Gilroy
– Sarah Griffin spent the past two summers at the park, running
races and simply having fun with two dozen kids – and she got paid
for it.
Gilroy – Sarah Griffin spent the past two summers at the park, running races and simply having fun with two dozen kids – and she got paid for it.
This is the third summer Griffin will return to work as a day camp leader, and there are more positions up for grabs.
The city of Gilroy Summer Recreation Program needs to hire at least 50 employees to fill job openings at its aquatics center, day camps, playgrounds and for youth sports programs. Recreational Supervisor Gayle Glines said that more applicants are needed for the aquatics program than any other.
Since last year, the city has improved its pay scale, hoping to attract more interest to the positions. Still, Glines stressed the importance of this type of job.
“The value is in the experience,” she said, explaining that few jobs for high school or college students offer such a high level of responsibility and opportunity to turn experience from a summer job into a future career.
And employees will learn valuable leadership skills, said Human Resources Analyst Lisa Velasco.
Also, an individual who receives positive back-to-back reviews for two summers, gets to skip the interview process the following year. “It’s a progression into working for local government. This is sometimes a stepping stone. People have gone on to be police officers and firefighters,” Velasco said.
Griffin can relate.
“It helps me to understand that kids are different and how to help those who have disabilities,” said Griffin, a Gilroy High School graduate who hopes to become a nurse or children’s counselor. “They make you understand that a lot of kids have no idea how to play kick ball. It helps you with your patience. It’s really rewarding when the kids are laughing, and how they keep coming back.”
The city is still accepting applications until all the positions are filled.
Individuals can opt to earn the lifeguard/instructor I certification, which only allows them to lifeguard, or a water safety instructor certificate, which allows them to teach and lifeguard.
Lifeguard/instructor I pays $10.76 an hour while lifeguard/instructor II pays $12.30 an hour. The pool manager and assistant pool manager will earn between $12.56 and $15.63 an hour.
High school students qualify for the lifeguard positions but the managers and coordinators must be high school graduates.
Gilroy also needs employees to work the playgrounds and is planning to hire a head recreation leader and other recreation leaders at a pay scale of $7.94 to $15.63.
Playground employees must supervise, organize and oversee games, contests and other events.
Recreation leaders are needed for the youth sport and day camps. Sport camps leaders will earn between $7.94 and $15.63 an hour. They must be able to organize and lead youth in T-ball, softball, soccer and flag football. Day camp leaders, who will earn between $7.94 and $15.63.
“I enjoy every summer,” Griffin said. “It’s something I always look forward to doing because it’s a rewarding job.”
Applications can be picked up at Gilroy City Hall, 7351 Rosanna St., or downloaded at www.ci.gilroy.ca.us/hr
