Children's Health Insurance Program

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today announced the launch of an advertising campaign focused on attracting more people to a career as a state trooper. The recruitment initiative utilizes various media channels, including a television commercialOpens In A New Window set to debut during Sunday's 3:30PM NHL game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins, and commercials during March Madness. WATCH HERE.Opens In A New Window

"The PSP provides a unique foundation for troopers to experience a variety of unique job opportunities with the department, and this advertising campaign highlights just a few of the many specialized positions available," said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. "From canines and computer crimes to forensics and fire investigations, whether you're tactically minded or tech-savvy, dozens of challenging but rewarding job opportunities are waiting for you."

The recruitment campaign includes ads on billboards, streaming services, radio, digital and social media. PSP plans to secure airtime for the TV commercial during other televised sports events. The advertising campaign comes on the heels of substantive increases in cadet applications to PSP since Governor Shapiro waived the college requirement for applicants last August. In 2023, PSP saw a 258% increase in the number of applicants taking the test to become a state trooper. The Governor's 2024-25 budget proposal calls for an additional four new classes of cadets, to ensure the PSP can have the tools, the flexibility, and the personnel to continue keeping Pennsylvanians safe. 

PSP applicants who meet eligibility requirements must pass a qualifying written examination, background check, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological screening before they can become a cadet and begin training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate, a valid driver's license from any state, and be at least 20 years old at the time of application. They must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the training academy. At the time of graduation, cadets must be a Pennsylvania resident and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver's license. No prior law enforcement experience is required. The current cadet application cycle opened on February 12. 

Cadet training lasts approximately 27 weeks and is paramilitary in nature. The comprehensive and rigorous training includes coursework in Pennsylvania's crimes and vehicle codes, law enforcement principles and practices, firearms and special equipment training, and physical fitness activities.

Upon completion of the training academy, cadets are promoted to trooper and receive an increase in salary, currently set at $66,911 annually.

For more information on becoming a Pennsylvania state trooper or to speak with a recruiter, visit patrooper.comOpens In A New Window. 

For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.

As we enter into Spring, CitiParks is getting ready for Summer and that includes lifeguard recruitment. Recruiting, training and certifying lifeguards is paramount to a successful Outdoor Pool Season and a safe swimming season for residents. 

CitiParks Aquatics recruits, trains and certifies lifeguards for the City of Pittsburgh every year. Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the task of onboarding lifeguards is a bit more challenging with recruiting enough lifeguards to open all the City of Pittsburgh’s Outdoor Pools being the main challenge. 

“Recruiting and onboarding lifeguards is not an easy task, and I want to recognize the continued hard work of CitiParks Aquatics.  I thank them for all of their efforts to recruit and certify lifeguards so that everyone can enjoy a great summer this year.  We need your help, spread the word and help us ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time at our pools,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. 

In 2021, the City was able to open 8 pools. In 2022, 12 pools were opened and in 2023 we opened 15 pools. This year, we want to open as many pools as possible, but that is dependent on how many lifeguards we are able to bring onboard. 

“We continue to work hard to garner increased interest to become a CitiParks lifeguard.  We are encouraged by the enthusiasm our returning guards show each year, and we work hard to promote that with all incoming guards.  Higher wages for 2024 will help with that, but if anyone in the city knows of someone even thinking about becoming a lifeguard, please encourage them to fill out our 2024 lifeguard interest form.  Our staff works with all those who show interest and provides practice time to improve skills prior to certification,” said CitiParks Director Kathryn Vargas. Lifeguard wages for 2024 will range from $16.97 to $19.57 per hour, based on experience. 

Lifeguard duties range from staffing normal operating hours of pools to working as head guards or as regional guards.  Lifefguards have the opportunity to learn and grow within CitiParks Aquatics that may lead to other City employment.  Many Public Safety professionals get their start in service as a lifeguard. 

Lifeguards must be City of Pittsburgh residents, at least 16 years old by September 3, 2024. Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and willing to work at any CitiParks Outdoor Pool. Anyone interested in becoming a CitiParks lifeguard, whether a new candidate or a returning guard. Should fill out the 2024 Lifeguard Interest Form and CitiParks Aquatics will contact them.  

For additional information, please visit: https://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/lifeguard-info 

Check out our 2024 Lifeguard Recruitment Video HERE. 

Lifeguards are hired to work at Citiparks Aquatic Facility locations June through Labor Day. Citiparks offers Lifeguard Certification Training courses prior to the season as well as recertification for experienced lifeguards. Candidates must have a Red Cross Lifeguard Certification valid through September 4, 2023 and additionally are required to submit criminal background clearances and pass a medical exam.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CITY OF PITTSBURGH LIFEGUARD?  Fill out the FORM today and we will call you!  Please make sure you meet the following criteria before sending your application:

• At least 16 years old by September 3, 2024.
• A current City of Pittsburgh Resident and fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Willing to work at any of Citiparks Aquatics Facilities.

A RE-CERTIFICATION Class will be scheduled to onboard currently certified lifeguards.  Please stay tuned for date/times for the 2024 Pool Season.  Get on our list and we will call you; complete the Lifeguard Interest Form HERE!