Is it too early to start thinking about summer? The City of Orillia doesn’t think so.
The city’s parks, recreation and culture department will hold a job fair Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rotary Place.
The main focus of the event will be summer jobs.
“We will be talking to people and taking applications for our summer camps, beach lifeguards (and other positions),” said Marcia Russell, the city’s manager of parks and facilities.
While applications for jobs at the Orillia Recreation Centre, which is still under construction, will not be accepted Wednesday, information about potential opportunities at the facility will be available at the job fair.
The city is still determining what positions will need to be filled at the recreation centre. They will include customer service representatives and facility operators. A job fair for rec centre positions will be organized at a later date.
One thing is certain: Lifeguards will be needed. The city is looking to hire more than 70.
The city has partnered with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, which is providing lifeguard training and instruction for students every Tuesday evening until the end of June at the YMCA. It has been worked into the curriculum, with the lifeguard training counting toward course credits.
“It’s a huge benefit,” said Christine Mitchell, the city’s former aquatics and fitness supervisor (who has been seconded as general manager of the Orillia 2020 Ontario Winter Games). “It’s great for the kids to be able to get their certification and get a high-school credit.”
Even if the students don’t become lifeguards, having that certification “always looks great for whatever career you go into,” she said.
While students are expected to make up a large portion of the lifeguard contingent during the summer and other holidays, there will be a need for lifeguards year-round once the recreation centre opens. Starting Jan. 31, lifeguard training and instruction for adults will be taking place every Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the YMCA. Those interested in the program should email Jack Mair at [email protected].