From Mayor’s Office:
Mayor Ganim encourages eligible and interested young residents to apply for job opportunities available in the City of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department.
“Summer may be a time for young people to enjoy being out with friends, but these part time work opportunities are at our parks so they’ll be outside in a great environment, helping other young people at camps, or on the beach–all while getting job experience,” stated Mayor Ganim.
Applications are currently being accepted from individuals 16 years of age or older for the following positions in the Department of Recreation:
— summer camp counselor
— checkpoint attendant
— splash pad attendant
— water taxi crew member
— beach supervisor
— campsite coordinator
— lifeguard*
*Lifeguard applicants must already have a current American Red Cross lifeguard certification.Interested applicants who are Bridgeport residents and meet the age requirement can apply by visiting the Parks and Recreation Department at 7 Quarry Road to receive and complete their application in-person.
In addition, the Parks Department and Department of Public Facilities are still accepting seasonal applications, from individuals 18 years of age and older, for seasonal opportunities. For a complete list of job opportunities for individuals 18 and older, various salary ranges for positions, and to apply online, click here or visit bridgeportct.gov/careers. Applications for the seasonal positions will be accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the season.
Mayor Ganim stands up to talk about summer jobs for “eligible and interested” city residents. Schools closing, kids at loose ends, it is a timely subject.
However, for some jobs there are requirements like ARC lifeguard certification. What activity has Youth Services, Board of Education or Recreation Department efforted and made real in recent years to create a comprehensive program to teach swimming skills? I wrote an essay on this more than 60 days ago when I contacted ARC at their State HQ and have received no response from them. What organization has a pool and a program to provide at least basic skills to the youth of the community that has shoreline, outstanding beach and freshwater bodies where danger is constantly present for those without skills and self confidence in using those same skills when challenged?
Who knows what is available today? Time will tell.