Alerts Sign-up
The Chicago Park District has opened applications for its 2025 summer job program, offering over 3,700 positions to residents aged 16 and older. These roles include Recreational Leaders, Lifeguards, Junior Laborers, and Special Recreation Leaders. The initiative provides young people with the opportunity to earn wages ranging from $17.02 to $19.75 per hour while gaining valuable work experience.
Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño stated, “I am proud to be the leading single agency in the city providing Chicago teens the largest number of good paying summer jobs! While the frigid temperatures are upon us, we are working on summer jobs launching Parks ‘Your Perfect Summer Job’ campaign and opening our online summer job application today!”
Most positions require little to no prior experience, making them accessible for teenagers seeking their first employment opportunities. Seasonal employees will develop skills in areas such as youth engagement and facility maintenance.
“Our recent efforts to strengthen our workforce are paying off especially for our youth! Not only are seasonal workers earning a better wage, our hiring campaign encourages residents to work at a park right in their community, building a diverse team,” added Escareño.
In 2024, the Park District hired 2,547 young people aged 16-25—a 15% increase from the previous year—with a significant portion being individuals of color and women. The district's recruitment efforts also led to an increase in lifeguard applications and staffing levels.
The available positions offer flexible schedules and pathways to potential full-time employment with the Park District. Interested candidates can apply online at chicagoparkdistrict.com/summer-jobs.
The Park District will also host Teen Opportunity Fairs in March to assist applicants with job readiness support and on-site interviews. These fairs will take place at various locations across Chicago.
Applications for these seasonal roles are now open with some positions starting as early as April.
