Summer jobs can still be found around metro area
- Many employers still seeking summer employees.
- Jobs range from lifeguard duties to restaurant workers.
“[Old Navy] is an all right place to work for college students because you can work a variety [of schedules] tailored to your schedule. It’s a relatively simple job, in a relaxed environment with pretty good pay.”
—Michael Cooper
Chemical Engineering Junior
at the University of Oklahoma
“It’s OK making minimum wage as a cashier [at Chili’s] because they are very flexible with your schedule. It’s really easy for young people to get a job there. They are always hiring.”
—Sheba Thomas
Pharmacy Sophomore
“Working at UPS is very hard work that takes time to get used to, but the pay, benefits and tuition reimbursement more than make up for the demanding physical aspects of the job. It’s great for college students who need to work during the evenings or late at night.”
—Ryan Winter
Sophomore
By Carrie Cronk, Staff Writer
With the cost of many summer activities and the increase in prices at the pump, many students have obtained summer employment.
For those still searching, many metro area employers still have summer positions available.
Many restaurants have a variety of spots for students during the summer.
Cody Bratcher, General Manager of the Sonic Drive-in located at S.W. 89th Street and May Avenue said he often hires OCCC students.
“We have quite a few [OCCC students] at a time ... we have three or four [employed] at the moment,” he said.
Bratcher said his restaurant has a position open for a cook, with up to 40 hours available per week at a pay rate of $6 per hour.
He said anyone interested in applying for the position should come by the restaurant to fill out an application.
Zio’s Italian Kitchen, located at 2035 S. Meridian, is another local restaraunt with job openings.
Sabrina Moeller, assistant manager, said many restaurant employees are college students. They have positions available for wait staff, hosts and bussers, she said.
Moeller said the wages at Zio’s are comparable to other restaurants, with wait staff earning $2.13 per hour plus tips, and hosts and bussers also earning a set wage and being tipped out.
Moeller said waitstaff employees have the opportunity to earn $300 to $400 per week, if not more.
Those interested in any position at Zio’s may apply in person from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and should come prepared to be interviewed immediately.
For those looking for a change of scenery in food service, the Oklahoma City Zoo has positions in their food and beverage department.
Candice Rennels, public relations associate, said the wages for those positions start at minimum wage. Interested parties can apply 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. any day of the week at the front entrance of the park.
For those more interested in summertime fun, White Water Bay still has a variety of positions available.
David Riddles, operations manager, said the park has openings ranging from 20 to 45 hours per week.
Most the park’s positions have a starting wage of $5.75 per hour, and the wages for lifeguards start at $6 to $6.50 per hour.
Anyone interested in a summer position at White Water Bay can get more information by calling 405-943-0392.
For those students looking for a position located closer to campus, the OCCC Aquatics Center is hiring lifeguards, swimming instructors and a part-time secretary.
Roxanna Butler, Aquatics and Safety Training coordinator, said lifeguard and swimming instructor positions are 10 to 15 hours per week, and the secretary position is 10 hours per week.
She said starting wages for lifeguards are $7 per hour, with the wages for the other positions starting at $7.50 per hour.
Butler said lifeguards must be certified.
Stephanie Scott, Aquatics and Safety Training specialist, said the Aquatic Center is offering the American Red Cross event Operation Life Saving to persons who applied for lifeguard positions.
She said the program offers lifeguard training “at a greatly reduced cost.”
Butler said individuals interested can apply for the positions at www.occcjobs.edu.
Part-time jobs also can be searched for by visiting www.groovejobs.com and searching by city and state.
Students also can check the employment section of the Pioneer classified ads for other area summer employment opportunities.
Staff Writer Carrie Cronk can be reached at StaffWriter2@occc.edu.
