Summer is near and temperatures are rising. Looking for a summer job that will keep you cool? Here are a few of the best places to work in Tucson to beat the heat.
City of Tucson Lifeguard
Lifeguarding can be one of the most rewarding and fun jobs there is with the perk of spending time by the pool all day.
The City of Tucson hires lifeguards ages 15 and up with paid training. Pay begins at $16.75 per hour.
The steps to becoming a lifeguard for the city include interviewing and taking a swim test, submitting an application, taking and passing lifeguard certification courses if not certified already and finally being placed at a pool location.
The swim test consists of 100-yard front crawl or breaststroke, 50-yard approach stroke with a rescue tube, 2 minutes of treading water, 50-yard side stroke with a dummy, and bring a 10 pound brick from the bottom of the pool to the top and getting out of the water without the use of a ladder.
Certification courses for employees are paid for by the city and include a 6-hour online course and 16-hour in person course.
For more information, visit https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Jobs-and-Volunteer-Opportunities/Lifeguard-and-Water-Safety-Instructor-WSI
Rita’s Italian Ice
If serving frozen treats is in your interest, Rita’s Ice is an Italian ice and custard chain with locations in 30 states and one in Tucson at 4210 N. First Ave.
Employees must be able to provide exceptional customer service and create a fun, positive atmosphere, said Abby Zweigle, the chain’s senior public relations specialist.
Other important characteristics of employees is the ability to work well in teams, positive attitudes, cleanliness, excellent communication skills, work ethic and responsibility, she said.
Part time jobs at Rita’s Ice consist of four- to six-hour shifts, two to three times per week.
Salaries begin at $14.35 per hour plus cash tips.
Interested candidates can apply at https://www.ritasice.com/location/ritas-of-rillito-crossing-marketplace-az/ and click “Join The Team.”
Pop Heads
Located by the lively atmosphere of the University of Arizona’s campus, Pop Heads at 845 E. University Blvd., is a unique twist on a typical ice cream shop.
The shop sells a multitude of ice pops and popsicles in just about every flavor. Additionally, they sell drinks including flavored lemonades, horchata, energy drinks, coffee and tea as well as candy.
Popsicles are split up into sorbet-based flavors such as blood orange sky, pineapple sunrise and strawberrylicious or dairy-based flavors including key lime pie, S’more Than a Feeling and pink cotton candy.
The bright and colorful store is “the only one like it in Arizona,” said owner Jim Roberts.
Surrounded by frozen treats, Pop Heads is a great option for a fun job during the summer heat.
To apply, stop by and ask if they are hiring; a resume is not required, said Roberts.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.