Ah, summer. Time for students to kick back and relax, right? Well, sure, but summer is also a great time for teenagers to get a jump start on that resume—and earn a little cash doing it. But exactly what kind of summer jobs are available for teenagers? Depending on where you live, there can be quite a variety. Here are 15 ideas that may catch your teenager's interest.

Construction

Teens who like to work with their hands (or want to stay in shape for that fall sport) may enjoy working in the construction industry. For teens, working in construction likely means a lot of hauling materials and assisting, but it's still an excellent option.

Political Aide

Whenever it's an election year, there's often a few spots suitable for high school students assisting with campaign work. Even if it's not a big election year, non-profits often look for students who can help work for a cause. There are fewer jobs available that are suitable for high school students in this area, but this is a big resume booster.

Lifeguard and Tourism

Depending on where you live, summer is often one of the busiest times of the year for tourism companies, or even just the local public pool. Lifeguarding has the advantage of being able to enjoy the weather while working, but you'll need to be CPR certified. Tourism jobs can range from taking pictures of visitors at a big attraction, working at an amusement park, counseling at summer camps or working at a state park.

Agriculture

If you don't live in a city where a lot of jobs naturally are, that's okay—rural areas have their share of jobs, too. Working in agriculture can be stinky and physical, but lifting hay bales is a pretty good way to get in shape for football season. With a parent's guidance, teens can also approach trusted local farms looking for work.

Lawn Care & Gardening

A little less smelly than working at a farm all summer, working in landscaping still involves a lot of physical, outdoor work that many teens enjoy. And if teen-appropriate jobs in your area are a little scarce, mowing the lawn for a few neighbors isn't such a bad idea, either.

Retail

Working in retail can build a lot of good skills to use in a later career. Assisting unsatisfied customers, showing up to work on time and going above and beyond will all be required—which means they may earn you recommendations for future jobs.

Food Service

Working in food services might not be glamorous, but like retail, these positions will build a resume with basic tasks like arriving on time and working with others. Jobs in this area also tend to be more easily accessible to teenagers.

Clerical

If your teenager's eventual career goal involves something in an office, they should consider a part-time clerical job, which can range from accounting and billing to answering phones and greeting customers. Working in an office will help teens become familiar with different software, among several other skills that look good on a resume.

Child Care

With school out, many families with younger children need child care in the summer. If your teen's eventual career goal involves working with youngsters, this is an excellent way to start building skills early.

Tutoring

While school is out for most, some students need the summer to catch up. Even if you don't plan to be a teacher some day, tutoring shows potential future employers that you have leadership skills.

Bank Teller

If tossing bales of hay isn't your teenager's idea of a good job, many banks offer part-time positions as tellers, which can sometimes be open to high school or college students. The working conditions are comfortable, and it's a good one for the resume.

Trainee

Depending on your teenager's career goals, there may be trainee positions available in their career field. For example, pharmacies often have trainee programs, as well as many other industries.

Government

Part-time jobs are also often available within government agencies and organizations. Similar to clerical work, government positions are excellent jobs to list on resumes and college applications.

Internships

If none of the part-time or seasonal options in your area are available or enticing to you, internships can also be great ways to spend the summer while earning job skills. Prospective employers love to see related experience on a resume and internships are a great way to do just that. Some of them are even paid.

If there aren't any listings in the industry your teenager is interested in, it's okay to send in a letter of introduction and a resume inquiring about internship opportunities. Better yet, they should do it in person in business dress. Even if companies don't have internship opportunities listed, many are still willing to take on interns, especially unpaid.

Become an Entrepreneur

If there's not many teen-appropriate jobs in your area, many teenagers have been successful at starting their own businesses at a young age. Even if it's just a gardening service, managing your own business is excellent resume and college application material. For crafty teens, consider starting an Etsy shop. The key here is to focus on your teenager's skills and interests, as well as what is in demand, and let them lead the way.

A great starting point for finding a summer job is Groove Job, a job search website designed for teens and college students. Summer jobs are excellent ways to start building a resume or college application. Even if the position is in no way related to your teenager's eventual career goals, it will show employers that they know how to show up on time and follow direction. Plus, hard workers will gain excellent references.