Press Release
Summer Helpers Wanted
A Gateway to Careers in Public Service!
Apr 28, 2026 - Summit County, OH
The Summit County Engineer’s Office is now accepting applications for “Personnel Aide” positions, offering local youth an exciting opportunity to earn money, gain real-world experience, and get a foot in the door of a rewarding public service career.
The position formerly known as the “Summer Helper” is newly titled as “Personnel Aide” but continues the tradition of providing hands-on, meaningful work experience for young people across Summit County.
These full-time, seasonal roles ($15.50–$18.20/hour, Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM) place individuals ages 16 and up on the front lines with our maintenance crews. Personnel Aides assist with a variety of tasks, including mowing, traffic flagging, litter control, line striping, and even guardrail installation.
“This program has come full circle for a lot of us.” says Patrick Dobbins, Director of Public Service at the Summit County Engineer’s Office and former 1988 Summer Helper. “We have people in leadership today who started as Summer Helpers, and we’ve hired several participants into full-time maintenance roles over the years. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door and see where it can take you.”
A Message to Educators: Help Your Students Discover the Possibilities
We’re asking local teachers and school counselors to share this opportunity with students.
Whether they’re interested in STEM fields, skilled trades, or government work, this program is an excellent starting point. It introduces valuable concepts like teamwork, safety, infrastructure management, and responsibility, all while building professional skills and community pride.
Public service careers offer long-term benefits such as job stability, strong retirement systems, and opportunities for advancement. This role can be the first chapter in a lifelong career.
Apply Today
Interested applicants must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid Ohio driver’s license. The position runs from June through early August, with limited openings available. Pre-employment drug screening and a driving record check are required.
To learn more or apply, visit the link below or call 330-643-2850.
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026
