Teens needing a summer paycheck can find a super-sized job pool at Schlitterbahn.
The water park is hiring 2,000 people for its summer season at the New Braunfels location alone.
"We hire lifeguards, cashiers, greeters, kitchen staff, all ranges of different positions," said Lindsey Kelsay, staff services manager at Schlitterbahn.
While the park doesn't open for another month, Audrey Alvarado was already on board working getting food services ready. She's worked at the park since she was 15, so this will be her fifth summer.
"It's a great summer job. It doesn't interfere with school," she said.
The minimum age hired is 15 and pay ranges from $7.25 to $9 for supervisors, according to Kelsay. People interested can apply online.
The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of filling 600 seasonal positions working with kids in the the city's summer youth programs as well as at the 24 city pools.
While many of the jobs may be a good fit for teens, teachers or others who specialize in nutrition, math and science are wanted as well.
Lifeguards must be at least 16 and pass a skills test. Starting salary for a lifeguard is $9.01 per hour.
Prospects for finding a summer job may be looking up. A nationwide Department of Labor survey of hiring managers found the employers play to hire more youth this summer than last.
And, because the economy is improving, teens and young adults may have less competition from more experienced adults.
The grocery store is another popular place for teens to bag a job.
"HEB does actively hire teens 16 and older year-round," said Lacey Kotzur, HEB spokeswoman.
The grocery giant also offers a summer intern program for college students.
Because summer jobs are often a first job, young applicants don't have a resume filled with job experience to assist them in their search.
That's OK, according to Schlitterbahn's Kelsay.
"Personality is our No. 1 thing we look for here," she said. "A lot of people can pass the cashier test, but having that personality that you want to be here and you want to interact with our guests is key."
Employers suggest applicants do mock interviews with parents to practice for a job interview and dress appropriately.
For a list of recent stories Marilyn Moritz has done, click here.