City of Concordia Struggling to Fill Summer Jobs

As the Concordia Parks & Recreation Department prepares to open the swimming pool and host summer playground and recreation activities, they're facing a problem: a lack of summer workers.

Concordia Parks & Recreation Director Chris Atkins says the City of Concordia is currently accepting applications for summer employment for the streets, parks, swimming pool, summer playground program, and the Concordia Sports Complex.

City officials are not seeing the usual level of interest in openings for summer jobs, and it's causing growing concern that staffing may not be able to keep up with plans and demand of summer activities.

Recruitment for seasonal jobs has been an issue for the past two summers.

Last year, due to staffing shortages, the Concordia Municipal Swimming Pool was closed on Sundays, and pool parties were limited to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Atkins says this summer the city will pay lifeguards more money in hopes of attracting more applicants.  The city will be starting lifeguards at $11.50 per hour, while head guards may receive an additional 50 cents per hour.

Starting pay for seasonal positions with the streets, parks department, cemetery and sports complex also has been raised to $12.50 per hour.

Applications for summer positions are available on the city's website at concordiaks.org.

Lifeguards must be 15 years of age and older, and require CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard Certification if hired.  Atkins said the city will train all those that are interested.

Persons interested can apply online, or at Concordia City Hall at 701 Washington Street in Concordia.

Atkins also said the city is searching for a director for the yearly Summer Playground Program.  The six-week program for kids ages 5 -12 provides outdoor activities, such as games, sports, arts and crafts, and more.

Atkins told KNCK News they are looking for someone with experience in supervising children.

The Summer Playground Director is assisted by a staff of Playground Leaders, youth ages 14 and older, that will help monitor kids, organize activities, and will be great role models.

Youth interested in being Playground Leaders are also encouraged to apply.

Concordia Mayor Chuck Lambertz said the summer months are a critical time for young people when it comes to moving into the workforce.  Summer jobs have a valuable impact on the lives of youth, teaching them about basic life experiences that they can apply to a workplace setting.

Atkins also said temporary/seasonal employment applications are available right now for those 18 and older to work for the city streets and parks departments.

For more information about temporary/seasonal work opportunities with the City of Concordia, email Concordia City Clerk Stacey Smith at cityclerk@concordiaks.org.