---

Posted by The Huron Hub | May 16, 2022

Workers across the country are continuing to navigate the ripple effects of the pandemic and job vacancies can be found in every corner of the country and region while organizations struggle to fill open spots. During the on-going pandemic visitors continue flocking to parks and outdoor spaces seeking recreational opportunities and the health and wellness benefits that accompany them. That means park agencies,including the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, are looking to fill out their summer teams so they can deliver great experiences and memories for all those visitors, all summer (and all year) long. The Metroparks can offer the flexibility and rewarding work experience job seekers are now opting for in some of those memorable outdoor spaces everyone is spending more time in.   

The Metroparks provides employment for around 1,000 part-time and summer workers each year. Jobs with the Metroparks offer a unique opportunity for professionals, students, and retirees to work flexible hours while earning good wages with great benefits and perks. Summer staff are integral in providing exceptional summertime activities and programs. Without the lifeguards, maintenance crews, food service workers, equipment rental attendants, other support staff and volunteers, the Metroparks would not be able to deliver amazing experiences to the millions of visitors who turn to the parks as a primary form of recreation. 

This year the Metroaprks have added a package of additional benefits for seasonal and part-time staff as a way to be more competitive in the job market. The hope is that these benefits will entice job seekers to consider joining their team and spend their summer in some of the most beautiful work environments you could imagine.

“The people who serve the Metroparks provide an invaluable service to not only our park visitors, but to our local communities and region,” said Metroparks Director Amy McMillan. “We welcome individuals who want to make a difference and share their unique skills to advance the work we do while ensuring the Metroparks are here for generations to come.”

Those new benefits for seasonal and part-time staff include:

• Paid time off (Seasonal employees earn up to 16 hours per year and part-time employees earn up to 40 hours per year)

• A summer bonus with the opportunity to earn up to an additional $1200 paid out at the end of the summer (details included below)

• Paid medical leave

• AFLAC supplemental insurance

• Deferred compensation retirement plan voluntary option

Those new benefits are on top of existing benefits that were already offered:

• Training and development

• Flexible schedules

• Wellbeing program

• Employee Assistance Program

• Free or discounted facility use (golf, water facilities, food service, etc.)

The Metroparks are also looking to fill open part-time Police positions and have added new benefits to make those positions more competitive as well. Part-time police officers could expect to receive:

• $1.00 per hour retention bonus for all hours worked from Memorial Day through Labor Day

• 457 deferred compensation retirement plan

• Eligible part-time employees will receive comprehensive health plans

• Wellbeing program incentives 

• Flexible work schedules 

• Free or discounted facility use (golf, water facilities, food service, etc.)    

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Probably one of the most anticipated summer park activities is swimming. There’s nothing quite like jumping into a pool, floating a lazy river and rushing down a water slide. To make that happen it takes a team of lifeguards keeping everyone safe, and the past few years, lifeguards have been in short supply. To address that struggle at Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center at Lower Huron Metropark and Willow Metropark pool, the Metroaprks are offering FREE lifeguard training courses this year to encourage applicants to join the team and spend their summer by the pool with them. Additionally, they would be certified lifeguards which is something that will carry with them after summer and potentially provide them opportunities in other places as well.

These free lifeguard courses are limited to first 20 participants to sign up per session. Applicants must be 15 years old by last day of class and for individuals that are interested in a job this summer at Turtle Cove or Willow Pool. Courses will be offered:

•May 21, 22 | 8 am – 4 pm

•​June 4, 5, 11   | 8 am – 4 pm

Interested applicants can call 734-697-9181 for questions or email Amanda Strimple at Amanda.strimpel@metroparks.com for the registration form.

It’s not too late to apply for a fun summer job. Positions are open in multiple parks throughout the region. Learn more about job opportunities with the Metroparks by visiting www.metroparks.com/job-opportunities. Full job descriptions are available by clicking on the job posting. Applications can be submitted online, or applicants may also apply by visiting a Metropark office for a printed job application. Completed applications may be returned to the Metropark office by mail or in person.

Article submitted by Huron-Clinton Metroparks

---