City Parks and Recreation Department Recruiting Summer Positions

Published on January 21, 2026

The City of Sioux Falls’ Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up for another busy summer season and is seeking to hire approximately 500 seasonal employees by May 1. Aquatics, recreation and park maintenance highlight the many seasonal positions the Parks and Recreation Department is looking to fill beginning as early as March.

“These roles are essential in creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors while helping keep our parks system beautiful and well maintained throughout the summer,” said Jackie Nelson, recreation manager for the city. “These positions offer a meaningful way to give back to the community while helping shape our future leaders.”

Seasonal positions provide opportunities to work outdoors and make an impact in the community. With a variety of roles to match different interests, seasonal employees are essential to parks and recreation operations from March through September. While most positions run May through August, additional opportunities are available before and after the summer season.

• Aquatics: The department plans to hire approximately 105 lifeguards for the summer season, with starting pay at $17.40 per hour. Other positions, such as water safety instructors, are needed to lead swim lessons that help build participants’ confidence in the water and promote water safety. Lifeguards receive pay for certification upon successful completion. Applicants must be at least 15 years old. The city operates six outdoor pools, two indoor pools and three splash pads.

• Recreation: These individuals will assist with various tasks, including operating recreation programs and events in the community, starting at $16.31 per hour. There are also roles specific to the Westside Recreation Center or Jacobson Plaza available. Applicants must be at least 15 years old.

• Park Maintenance: Park maintenance seasonal positions include mowing, marking athletic fields and preparing restrooms, with starting pay of $18.48 per hour. Jobs are available from March through September for applicants 18 and older. These positions are part of the operations and forestry team, which manages 3,400 acres of parkland, including 83 parks and 70 miles of right-of-way and sidewalks, ensuring these spaces remain safe and enjoyable for residents and visitors.

For more detailed information on available positions and to apply, visit siouxfalls.gov/parks-jobs.

Walk-in interviews for aquatics and recreation positions will be held Friday, Feb. 13, and Friday, March 20, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Midco Aquatic Center, 1601 S. Western Ave., Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

If an ADA accommodation is needed for the walk-in interviews on Feb. 14 or March 20, contact the City of Sioux Falls Human Relations Office at 605-367-8745 or human.relations@siouxfalls.gov at least 72 hours before the event.