Employment Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in Onondaga County Parks. Our current openings are listed below.
Please contact the park for more information about the specifics of each job. This page last updated 3/1/24.

  • Applicants for all positions, except lifeguards, must be at least 18 years old and be willing to work a flexible schedule including nights & weekends. Most positions, except where indicated, are available immediately.
  • Interested in a Part Time or Seasonal Position? Feel free to complete the online application even if you don't see a current opening that you are interested in. Each park has different needs and you're welcome to contact them to see what positions are available, click here for park contact information. 
  • Interested in a Full Time Position? All Full Time positions are civil service, and passing of a specific civil service test may be required. Click here to visit the Onondaga County Personnel Department website for more information on what civil service is all about, current openings throughout the county, civil service tests and more.

Click here for more information about positions currently available at Beaver Lake Nature Center.

Location: Skyline Lodge - Highland Forest Park
Type: Part Time - Must be available nights, weekends, and holidays.
Duties/Requirements: This is a year-round position. Must possess strong customer service skills, be comfortable working alone and maintaining order and ensuring rules and regulations are being followed per facility contracts.  Cleaning of floors, bathrooms, windows, and walkways. Minimum 21 years of age.

Click here to apply online.

Location: Jamesville Beach Park
Type: Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate):  May 18th – September 11th - Days, evenings, and weekend shifts apply.
Duties/Requirements: Must have strong customer service skills; handle cash and be responsible for daily accounting and documentation, will perform light maintenance assignments as needed.

Click here to apply online.

Location: Jamesville Beach Park & Oneida Shores Park
Type: Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate):  May 18th – August 18th  - Available nights, weekends, and holidays throughout the employment period.
Duties/Requirements: Must possess American Red Cross Lifeguard Management certification in addition to all the qualifications for Lifeguard, and, in addition shall have at least three seasons of practical Lifeguarding experience or one season as an Assistant Swim Facility Manager.  Ability to instruct subordinates in all methods of lifesaving and resuscitation is required.  Must also have the ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of subordinates, communicate effectively with the public, enforce rules and regulations with firmness and tact; direct lifeguards and volunteers in rescue operations; and maintain accurate records. Minimum 18 years of age, valid driver’s license.   

Click here to apply online.

Location: Jamesville Beach ParkOneida Shores Park
Type: Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate):  May 18th – August 18th - Available nights, weekends, and holidays throughout the employment period.
Duties/Requirements:  Must possess American Red Cross Lifeguard Management certification in addition to all of the qualifications for Lifeguard, and, in addition shall have at least one season of practical Lifeguarding experience equivalent to a county beach operation. Ability to instruct subordinates in all methods of lifesaving and resuscitation is required.  Must also have the ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of subordinates, communicate effectively with the public, enforce rules and regulations with firmness and tact; direct lifeguards and volunteers in rescue operations; and maintain accurate records. Minimum 18 years of age, valid driver’s license. 

Click here to apply online.

Location: Oneida Shores Park
Type: Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate):  May 18th – August 18th.
Duties/Requirements: Possession of current American Red Cross Waterfront lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification.  Must successfully complete one of two Onondaga County Parks administered lifesaving/swimming skills evaluation.  Demonstrate a current ability to swim 300 yards non-stop using various strokes in good form; and surface dive to minimum 9-foot depth and bring a 10lb. object to surface; and tread water for two minutes.  Correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions on a written and/or oral test on theory and knowledge of CPR/AED, First Aid and Lifesaving.  Complete a 25-yard freestyle swim with rescue tube in 30 seconds.  Demonstrate knowledge/skill in approaches; escapes; carries; tows; spinal shallow water rescue entry, approach, turn and support; spinal deep water rescue entry, approach, turn and support and surface dive underwater swim.

Click here to apply online. 

Location - Arrowhead Lodge - Oneida Shores Park
Type: Seasonal, must be available nights, weekends, and holidays- IMMEDIATE OPENING
Duties/Requirements: Must be comfortable working alone and maintaining order and ensuring rules and regulations are being followed per facility contracts with light cleaning responsibilities. Minimum 21 years of age, must possess strong customer service skills with face-to-face customer interaction including, but not limited to, event set-up and break down, assistance addressing customer complaints/concerns, etc. Rate of pay is $15/hour.   

Click here to apply online.

Location: Oneida Shores Park
Type: Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate): April 26th – September 2nd  - Days, evenings, and weekend shifts apply.
Duties/Requirements: Must have strong customer service skills; handle cash and be responsible for daily accounting and documentation, will perform light maintenance assignments as needed.

Click here to apply online.

Location - Arrowhead Lodge - Oneida Shores Park
Type: Seasonal, must be available nights, weekends, and holidays - IMMEDIATE OPENING
Duties/Requirements: Must be comfortable working alone and maintaining order and ensuring rules and regulations are being followed per facility contracts with light cleaning responsibilities. Minimum 21 years of age, must possess strong customer service skills with face-to-face customer interaction including, but not limited to, event set-up and break down, assistance addressing customer complaints/concerns, etc. Rate of pay is $15/hour.   

Click here to apply online. 

Location: Oneida Shores Park
Type: Part-time, Must be available, nights, weekends, and holidays – IMMEDIATE OPENING
Duties/Requirements: This is a year round position. Cleaning of floors, bathrooms, windows, and walkways after events. Setting up room and securing building. Must be comfortable working alone.  Position is scheduled based on events calendar, hours will vary depending on the season. Starting rate of pay is $15/hour. 

Click here to apply online. 

Location: Oneida Shores Park
Type: Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate): April 21st – September 2nd - Must be available nights, weekends and holidays
Duties/Requirements: Grounds maintenance and facility upkeep.  Light to medium-duty manual labor in outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions.  Use of hand and power tools; operate basic motorized equipment including push-lawnmower, hedge trimmers, string-trimmer, power-washer, leaf blower, etc.  Face-to-face customer interaction including, but not limited to, event set-up assistance, public event logistics, and addressing customer complaints/concerns, etc.  Physical ability commensurate with the demands of the position.

Click here to apply online.

Location: Onondaga Lake Park Marina
Type: Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate): April 16th - November 8thFlexibility with hours is available for those applicants who attend school/college in the ‘shoulder seasons’.
Duties/Requirements: Marina Attendants are responsible for a wide variety of routine manual activities pertaining to grounds maintenance and facility upkeep in/around a Marina environment.  Ability to perform light to medium-duty manual labor in an outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions; use a variety of hand and power tools; operate basic motorized equipment, including but not limited to UTV, push-lawnmower, hedge trimmers, string-trimmer, power-washer, leaf blower, etc.  Basic light-duty janitorial/custodial tasks, as needed.  Face-to-face customer interaction including, but not limited to, assisting Marina tenants/boaters with launching, docking, slip reservations, addressing customer complaints/concerns, etc.  Basic understanding and knowledge of boating rules/laws and navigation nomenclature helpful, but not required.  Ability to work around water/docks required.  Physical ability commensurate with the demands of the position.

Click here to apply online.

Location: Onondaga Lake Park - East Shore Trail
Type: Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate): April 13th – November 8th. Flexibility with hours is available for those applicants who attend school/college in the ‘shoulder seasons’.
Duties/Requirements: East Shore Trail Grounds Maintenance crew are responsible for a wide variety of routine manual activities pertaining to grounds and facility upkeep in/around the 3.5-mile stretch of eastern shoreline at Onondaga Lake Park.  Ability to perform light to heavy duty manual labor in an outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions; use a variety of hand and power tools; operate basic motorized equipment, including but not limited to UTV, push and ride-on lawnmower, hedge trimmers, string-trimmers, power-washer, leaf blowers, etc.  Conduct janitorial and custodial duties to all bathrooms and picnic shelters along the trail.  Schedule flexibility required as position can include one (1) weekend shift, and closing shift (clock out no later than 9:30pm).  Physical ability commensurate with the demands of the position. 

Click here to apply online.

Location: Onondaga Lake Park
Type: Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate): April 1st – October 31st. Flexibility with hours is available for those applicants who attend school/college in the ‘shoulder seasons’. 
Duties/Requirements: Visitor Center Attendants are front line staff members required to greet visitors, answer phones, disseminate information, responds to general questions/complaints/comments from the public, performs light cleaning, monitors and keeps brochure racks stocked, occasionally collects monies/admission fees, and other duties, as assigned.  Candidate must be possess good oral communication skills, use tact and courtesy when dealing with the public and problem solve with little to no direct, constant supervision.   

Click here to apply online. 

Location: Lakeview Amphitheater
Type: Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate): May 13th – September 22nd. Flexibility with hours is available for those applicants who attend school/college in the ‘shoulder seasons’. 
Duties/Requirements: Amphitheater Grounds Maintenance crew are responsible for a wide variety of routine manual activities pertaining to grounds and facility upkeep in/around Lakeview Park at Empower FCU Amphitheater.  Ability to perform light to heavy duty manual labor in an outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions; use a variety of hand and power tools; operate basic motorized equipment, including but not limited to UTV, push and ride-on lawnmower, hedge trimmers, string-trimmers, power-washer, leaf blowers, etc.  Ability to work around water/docks required.  Physical ability commensurate with the demands of the position. 

Click here to apply online.

Location: Long Branch Park
Type:
Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate): May 18 – August 16. Flexibility with hours is available for those applicants who attend school/college in the ‘shoulder seasons’.
Duties/Requirements: Long Branch Park Grounds and Event Maintenance crew are responsible for a wide variety of routine manual activities pertaining to grounds maintenance and facility upkeep in/around Long Branch Park.  Ability to perform light to medium-duty manual labor in an outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions; use a variety of hand and power tools; operate basic motorized equipment, including but not limited to UTV, push-lawnmower, hedge trimmers, string-trimmer, power-washer, leaf blower, etc.  Basic light-duty janitorial/custodial tasks, as needed.  Face-to-face customer interaction including, but not limited to, event set-up assistance, picnic, and public event logistics, addressing customer complaints/concerns, etc.  Physical ability commensurate with the demands of the position. 

Click here to apply online.

Park Rangers Office
Click here for more information about the Park Ranger positions and application forms.

Animal Care/Zoo Attendant
Location: Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Type: Full Time
Duties/Requirements: 
Inspects animals under care frequently throughout the day. Assists Veterinarian and Curator in treatment and extended care of sick or injured animals.  Feeds and waters animals under care.  Answers questions from the public about animals, may give educational animal demonstrations.  May do routine groundskeeping and maintenance for the zoo facility. Requirements – must have completed at least one animal internship, currently enrolled in an animal husbandry curriculum or experience working at an AZA accredited zoo. 

Click here for application. Please note: This is NOT a tested position. Leave space above Exam # blank. Payment is only required for tested positions.



Ticket Booth Attendant
Location: Rosamond Gifford Zoo 
Type: Seasonal2024 Dates of Employment (approximate): May 25h – August 23rd - Hours: 9:30am to 4:30pm and includes weekends.
Duties/Requirements: This position is the first point of contact for visitors, provides exceptional customer service while efficiently processing ticket sales. Responsibilities include but are not limited to greeting guests, answering questions about exhibits, handling cash and credit card transactions accurately, and ensuring that all visitors have a positive and memorable experience at the zoo. Additionally includes, assisting with crowd management during peak times, maintaining cleanliness and organization in the ticket booth area, and upholding the zoo's safety and security protocols. This role requires a friendly demeanor, strong communication skills, and attention to detail. 

Click here to apply online.


Zoo Base Attendant
Location: Rosamond Gifford Zoo 
Type: Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate): May 25h – August 23rd - Hours: 9:30am to 4:30pm and includes weekends.
Duties/Requirements: This position is responsible for answering phones, directing calls, providing helpful information to callers, sorting mail, and providing coverage for the ticket booth as needed.  A person in this position will demonstrate excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a genuine enthusiasm for supporting the zoo's mission of wildlife conservation and education.  Additionally, the position includes, assisting with the ticket booth, crowd management at the ticket booth during peak times, and upholding the zoo's safety and security protocols. This role requires a friendly demeanor, strong communication skills, and attention to detail.  

Click here to apply online.

Various Parks
Type: Full Time
Duties/Requirements: 
Wide variety of routine manual activities pertaining to grounds and facility upkeep in/around Onondaga County Parks.  Ability to perform light to heavy duty manual labor in an outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions; use a variety of hand and power tools; operate basic motorized equipment, including but not limited to UTV, push and ride-on lawnmower, hedge trimmers, string-trimmers, power-washer, leaf blowers, etc.  Face-to-face customer interaction including, but not limited to, event set-up assistance, picnic and public event logistics, addressing customer complaints/concerns, etc.  Physical ability commensurate with the demands of the position. 

Click here for application. Please note: This is NOT a tested position. Leave space above Exam # blank. Payment is only required for tested positions. 

Various Parks
Type: Part Time
Duties/Requirements: 
Wide variety of routine manual activities pertaining to grounds and facility upkeep in/around Onondaga County Parks.  Ability to perform light to heavy duty manual labor in an outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions; use a variety of hand and power tools; operate basic motorized equipment, including but not limited to UTV, push and ride-on lawnmower, hedge trimmers, string-trimmers, power-washer, leaf blowers, etc.  Face-to-face customer interaction including, but not limited to, event set-up assistance, picnic and public event logistics, addressing customer complaints/concerns, etc.  Physical ability commensurate with the demands of the position. 

Click here to apply online.

Location(s): Multiple - Highland Forest Park, Jamesville Beach Park & Pratt's Falls Park
Type: Seasonal - 2024 Dates of Employment (approximate):  May 18th – September 11th - Must be available weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Duties/Requirements: Use of hand and power tools; operate basic motorized equipment including push-lawnmower, hedge trimmers, string-trimmer, power-washer, leaf blower, etc. Minimum 18 years old, valid driver’s license, ability to lift 50 lbs. and able to work in adverse weather conditions.   

Click here to apply online.

During your visit to Onondaga County Parks, you may be photographed, videotaped, or filmed by Onondaga County Parks or authorized parties. Your attendance/admission serves as permission for use of these images by Onondaga County Parks. Commercial photography or filming is prohibited without permission of Onondaga County Parks.

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