TULSA, Okla — As the snow melts and the end of winter approaches, the city of Tulsa is looking ahead to the summer.
Tulsa Parks opened up their summer job applications for their various pools and camps. As many businesses still struggle with labor shortage, the city of Tulsa is hoping that won't be a struggle this summer as they have a new incentive.
In the summer of 2021, they only had 25 employees when their goal was close to 50.
The City Aquatics Manager, Nick Pond, said “we had every pool open on an every other day basis. So say this pool [Whiteside pool] was open one day and then the next day Berry pool out at 46th St. North would be open. So we tried to cater to every community every neighborhood an open the pool as much as possible.”
In 2022, they are hoping to have 50 to 60 staff members to run the pools and summer camps. They have positions open for lifeguards, pool managers, pool cashiers, and camp counselors.
“Camp activities are all over the place, Laser Quest, bowling, field trips, Safari Joe's, pool days, you name it. Camp is so much fun. Pool stuff we’re trying to bring back the K-9 splash. That’s on the last day of the season," Pond said.
Pond told 2 News these positions received a pay increase which they hope will help in filling them in.
“Now camp counselors and lifeguards start at $11. Pool cashiers start at $10 and pool managers start at $13. As an incentive to returning guards we are offering a pay bump from their starting pay last season so they get bumped to the next pay grade and can for a few years," Pond said.
He explained previously a camp counselor made $8/hr., so this gives the applicants a $3/hr. increase.
The Reed Park Pool, which has been closed for renovations the last two years, will reopen.
“That’s going to be a really cool pool. It’s got the new zero entry. It’s got new shade areas. It’s big. It’s deep. It’s something that community desperately needs and it’s going to be great," Pond said.
You can apply for a position online or at their next job fair on March 31st at The Children's Museum.
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