LIFEGUARD I

Salary: $21.05 - $26.88 Hourly If you want to know about the requirements for this role, read on for all the relevant information. Location : El Cerrito, CA Job Type: Temporary/Seasonal Job Number: 2025-21 Department: Recreation Opening Date: 08/26/2025 CLASS DESCRIPTION Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. What's The Role? Under general supervision and depending on assignment, monitors and controls activities of swimmers and community members at a City aquatic facility; provides routine to advanced/specialized swim lessons and aquatics safety programs; conducts lessons and classes tailored to participant interest and abilities; provides demonstrations and supervises program participants; continuously supervises and monitors participants to ensure their safety and well-being; maintains all aquatics division apparatus and equipment; participates in required training programs; participates in inspections and related aquatic education and prevention activities; enforces swimming pool rules and regulations; rescues and administers first aid treatment to children and adults in distress and responds to unsafe conditions or potential hazards; teaches swimming and safety skills to children and adults; and performs related work as required. Lifeguard I : This is the journey-level classification in the Lifeguard series. Positions at this level perform the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment, initiative, attentively observe swimmers, ensure compliance with pool policies and safety guidelines. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Lifeguard II: This is the advanced journey-level, classification in the Lifeguard series. Positions are responsible for performing the more difficult/specialized work assigned to the series, requiring advanced skills and training in the related subject matter area including teaching more advanced swim lessons and stroke technique, or teaching Lifeguard classes. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. These positions are seasonal and assigned up to 20-35 hours per week (not to exceed 1,000 hours annually), which include evenings and weekends. Hours are variable and include opening shifts (5am or 5:30am), day shifts (8am or 9am until 4pm or 5pm), evening/night shifts (6pm to 10pm) and weekends. Ages 18 and over preferred. Lifeguard certification not necessary to apply, but must be obtained if offered the position prior to employment beginning (more information available at /swimjobs). ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (DUTIES) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Provides aquatic safety and supervision for community members; monitors activities in the pool and facilities to avoid and prevent accidents, and to ensure the safety and well-being of patrons; promotes public safety at all times. Provides courteous and professional customer service to all patrons, facility users, personnel, and public. Enforces swimming pool and aquatics facility rules and regulations. Leads, teaches, and conducts aquatics lessons, classes, and activities for groups of youth, teens, adults, and/or seniors according to collective ability level of participants. Provides technical guidance to participants by demonstrating skills, methods, and techniques, ensuring proper form and safety. Provides first responder medical emergency response; administers first aid as required. Maintains cleanliness of aquatic facilities including locker rooms, bathrooms, and communal staff areas; performs light cleaning and custodial duties including, but not limited to, mopping, scrubbing, hosing, sweeping, and removing litter. Inspects and maintains swimming and pool equipment for functionality; recommends maintenance and repairs as required; tests and monitors pool water chemistry and clarity including recording chemical levels. Covers and uncovers swimming pool with tarps; tightens and rearranges lane lines as required. Attends trainings, workshops, and classes related to job duties. Receives and responds to questions and concerns; determines issue and resolves within established guidelines or refers to supervisor as appropriate. Maintains logs and records of activities including incident reports and training logs. Answers telephones and performs clerical duties including data entry and money handling. Assists with citywide special events and recreation department activities as assigned. Observes and complies with all City, local, state, and federal mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Performs related duties as required. Knowledge of: Swimming pool, guest safety, and emergency procedures. Lifeguarding skills and methods. Instructional methods and techniques applicable to the aquatics field including beginning through advanced swim strokes. Modern principles and practices of swimming program development and implementation. Methods and techniques of implementing aquatics activities. Age and ability-appropriate program content. Operations, services, activities, and equipment of assigned class. Swimming pool, guest safety, and emergency procedures. Operational characteristics of water rescue safety equipment and devices. Methods, materials, and equipment involved in the maintenance and operation of swimming pools. Basic maintenance and cleaning practices. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility. City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols including basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods. Techniques for de-escalation and providing a high level of customer service by effectively assisting with the public, vendors, and City staff. Instructional methods and techniques applicable to the aquatics field, as applicable, which may include beginning through advanced swim strokes. Modern principles and practices of swimming and safety programs development and implementation. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination. Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation. Ability to: Attentively observe and monitor the safety of swimmers and other guests using aquatic facilities. Lead and teach assigned aquatics classes or swim team practices and activities for a variety of age levels. Provide instruction, feedback, and evaluation to program participants. Operate and maintain lifesaving equipment. Enforce swimming pool and facility rules and regulations. Work with children and adults in a recreational setting. Learn City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies. Assist with facility programs and rentals as assigned. Provide effective instruction regarding swim form, technique, and competition readiness. Conduct age and ability appropriate activities. Provide instruction, feedback, and evaluation to program participants. Maintain discipline, order, and safety in a crowded and noisy environment. Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure manner. Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed. Perform basic mathematical calculations. Utilize and implement proper money handling and customer service procedures. Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing using the English language. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education: Lifeguard I-II: Equivalent to completion of the tenth (10th) grade. Experience: Lifeguard I-II: The minimum age for positions in this classification is fifteen (15). Ability to provide a work permit if you have not completed high school or the equivalent and are under the age of 18 years old. Lifeguard I: Experience swimming, teaching, or assisting with swim lessons and/or participation in junior lifeguard programs, or equivalent. Lifeguard I-II: One (1) year of experience lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons. Licenses and Certifications: Lifeguard I-II: Possession of a current and valid Lifeguarding certification with First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer from the American Red Cross or equivalent agency, to be maintained throughout employment. Lifeguard II: Possession of a valid American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) or Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification, or equivalent, to be maintained throughout employment. OTHER REQUIREMENTS THE COMMUNITY Located near the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, the City of El Cerrito is an ethnically diverse community offering a high quality of life within one of the nation's most sophisticated and beautiful living areas. With a population of almost 25,000 residents, El Cerrito has the advantage of being centrally located in a major metropolitan area. El Cerrito is an established community with a strong self-identity and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its community members. THE DEPARTMENT The Recreation Department provides a full range of recreational and educational activities for youth and adults, facility rentals, community events, and diverse programs and services to enhance quality of life in El Cerrito. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is primarily performed within a public swimming pool environment where stamina is needed to perform moderate to heavy lifting of pool equipment and furniture, or children or adults who may require removal from the pool, and to stay in the pool for prolonged periods of time. Must possess the mobility to stand, stoop, kneel, reach, bend, climb, push and pull materials and equipment, and swim, while wearing an appropriate uniform with protective equipment. Vision and hearing which must be sufficient to see and hear adults and children in crowded and noisy conditions. Must also possess the mobility to work in an office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or by using a telephone and radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or to operate safety equipment. Must possess the ability to swim distances, and dive to pool depths, as determined by testing/certification authorities, and to lift 100 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Employees work outdoors in a pool environment with wet and slippery conditions and are exposed to variable weather conditions and variable noise levels; may be exposed to chlorine, acids, and other chemicals at aquatics facilities, as well as blood and body fluids while rendering first aid and CPR. Employees may interact with challenging individuals while interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures. WORKING CONDITIONS Incumbents are required to wear uniforms; may be required to work varied shifts including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays in addition to responding as a Disaster Services Emergency Worker. Incumbents must be able to pass continuous skill audits, maintain required certifications, and are required to participate in formal rescue skills training and regular staff meetings. This position is non-benefited. In accordance with California state law, you are entitled to five (5) paid sick leave days per year. These days are eligible for use following your 90th day of employment with the City. 01 Did you upload your required certificates? xrczosw Yes No 02 We are looking for candidates who are available to work during one or more of the following shifts: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, 12:00 PM-4:00 PM, and/or 7:00 PM-10:00 PM. Please indicate your availability when applying. Required Question