Like many organizations nationwide, the City of New Braunfels is experiencing difficulties in hiring, particularly for seasonal positions like lifeguards, camp counselors, and park rangers. Those continued shortages are now prompting the City to prioritize operations and programs as the summer recreation season approaches.
“Some difficult decisions have had to be made regarding our summer operations, but the City recognizes the importance of keeping facilities like the Landa Park Aquatic Complex and programs like Camp Minnehaha operating as close to normal as possible,” said New Braunfels City Manager Robert Camareno. “We understand that these changes may cause inconveniences for residents, but we remain hopeful that, as hiring and training continues, the City will be able to maintain the level and quality of services that residents have come to expect.”
Here are the changes that are being made:
- The Landa Park Aquatic Complex, which is normally open on weekends throughout May, will postpone opening until the Memorial Day weekend so that the City can continue to recruit, hire, and train lifeguards for that facility. The City Tube Chute will have lifeguards on duty during weekends in May.
- Due to a lack of hired water safety instructors, swim lessons at the Landa Park Aquatic Complex in June have been canceled. Hiring and training will continue, and the City’s ability to hold swim lessons in July and August will be reevaluated mid-June. Those that have signed up for swim classes that are now being canceled will be notified by Parks staff.
- In order to continue full operations at Camp Minnehaha and the Fischer Park Nature Camp, all specialty camps (like Mini Cheer, Secret Agent Academy, Little Athletes, Outdoor Skills Camp, etc.) hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department in June have been canceled. Hiring and training will continue, and the City’s ability to hold specialty camps in July and August will be reevaluated mid-June. Those that have signed up for classes that are now being canceled will be notified by Parks staff.
The City of New Braunfels will host another on-the-spot hiring event for lifeguards, park rangers, camp counselors, and other seasonal staff on Saturday, May 14th, 2022, from 9am to 12pm at the Landa Park Aquatic Complex. Starting pay for those positions range from $12 to $17 per hour and those hired will be eligible to receive the City’s $250 hiring incentive and aquatics staff are eligible for an end of season incentive of up to $300. Lifeguard certifications will be provided, and all required training is paid training. Candidates attending the on-the-spot hiring event should bring two valid forms of identification, or apply online at www.nbtexas.org/jobs.
