Let’s ask the experts! Over the next couple weeks, I’ll be doing a series of posts focusing on seasonal employees at Holliday Lake State Park. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend the summer working in a state park, please stay tuned! Each employee highlighted has his or her own experience and I’ll just let them tell you all about it!
This interview is with Justin, lifeguard at Holliday Lake State Park.
What is your position at Holliday Lake State Park?
Lifeguard
How many seasons have you worked in this position?
Three
What are some of your duties in this position?
My duties at HLSP were providing a safe swimming and boating environment for the patrons.
What is a typical workday like?
A typical workday is thirty minute rotations on the beach. The rest of the time you are selling merchandise and renting boats inside the boathouse.
What have you learned about customer service or working with the public?
I have learned that you have to be patient and understanding while working with the public
What do you do when NOT working at HLSP?
I study Biology at Longwood University and I enjoy playing soccer.
How do you think working at a Virginia State Park has helped prepare you for the future? Or helped you meet your personal career and/or educational goals?
Working at the park has prepared me for the future by learning valuable things like customer service.
Would you recommend a seasonal position in Virginia State Parks to a friend or family member? Or have you done so?
Yes
Is there anything else you want to share about your time at HLSP?
Holliday Lake State Park has been a great place to work for the past three years. I have made many friends as well as learned valuable life skills.
While working here, Justin has been the only male lifeguard. This has its advantages but he also had to do most of the heavy lifting and rodent/snake removal around the boat house and beach. He’s so good-natured, he did this all with a quick wit and a smile! He would be the person to ask what’s good at the Concession Stand–I’m pretty sure he has sampled the entire menu.
Check out Holliday Lake State Park’s seasonal job listings of other Virginia State Parks and apply if you’re interested. Don’t think you have to be a teenager to apply either; we have lots of wonderful seasonal employees who have let’s just say a little more life experience.