County parks searching for seasonal workers, hundreds of lifeguards

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As summer approaches, county parks across southeast Wisconsin are looking for seasonal workers. In Milwaukee, 500 seasonal positions need to be filled in the next month. 

"We need lifeguards to open pools, we need folks helping out for golf courses, we need folks to help out with concessions and different food services to open beer gardens, so there’s lots of stuff at stake," said Luke Roman, the digital marketing coordinator for Milwaukee County Parks.

Seasonal jobs include park rangers, pool maintenance, lifeguards and golf course attendants -- to name a few. 

A job fair is taking place at the Mitchell Park Domes until 7 p.m. Monday, April 18, 2022. 

People can show up for on-the-spot interviews or sign up ahead of time.  

As school let out and parents look to take their kids to the pool for fun this summer, the county is hoping to fill more lifeguard positions this year than it did in 2021. 

Last year, Milwaukee County budgeted for seven pools to open but due to staffing shortages, only four were able to open.  

“As someone who grew up at the pool in my hometown, it's very important," said Peter Bratt the director of operations and skill trades for Milwaukee County Parks. "Kids need to learn how to swim, parents... to be able to have time with their kids at the pool."

To staff all seven pools, the county needs about 200 lifeguards. 

"We have pools all over this county, and we need them all opened," said Bratt. 

Milwaukee isn't the only county hiring seasonal employees. Waukesha is also looking for about 30 lifeguards for the swimming beaches at Fox Brook Park in Brookfield and Menomonee Park in Menomonee Falls.

As an incentive, interested and qualified applicants that do not have lifeguard experience will receive training for their Red Cross Lifeguard and Waterfront Skills certification, which is needed to become a lifeguard. 

You can apply for that position here.