Santa Barbara Parks and Rec Department pushes to hire more staffing in time for summer camps

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Summer is just around the corner. 

That means kids are getting ready for some fun. 

"So we need staff to be able to safely operate all those camps and programs," said manager Rich Hanna of the Santa Barbara Parks and Rec Department.

Before the pandemic the department had anywhere up to 500 seasonal employees.

"During the pandemic that number dropped down to 200 so we’re on a major hiring up ramp at this point summer," said Hanna.

The department is looking to fill a variety of open positions. 

"Still looking for lifeguards junior lifeguard instructor pool lifeguard Camp counselors," said Hanna.

Managers say registration for summer camps opened April 1.

Some programs are almost full.

"This is a fun place to work especially if you want a summer job where you get to be out with other people who love to hang out at parks who left to hang out with kids this is a dream job I would think," said assistant director Jazmine Leblanc of the Santa Barbara City Parks and Rec Department.

Right now managers say the department is looking to hire 35 percent more staff.

If you would like to apply for a job or work as a volunteer at the Santa Barbara Parks and Rec Department, log onto their website at: https://www.santabarbaraca.gov/contact/default.asp