Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Lifeguard Job Opportunity

Do you have a teen looking for a summer job? Faced with seemingly perennial lifeguard shortages, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is ponying up to get applicants to watch over the state's swimming areas this summer. And as WBUR's Irina Matchavariani reports, that means higher pay and bigger sign-on bonuses than last year for those willing to commit to a lifeguard job.

The state is offering a $22-an-hour starting wage for lifeguards — and up to $27-an-hour for pool and beach managers. That comes with $500 sign-on bonuses for those who submit their applications by May 1 and up to $750 in additional bonuses for those willing to work through late summer. DCR is also offering free training and certification courses to those who commit to lifeguard for the agency.

Interested? The department opened the application window for lifeguard positions in all regions of the state last week. DCR Commissioner Doug Rice told Matchavariani that they're aiming to hire around 800 lifeguards across nearly 60 locations. (Applicants have to be at least 16 years old by day one of the job.)