News Summary
Grand Rapids is actively recruiting lifeguards and park maintenance staff for the upcoming summer season, with pools set to open on June 6. The city aims to fill 70 to 75 positions, offering opportunities for young individuals, particularly first-time workers aged 15 and older. The program also includes the GRow1000 initiative, providing jobs for local youth while addressing employment disparities. Additionally, the city will waive lifeguard certification fees for summer staff, enhancing training and community engagement.
Grand Rapids is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join its Parks and Recreation department for the upcoming summer season as it prepares for the anticipated pool openings. With pools set to open on Friday, June 6, the city is actively recruiting staff, particularly lifeguards, to fill approximately 70 to 75 available positions.
Recreation Supervisor John Judnich has confirmed that the department is finalizing staffing, training, and facility preparations ahead of the summer. There is a notable demand for summer staff, especially lifeguards, as the city aims to ensure safe, enjoyable experiences at its aquatic facilities.
Judnich encourages those interested in lifeguard positions to apply, noting that around 40% of the openings are designated for first-time workers. These positions provide a valuable opportunity for young individuals, with the minimum age for applicants beginning at just 15 years old. Many young staff members may be starting their first lifeguard job, gaining essential skills and experiencing a rewarding summer work environment.
In addition to lifeguard roles, the city is also looking to fill park maintenance positions, which are critical for the upkeep of recreational areas. These roles are available on both weekends and weekdays, catering to a range of potential employees.
For those interested in applying for summer job opportunities, detailed information can be found on the city’s official website. Furthermore, the GRow1000 summer job program remains an option for Grand Rapids residents aged 15 to 24, with applications open until April 25. Established in 2020, the GRow1000 initiative focuses on addressing racial and economic disparities in employment among local youth.
Since its inception, the GRow1000 program has successfully employed over 1,150 young people and expects to hire over 100 participants for its six-week program running from June 9 to July 18. Participants will receive compensation of $13 per hour for a commitment of 20 hours each week. The program also includes paid professional development workshops held every Friday, teaching valuable social, financial, and workplace skills necessary for future employment.
In a bid to further support local youth, the city is offering bus passes to participants upon request. The GRow1000 program also invites businesses and organizations to contribute either through paid job placements or financial donations, reinforcing community engagement in supporting young workers.
Additionally, the city of Grand Rapids is offering a significant benefit to individuals who accept summer lifeguard positions at city pools. The city will waive the $275 fee associated with obtaining American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification for those who commit to working at a city pool during the summer of 2025. This certification course equips individuals with vital skills such as water rescue, CPR, AED, and First Aid—essential knowledge for any lifeguard.
As summer approaches, Grand Rapids’s Parks and Recreation department is enthusiastic about the opportunities available for local youth. The recruitment drive not only aims to ensure that pools are adequately staffed but also focuses on empowering young individuals through meaningful employment. By joining the department, staff can look forward to engaging with the community and spending summer days at the city’s pools.
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Additional Resources
- Fox17: Grand Rapids Parks Hiring for Summer Jobs
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- WoodTV: Grand Rapids Youth Employment Program
- Google Search: Grand Rapids summer jobs
- MLive: Grand Rapids Looking for Lifeguards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lifeguard
- WGRD: City of Grand Rapids Hiring Lifeguards
- Google News: Grand Rapids employment
- MLive: Grand Rapids Teen Summer Jobs Program Returns for 2025
- Google Scholar: Grand Rapids summer jobs program
- WGRD: Michigan State Parks Hiring for Summer Jobs
