Employment

Naturalist

Seasonal employees are required to work weekends and holidays on a regular basis and wear a department issued uniform while on the job. Submit an Employment Application (PDF) by email*. Applications must be sent in before an interview can be scheduled. For wage information, visit the Berrien County Employment Page. 

Positions (May Be Available)

Park Ranger

  • Positions available year round at Madeline Bertrand County Park and April through October at Silver Beach County Park.
  • Qualifications: Must be at least 16 years of age with valid identification.
  • Duties: Assists routine park operations and maintenance. Open and closes park gates and facilities, collects fees, enforces park rules and regulations, empties trash receptacles, inspects and cleans restrooms and performs other related duties as required.

Park Maintenance Workers

  • Positions available April through October.
  • Qualifications: High School graduation or GED desired. Valid identification required.
  • Duties: Maintains buildings and grounds at various county park locations. Operates and maintains related machinery and equipment.

Lifeguard

  • Positions available June through August at Silver Beach County Park.
  • Qualifications: Must be certified in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training or equivalent and CPR for Adult, Infant and Child. Prior life guarding experience is desired. Valid identification required. Contact a the Bridgman Aquatic Center, YMCA, South Shore Health & Racquet Club, Red Cross Center, etc. to learn about local Lifeguard Certification and CPR training options.
  • Duties: Responsible for promoting safe beach and water related activities. Enforces park rules and regulations. Performs water search and rescues. Administers first aid and CPR. Patrols beach and swim area for hazards. Performs other related duties as required.
  • Note: Partial reimbursement for certification in Lifeguard Training will be distributed at the end of the season if employee works a minimum of 20hr/week from June to August and can provide receipt of payment for certification.

Assistant Head Lifeguard

  • Positions available June through August at Silver Beach County Park.
  • Qualifications: Same as Lifeguard. Plus one season of paid experience as a lifeguard at a pool or beach.
  • Duties: Same as Lifeguard. Performs the duties of Head Lifeguard during his/her absence. Prepares work schedules, activity and incident reports.

Head Lifeguard

  • Positions available June through August at Silver Beach County Park.
  • Qualifications: Same as Assistant Head Lifeguard. Prior Life guarding experience on Lake Michigan with supervisory responsibilities highly desired.
  • Duties: Same as Assistant Head Lifeguard with primary responsibility for day to day supervision, conditioning, and training of all lifeguard staff. Prepares work schedules, activity, and incident reports.

Assistant Park Manager

  • Positions available April through October at Silver Beach County Park.
  • Qualifications: College coursework in Parks and Recreation or related field and supervisory experience is desired.
  • Duties: Assists routine park operations and maintenance. Supervises daily activities of Park Ranger staff. Assists in maintaining accurate incident, attendance and financial records.

Assistant Park Naturalists

  • Positions available at Love Creek County Park September through May.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with major in biology, zoology, botany or related field. Ability to speak effectively before groups.
  • Duties: Develops, schedules and conducts interpretive programs for schools and general public.