Three Rivers Park District Looks to Fill Seasonal Worker Jobs
Tom Frankey brings his grandson, Henry, to nearby Elm Creek Park Reserve as often as possible. On spectacular weather days like Wednesday, that’s quite a bit.
“If you like kids, a good place to be. If you like water, a great place to be,” said Frankey. “If you like teaching kids about nature, perfect place to be.”
Hiring managers with the Three Rivers Park District are hoping that’s what draws some people of all ages to want to work as a seasonal employee this summer.
“All of us Minnesotans, we love these months. We only get a handful of them every year, unfortunately,” said Human Resources Manager Mike Tracy. “So, go out and enjoy the parks, but you know, you can also work and enjoy the parks, too. Earn some cash while still enjoying the great outdoors. It’s a good way to spend the summer.”
According to Tracy, the parks district needs as many as 700 seasonal employees for the summer.
A Three Rivers Park District employee readies a pad for repaving near the play area at Elm Creek Park Reserve on Wednesday in Maple Grove.
“We’re optimistic that we’ll have enough staff to maintain the same level of services, but there’s still some positions we struggle with, you know, lifeguards in particular. We’re in need of those,” said Tracy.
He acknowledged that there is a big demand for certified lifeguards at private pools and other lakes and beaches across the Twin Cities. That’s one reason the parks district started a program a few years ago to train lifeguard applicants and help them get certified.
“We’ll train you up,” he said. “You don’t need to have certification. We’ll take care of that for you.”
Seasonal jobs are also a great gateway into full-time employment. That was the case for Josh Geib, who began as a maintenance employee four years ago at the Hyland Hills Ski Area.
He now works full-time in maintenance at Elm Creek Park Preserve.
“I love it a lot. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” said Geib. “(I) get to be outside. Beats sitting at a desk!”
