Mayor Joe Hogsett joined Indy Parks leaders this week to highlight hundreds of summer job opportunities available across Indianapolis parks.
Hogsett, along with Indy Parks Director Brittany Crone and staff, announced that up to 400 seasonal positions are available for the 2026 summer season. Roles include lifeguards, pool managers, camp counselors, food program workers, cashiers, park inspectors and stage technicians.
“Every summer, Indy Parks job openings are the perfect opportunity for our young people to spend their sunny days out of school in a fun, productive way,” Hogsett said in a statement released by Indy Parks. “Not only do these jobs offer good wages and a meaningful, career-beginning experience, but they also teach our youth the incredible value and impact of public service in our Indianapolis community.”
According to the department, lifeguards start at $15 per hour, pool managers at $16.50 and camp counselors at $14 per hour. Residents ages 16 and older are encouraged to apply, though some positions — such as certain camp counselor and food program roles — require applicants to be at least 18.
Eligible hires can receive a $500 sign-on bonus if they apply by April 2. A $250 sign-on bonus will be offered for eligible applicants who apply between April 3 and May 9.
“Our parks are some of the most important community assets we have in Indianapolis,” Dan Boots, chair of the City-County Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee, said in a press release. “Summer jobs with Indy Parks give young people the opportunity to earn a paycheck, build valuable skills, and serve their neighborhoods. At the same time, these positions help ensure our pools, camps, and programs remain safe, welcoming spaces for families across the city.”
Indy Parks operates aquatics programming year-round at indoor pools and expands offerings during the summer at outdoor pools, including swim lessons and swim teams. The department also offers scholarships to help families access those programs.
“Each summer, parks across the city blossom because of the incredible people who serve our community. Our camp counselors and lifeguards help create safe, joyful spaces where young people can explore, grow, and make lifelong memories,” Crone said. “These roles aren’t just summer jobs; they’re opportunities to inspire, lead, and start fulfilling careers. We hope you’ll find your perfect summer job with Indy Parks.”
City officials also noted upcoming construction updates. The pool at Willard Park will be closed in 2026 due to construction tied to the IndyGo Blue Line Project along Washington Street. Preventative construction will also take place this spring at Broad Ripple Park and Frederick Douglass Park to replace pool liners, with both pools expected to open once construction and water testing are complete.
In 2025, Indy Parks served 4,253 campers through summer programs across the city.
Residents interested in applying or learning more about available positions can visit
parks.indy.gov/programs/indy-parks-summer-day-camps.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
