Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes college and high school students looking for the ultimate job. Summer is also a time when senior citizens can get out and about easier, and they, too, may be looking for opportunities to earn extra cash. In Pekin, Illinois, summer jobs are yours for the taking.
Pekin Park District
One of the hottest spots to seek out summer employment is the Pekin Park District. Touting one of the nicest recreational areas in downstate Illinois, Pekin Park features everything from softball, water and skate parks, miniature golf, boating on a manmade lagoon, team sports, indoor ice skating, gymnastic and dance lessons, and beautiful, well-maintained golf courses. The park also hosts numerous summer and adventure camps for children.
Currently, the park district is seeking numerous employees for summer 2008. Just in the recreation department alone, instructors are needed for Adventure Camp, Tot Soccer, Tee Ball, swimming, Skate Park Camp and Dance. Also needed are employees who can instruct in golf. Additionally, the park is seeking counselors and assistants for Spring Break Camp, Sunshine Camp (for younger children), and coaches/umpires for various softball and baseball teams.
DragonLand Water Park is the place to be in Pekin during the summer. With both deep pools and shallow pools, this park touts exciting slides and fountains for children and adults to cool off. DragonLand is currently seeking lifeguards, concession stand employees, maintenance workers and attendants.
With two golf courses, Pekinites and visitors show up in droves to play a round of golf and soak up some sunshine. The golf courses currently need employees in the pro shop, as well as ground workers, concession cashiers and golf cart maintenance personnel. At the miniature golf course, employees are needed in the areas of cashier, attendants and maintenance.
One of the most popular family activities at Pekin Park is trolling around the lagoon in a paddle boat. Two fountains adorn this man-made lagoon and ducks with their newly-hatched offspring entertain boaters during the late Spring and early summer. Dock workers, food service personnel and cashiers are needed in this area.
Seniors in the community enjoy the benefit of many programs hosted by the Miller Senior Center, also situated within the Pekin Park. Everything from crocheting to dance is taught at the Center, and they are currently seeking senior citizens to share their talents with other seniors by teaching classes. The Miller Senior Center is also seeking volunteers to help with special events and activities. The Center is the most popular gathering place for senior citizens in this area.
The Park District requires that applicants be at least 16 years of age. Experience is helpful but not required. Applications and interviews continue until all positions are filled. Information on pay rate may be obtained by calling or visiting the park’s business office at 1701 Court Street, Pekin, IL. You may also call the Park District at (309) 34R-PARK. The Pekin Park District is an equal opportunity employer.
Other Opportunities
Pekin is home to Kerasotes Showplace 14 Movie Theater, with 14 screens playing the latest releases. Many high school and college students, as well as seniors, find employment here during the summer months, and enjoy discounts on movie viewing. Besides working concessions, employees are needed in the cleaning department and ticket booth. Applications may be obtained at the theater, located at 1124 Edgewater Drive in Pekin. You may also contact the theater by calling (309) 353-3962.
Many students and seniors also find employment at the four major grocery stores in Pekin. Wal-Mart Supercenter is located at 3320 Veterans Drive in Pekin. Wal-Mart strongly promotes education as well as senior citizen participation, and many jobs are required the Supercenter to operate smoothly. In-store computers are installed to allow interested applicants to complete their application, or you may apply online.
Kroger is located at 1607 Broadway in Pekin, and many students find excellent opportunities there during summertime. Seniors often can be seen collecting carts from the parking lot or assisting customers throughout the store. Kroger boasts a deli, bakery, floral department, liquor department and a newly installed full-service pharmacy. You can apply at the store, or online.
Schnuck’s in Pekin is located at 1001 Court Street and their applications can be found online. County Market, affiliated with Save-A-Lot and Cub and owned by Niemanns, can be found at 2111 Court Street in Pekin. Their online applications can be completed here.
The Entrepreneur
As in every community, opportunities abound for students as well as seniors to take matters into their own hands and be their own boss. Many students and seniors enjoy taking on jobs for those living in the community, such as dog walking and mowing lawns. House painting is also a task many in the community take on during the summer months, and job seekers can take advantage of the opportunity to work outdoors and make money doing so! Babysitting is always popular among students and those seniors who are physically able to take on the challenge to handle children.
Growing in popularity are gophers and runners. Gophers and runners complete errands, shopping and other tasks for those who either don’t have the time to do it themselves or are unable to do so. This type of employment is similar to being a Personal Shopper, with added tasks, such as running around paying bills for their employer, making trips to the dry cleaners, taking animals to the vet or groomers, and other similar tasks. To many in the community who, for various reasons, are unable to complete these tasks themselves, gophers and runners are well-worth the expense.
