Are you looking for a summer recreation job and do not know where to get started? Unemployment rates across America are still not where they should be as summer approaches, but the U.S. Government is taking a new approach this year. Whether you want to apply for the same job you take every summer, or try something different, the Federal Government and Department of Labor are attempting to organize this type of information for you - no matter what your age.
Unique types of summer recreation jobs
It does not matter if you are in high school or retired; this year President Obama wants to help you get a job. Interesting summer recreation job s listed for 2012 include trails workers, landscape architects, biologists, and wildland firefighters. Common summer recreation jobs associated with the government are lifeguard, child supervisor, park ranger, recreation aid, and maintenance.
Summer recreation job websites to avoid
In your local newspaper or through online searches for summer recreation jobs in your city, you will find that the links for applications often go to USAJobs.gov. While every summer government job may not be linked to an application at USAJobs.gov -- most are. For this reason, avoid third party websites that direct you to apply through them. You should especially avoid any website that implies you need to pay in order to apply for a government job.
New Federal summer recreation jobs initiative
The summer recreation job buzz concerns the new employment brought about by the White House. In January, President Barack Obama announced an initiative called Summer Jobs+. This is "a new call to action for businesses, non-profits, and government to work together to provide pathways to employment for low-income and disconnected youth in the summer of 2012."
Altogether, "180,000 employment opportunities for low-income youth in the summer of 2012, with a goal of reaching 250,000 employment opportunities by the start of summer, at least 100,000 of which will be placements in paid jobs and internships."
Currently, San Francisco is following suit with HireSFYouth.com. San Francisco's first plan of action is a Summer Jobs+ Youth Resource Fair on May 12.
Summer Jobs+ app announcement
On top of the initiative to create jobs, President Obama is hoping to make them easier for young people to find. One of the ways he is completing this project is to appeal to the general public to help make an app for the Summer Jobs+ program. So far, OneJobApp has announced that they are answering the President's call by creating the Find a Vet - Hire a Vet app.
Beyond summer recreation jobs
While some deadlines have passed, others have recently open, and some never close. In other words, in your summer recreation jobs search, never assume that you are too late or that they have enough applicants. Although some jobs appear to have an open and close, this is not really true. For example, people quit, they have more attendants than expected, or they extend the program.
There is also the expansion of the Summer Jobs+ program with The Pathways Programs. Another White House initiative, their website states that, "As a student or recent graduate, you can begin your career in the Federal government by choosing the path that best describes you and where you are in your academics."
Altogether, it looks like 2012 may be one of the wealthiest summers for recreation job seekers - thanks to the President.
More from this Contributor:
Bike Vacation: Top Alley Destinations
Some Beaches Closed for Summer 2012?
How to get your city to be skate friendly: A fan's perspective
A First Date with 'Dirty Harry?' - A San Francisco Bike Date Twist
Maryam Louise is life-long participant of summer sports and recreation through her experiences living next to Lake Barkley on Land Between the Lakes in Western Kentucky. In her lifetime, she has also traveled to many of the world's nature reserves and parks in Iran, Switzerland, Yemen, Mexico, France, Germany, Canada, and the United States.
