New Hope Offers Opportunities for Career Advancement Starting with Seasonal Work
It may look like winter, but it won’t be long before the weather shifts and seasonal workers are called upon to keep city parks, pools, and amenities in tip-top shape.
The City of New Hope is preparing to open its seasonal hiring process.
Officials hope applicants see these roles as more than just a summer job, but a stepping stone to a career.
That’s what happened to seasonal worker turned full-time city employee Jacob Tousignant.
For the past year, he’s been a full-time maintenance worker in New Hope’s Streets Department.
“When it snows I plow the streets. I plow the sidewalks sometimes,” said Tousignant.
City employee Jacob Tousignant talks with CCX about his experience moving from seasonal work to full-time work.
But before landing his gig with big rigs, he spent four summers as a seasonal worker for the city’s Parks Department, handling yard work and outdoor maintenance.
“You never think about who mows the grass, who keeps the parks nice, keeps the playgrounds clean, and all the trash gone. You never really think about that stuff, it kind of just looks nice and when you get to do that, it’s something you actually learn to appreciate,” said Tousignant.
The seasonal work gave him a foot in the door.
His hard work and teachable spirit got him noticed.
“He came in not knowing anything,” said Public Works Director Bernie Weber. “After the fourth year, we’re like ‘Man, if you ever want to get a job, a full-time job, look us, we’d love do hire you,'” Weber says.
New Hope is always looking for good help like Jacob.
This summer, the city will be hiring pool attendants and seasonal workers for the Parks, Stormwater, and Utilities departments.
“Utilities they actually will go out and physically paint the hydrant, or work on a hydrant, putting hydrant markings on a hydrant, or doing maintenance around stormwater ponds. Actually help clean sewer systems, kind of a variety,” said Weber.
Seasonal work typically attracts young people.
“Everything from kids that are in high school or out of high school and college kids,” says Weber.
But Jacob is proof, it’s an opportunity that can grow with you.
“I kind of realized I wanted to do it fulltime and I asked the question, ‘How do I do this?’ and a year and half later-ish, I’m here full-time,” said Tousignant.
If a seasonal job in New Hope piques your interest, Weber says to check the city’s website sometime in March for job listings.
