The temperatures are rising, the school year is coming to a close, and your teenagers are looking forward to the lazy days of summer. Or maybe they’re looking forward to a productive summer of hard work and earning money. Either way, now is the time to apply for Utah County’s coveted summer jobs. Here are eight your teenager should know about now:
1. Camp counselor
In addition to fun perks like working outdoors, counselor jobs provide great opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills. One option in Utah County is through Turn Community Services, an organization that runs day camps for children with developmental disabilities. Counselors help campers with self-care, daily skills, and community outings like swimming and going to the movies. See job postings for camp counselors here and here.
2. Library page/clerk
Utah Valley’s libraries have great clerical programs for teens in the circulation, children’s, audio visual, and reference departments. Many of the tasks required of teen employees — like inputting computer data, assisting children and adults with use of the facilities and materials, and handling money — will create excellent skills to use in future jobs. Learn more about the Provo City Library program here.
3. Retail
Instead of hanging out at the mall all summer, why not work there? Teens can look forward to discounts on clothing, shoes, or sporting goods, and you can feel good about the fact that the money they’ll spend at the mall will come out of their paychecks, not yours. Look for job applications online for stores like Plato’s Closet, Finish Line and Target.
4. Food service
A restaurant job is an excellent fit for socially-minded teens, and the hourly-wage-plus-tips setup provides a great incentive to work hard. Additionally, jobs in the food service industry are great for developing communication skills and learning to work as part of a team. Some Utah Valley options that are hiring this summer include Jimmy John’s, Cubby’s, Baskin Robbins and Mountain West Burrito.
5. Entertainment
Utah County is loaded with locations that cater to family fun, and every movie theater, water park, and mini golf course needs employees — especially during the summer. Check out job postings for Nickel City, Trafalga and Cinemark theaters (American Fork, Orem, and Provo).
6. Lifeguard
For the teen who insists upon using the summer months to work on his or her tan, a job as a lifeguard might be perfect. From Payson to Lehi, loads of high schoolers will staff local pools, with many needed at Seven Peaks in Provo. See qualifications and applications for some Utah Valley pools here, here, and here.
7. Nanny/babysitter/mother’s helper
Capable babysitters are sought after during the summer months, when children are suddenly home full time. Word of mouth is often the best way to snag a summer nanny job, but sites like Sittercity.com and Care.com can connect you with employers you wouldn’t find any other way.
8. Call center
Thanks to the abundance of college students in the area, Utah County is a call-center mecca. Life in a call center may not be the most thrilling, but hours are usually consistent and the pay is decent. A few local options can be found here, here and here.