NEW YORK — Summer may be months away, but for teens hoping to find jobs, the time to start looking is now.

Seasonal employers are seeing a larger influx of applicants this year, especially from laid-off workers who are overqualified but willing to take entry-level positions.

That said, there are jobs out there, say career experts. Here are some suggestions on where to look:

U.S. theme parks will hire close to 500,000 employees for the summer, according to David Mandt, spokesman for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. That's about the same number as last year, but there has been a dramatic increase in the number of applications, particularly from older workers.Mandt advises students to be flexible and consider opportunities in less visible departments, such as merchandise, the call center and landscaping and security. He said job seekers need to be friendly and outgoing.Find opportunities at the parks' Web sites.

The demand for part-time baby sitters will probably increase this summer because parents are cutting back on full-time caregivers and summer camps, says Genevieve Thiers, CEO of Sittercity.com, which connects parents and caregivers.Thiers said baby sitters should have experience working with children, good references and a clean record.

Golf is holding strong even with the bad economy, says Dennis Cone, founder and CEO of the Professional Caddies Association.Danny Cline, general manager and chief operating officer for Gaillardia Country Club in Oklahoma City, Okla., said his club is looking for caddies and people to work in the golf shop, maintain the grounds and organize tournaments and events.Check out www.PCAhq.com to find out more.

There is more competition for camp counseling positions this summer, say camp directors.YMCA of Greater New York started recruiting in November, says Wheaton Griffin, executive director of New York YMCA Camp, which runs a day camp and three sleepaway camps.Griffin said he is looking for young adults who have leadership skills and experience working with children, whether through coaching or Big Brothers Big Sisters. Students must be able to pass a background check and provide three nonrelative references.Tony Oyenarte, director of the residential Camp Crystal Lake in Starke, Fla., recommends students become certified in life guarding, CPR and First Aid. He said a special skill like sailing or water skiing is also a plus.Find opportunities at www.campjobs.com or www.acacamps.org

Americans might be eating out less, but business is flourishing at McDonald's. The fast-food chain said its same-store sales in January rose 7.1 percent worldwide and 5.4 percent in the U.S.Tough economic times means people are more value-conscious, said Paul Facella, author of "Everything I Know About Business I Learned at McDonald's."Facella said fast-food positions are generally entry level, which make them ideal for teens. There is also turnover, so opportunities are available, he said.Russ Bendel, president and CEO of The Habit Burger Grill in California said locations near the beach will increase staff 10 percent for the summer.

You don't need medical training as a doctor or nurse to work in health care, Boyer said.Places such as Walgreens hire pharmacy technicians to assist licensed pharmacists, with many providing on-the-job training, he said.He said some home health care companies are looking for people to run errands, do light housekeeping and provide companionship to sick people.Students also can work as valet parking attendants at health care facilities or in hospital gift shops, he said.

Ice cream shop owners don't think the cheap treat to beat the heat will take a hit.Vince Giordano, owner of Sno Top in Manlius, N.Y., is hiring close to the same number of seasonal employees this year. His shop opens on weekends in mid-March and daily in April.Giordano says he is looking for teens who are pleasant, enthusiastic and involved in school activities, whether athletics or the National Honor Society. He said involved students generally make better employees than ones who are nonactive.

There is always a need for lifeguards, says Michelle Jantz of the American Red Cross, adding that she hasn't heard of any aquatic centers not opening because of funding.Many cities are pushing to have their staff hired, trained and ready to go for the big Memorial Day weekend, she said.Jantz recommends teens (ages 15 and older) contact their local Red Cross to find out about lifeguard training programs in their area. (Lifeguards must pass a swim test before training). The 28-hour course includes CPR/AED and First Aid, water rescue and surveillance skills.

So far, 2009 is off to a strong start. Overall revenues for movie ticket sales nationally stand at a $1.5 billion for the year and are running 22.4 percent ahead of 2008 figures, according to box-office tracker Media By Numbers.Steve Mason, box office analyst and theater owner, predicts summer sequels and franchises will bolster sales."We will absolutely be hiring," said Mason, president of Flagship Theatre Corp in California. "There is always high turnover in service industry jobs, so we are always looking for the right people, but this summer movie theaters will be jammed and that means a lot of opportunities for high school- and college-aged kids."