more competitive with other businesses also seeking to hire summer staff.

Additional incentives for lifeguards are offered this year. To qualify for the incentives below, the individual must be age 15 or older, submit an application, be hired by the City of Cedar Rapids, attend required trainings and work at least part-time through the month of June.

• Get a reimbursement of up to $120 on the lifeguard certification class fee.
• Have a friend sign up and take the lifeguard certification class with you and receive a $50 reward.
• Wages increase by $2, $3, or $4 respectively for the last three weeks of the season, if the employee remains in good standing throughout the summer.

A Seasonal Job Fair will be held on Tuesday, May 18 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the ITC Pavilion in Noelridge Park, 4900 Council Street NE (by the lagoon). Department staff will discuss job openings at golf courses, parks, programs and pools; answer questions about the hiring process; and conduct interviews. Individuals will be able to complete applications at the site or apply online at http://bit.ly/CRSeasonalJobs.

The City hires applicants age 16 and above for golf and parks seasonal labor, and age 15 and above for lifeguards. Golf cashiers and Parks construction laborers must be age 18 and above. Hiring will continue through the first week of June.