JOB and Volunteer OPPORTUNITIES

  • Come Join Our Team-We're More Than Just Parks!

    Looking for an opportunity to have a positive impact on people's lives while building a fun and dynamic career?

    Consider the Crystal Lake Park District! It takes all kinds of skills, knowledge and talent to serve the recreation needs of the community. If you're passionate about the outdoors, staying active, having fun and encouraging others to do the same, then check out our part-time and full-time career opportunities.

    NOW HIRING LIFEGUARDS FOR THE 2023 BEACH SEASON

    Lifeguarding gives you a lot of transferable skills that are important in many other jobs as well as everyday life. Lifeguards must be responsible and alert, plus able to assert themselves in situations where people's lives are at risk. As a lifeguard, you'll interact with people multiple times a day, so you'll naturally build your communication and interpersonal skills. In an emergency situation, you'll be trained to make quick decisions and stay calm under pressure, which is applicable in any job. Starting pay for Crystal Lake Park District Lifeguards is $15/hour.


    Apply Now

    Online Employment Application Form

    The Crystal Lake Park District strictly adheres to an online job application process. If you are interested in applying for employment, you must complete the online job application. We keep your online job application active for one year, and you may access your online job application at any time to make changes or to apply for different positions.

    We receive hundreds of applications annually and regret that each season a limited number of positions are available. Please note you will be contacted for an interview only if you're being considered for a specific position. Please note: that our job opportunities change frequently, so it's important to visit our website often. Those candidates whose qualifications meet our needs will be contacted.

    Click below to view Vacancy Categories (left column). When viewing vacancy, click 'show/hide' to view job description.

    Online Job Portal

    Notes about Employment with the Crystal Lake Park District

    update: July 1, 2022

    Printable Families First Coronavirus Response Act

    Printable Employee Rights and Responsibilities Under FMLA

    Transparency in Coverage Machine Readable Files United Healthcare Medical Carrier website

    We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. All positions are governed by Park District Operating and Employment Policies and Procedures.

    All potential employees must successfully complete the required background checks and submit to monthly random drug testing as a condition of employment.

    The Crystal Lake Park District provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process may contact the Superintendent of Business Services at 815.459.0680, ext. 1206 or email tbecke@crystallakeparks.org


    ACTIVITY Proposal

    Do you have a special skill to share or a new activity concept?

    To suggest a new activity to the Crystal Lake Park District

    please complete the Program Proposal form

    Mail or email the completed Program Proposal Form to:

    Kurt Reckamp, Superintendent of Recreation & Facility Services

    Crystal Lake Park District

    1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue

    Crystal Lake, IL 60014

    kreckamp@crystallakeparks.org


    University Student Opportunities

    Park and Recreation Internships

    The Crystal Lake Park District offers two internships per year for university students in their senior year majoring in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The selected interns will be expected to commit to 40 hours per week for 14 weeks. This program is designed to provide the intern with firsthand knowledge and understanding of public recreation agencies. Students will be provided the opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge, theory and understanding from the academic setting to the working environment.

    Interns are allowed to witness and assist in many of the different job aspects that public recreation agencies provide and will work with and for different supervisory staff during their internship.

    • Program planning as it relates to starting new programs, supervising current programs and evaluating past programs. Direct leadership skills will be emphasized as students actually conduct programs and special events.
    • Facility management that includes programming, staff scheduling, supervision, maintenance, marketing and public relations.
    • Customer relations as intern become involved with countless number of patrons and guests.
    • Park administration, which includes budgeting, finance, policy formation, and public and professional meetings.

    Field Study Work

    The Crystal Lake Park District also offers field study work for university students in their junior year.

    Application Information

    Please submit a resume and a letter of recommendation from the University.

    Kurt Reckamp, Superintendent of Recreation & Facility Services

    Crystal Lake Park District

    1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue

    Crystal Lake, IL 60014

    For more information call 815.459.0680 ext. 1216

  • volunteer at the Crystal Lake Park District

    Enhance your life while giving back to the community through various volunteer service opportunities with the Crystal Lake Park District. Volunteers are essential to the success of our programs and special events. Get started by completing an application!

    Complete a Volunteer Application

    Why volunteer?

    • Give back to and strengthen the community
    • Connect with others and meet new people
    • Develop new skills and broaden your experience
    • Feel a sense of achievement and purpose
    • Good for your mind and body
    • Career exploration or advancement
    • To have fun!

    Who can volunteer?

    • Individuals and Families - choose an activity or special event based on your interests and availability.
    • Businesses and Civic Organizations - build a community's public image and improve staff morale by volunteering as a group.
    • Teens and Social Groups - Boys and Girls 14 years and up are invited to gain valuable work experience or fulfill service hours for school or other organizations. Youth younger than age 14 may volunteer with a parent or legal guardian. Any volunteer under the age of 18 must have a parental signature to volunteer.

    What is the Volunteer Time Commitment?

    This is up to each individual. Some volunteers may wish to volunteer on a regular basis in the same capacity while others may wish to volunteer for the occasional special event.

    Volunteer Opportunities

    The list below is a partial list of opportunities. Don't see what you're looking for on this list? Please contact Tina Becke, Superintendent of Business Services , tbecke@crystallakeparks.org to inquire about additional opportunities.

    special Event VOLUNTEERS

    Throughout the year, the Crystal Lake Park District hosts large scale special events that rely on groups of volunteers. Event volunteering opportunities are suitable for parent/child pairs, business groups, service organizations, as well as, individuals.

    Natural Area Volunteers

    The natural areas found throughout the Park District offer a variety of opportunities for volunteers to make a difference by helping the environment. Individuals or groups can benefit from the rewarding and education experience of restoring our native ecosystems.

    Butternut Nature Preserve

    Volunteer Co-Stewards: Judi Stuck, Nicole Petra, Marita Griffith

    Woodland and prairie preserve located on a branch of the Kishwaukee River

    Work Days: TBD

    Meet in parking lot on Butternut Road

    Lippold Park Wetland Complex

    Volunteer Co-Stewards: Position Open

    This wetland helps clean the water flowing into Crystal Lake

    Work Days: If you are interested in becoming the Steward, please contact John Fiorina at jfiorina@crystallakeparks.org

    Sterne's Woods Fen

    Volunteer Co-Steward: Larry Smith

    One of the highest quality wetlands in the state

    Work Days: 4th Sunday of the month, 9-11 AM

    Veteran Acres and Wingate Prairie Nature Preserve

    Volunteer Co-Steward: Jim Wigman

    One of our popular sites, this has been formally dedicated as a sanctuary for native plants and animals

    Work Days: 1st and 3rd Saturday of the Month, 9-11 AM, every Tuesday, 2-4 PM

    Meet at the Nature Center

    Volunteer Instructors/Group Leaders

    If you a special skill or knowledge base you would like to share with others such as art, nutrition or literature we welcome you to submit a Program Proposal Form to lead a new program at the Crystal Lake Park District.

    For questions on volunteering for the Crystal Lake Park District please contact Tina Becke at 815-459-0680, ext. 1206 or tbecke@crystallakeparks.org