Oklahoma Lakes In Need Of Gate Attendants For Summer Season

Craig Day, News On 6

OOLOGAH, Oklahoma -- Before long, lots of people will pack area lakes, especially as the weather gets warmer and we get closer to the end of the school year.

Along with the fun in the sun, you may also discover a shortage of gate attendants at some Corps of Engineers parks.

"I think it may just be something to do with the timing. In terms of the economy, people are looking for jobs and as soon as one comes, they are jumping on it," Lee Perry said.

Oologah Lake has its positions filled, but Park Ranger Lee Perry says some corps parks still have vacancies for attendants.

"Eufaula, Texoma, Canton, Webbers Falls, I believe Tenkiller is one as well that are all looking for potential folks to fill those vacancies," he said.

Think of them as customer service people; checking in campers, explaining rules, emergency point-people, that sort of thing.

"They play a prime role in our recreation mission that we're trying to accomplish," Perry said.

Gate attendants are filled through a bidding process with the attendants working and staying on site April 1st through the end of September.

Perry says it's a great job.

"Looking for someone who likes to visit with folks. Someone with decent people skills," he said. "Someone that likes being outside, someone who doesn't mind picking up some trash, someone who just likes being around the lake."

Until the positions are filled Rangers will take over some of the duties, but there may be some inconveniences without attendants. So, visitors are urged to bring along patience when they visit.

"Bear with us," Perry said. "We're trying to fill them as soon as we can."

Anyone interested in becoming a park attendant can find out where there are openings and how to make a bid, by calling the Corps of Engineers at 918-669-7366, or you can call your local park.