Head Lifeguard (Internal Only)

HEAD LIFEGUARD

Part-time (0-19.75 hours/week), Non-exempt, non/Benefitted position

Anticipated start date 3/22/26

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE:

Open to internal applicants only through 5PM on 2/16/26

JOB DESCRIPTION:

General Statement of Duties: Implements, coordinates, and evaluates professional Aquatics staff training, and special events; monitors and coordinates facility operations and staff performance to achieve safety and service goals; provides lifeguarding services, concessions services and other services as necessary; does related work as required.

Distinguishing Features of the Class: An employee in this classification is responsible for organizing, directing, and monitoring those responsible for program delivery and swim center facility operation. Evaluates staff and staff performance to recognize staff and community member needs primarily through established audit practices. Solicits staff and community member compliance with swim center policies, procedures and safety guidelines, and completes records and documentation as required. Work is performed under the supervision of an Aquatics Supervisor, who reviews work primarily on the basis of direct observation and interaction, and information from coworkers and community members. Although not a supervisor, the employee is often required to take on supervision of other staff.

Examples Of Essential Duties Performed: (Illustrative only. Any single position of a class will not necessarily involve all of the duties listed, and many positions will involve duties that are not listed.)

Monitor, assess, and coordinate on-site, ongoing facility operations, and staff performance. Provide lifeguard services and other services as necessary.

Perform water-chemical checks, make necessary adjustments and follow documentation procedures under direction of Supervisor or Manager.

Open and secure the swim center facility, including ensuring that appropriate tasks have been completed by other staff members.

Monitor and assess the performance of Lifeguard staff as applicable and assigned to determine and address staff training needs.

Solicit community member compliance with facility use and program policies and injury prevention guidelines as necessary. Solicit staff compliance and holds staff accountable for performance in compliance with work policies, procedures, and expectations. Take an active role to initiate and perform services for community members and staff as appropriate and needed.

Professionally respond to questions, suggestions, and concerns from staff and community members regarding Aquatics programs, activities, policies, and practices.

Attend and participate in in-service training as appropriate and relevant to assignments and duties. Monitor and evaluate ongoing performance to assess effectiveness in achieving professional service and performance goals.

Respond positively to correction and accept direction. Remain personally accountable in seeking resolution to misunderstandings, conflicts, or performance problems of self or others. Operate within progressive chains of responsibility and authority.

Implement and evaluate in-service training which promote continual learning and continual improvement.

Implement ADA inclusion plans as created by Human Resources.

Perform other job-related duties or tasks as required

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge: Possess or obtain considerable knowledge of professional staff performance (including lifeguarding and concessions operations); program development, implementation, and evaluation; staff training development, implementation, and evaluation; facility operations and maintenance procedures.

Skills: Professionally and effectively communicate and work with community members and staff team members; recognize and resolve service, safety, and operations issues and problems; organizing coworkers to effectively achieve professional performance, efficiency, and accountability; life-guarding skills and methods, including proficiency at submerged rescues in 13 feet of water, emergency care and assessment, CPR/AED, first aid; Oregon Food Handler’s permit.

Abilities: Integrate experience, training and judgment to make independent, responsible, professional decisions without direct supervision; observe and monitor staff performance, facility operations, and guest service and program delivery; exercise professional judgment to act effectively in unusual and emergency situations; interpret and implement swim center policies and practices; work and communicate effectively and cooperatively with community members and staff team members; identify and recognize specific skills and abilities needed by line staff to complete duties and assignments; demonstrate personal accountability when assuming responsibility and ownership for directing programs and services; implement professional problem solving to recognize and address staff and community members needs for programs, services, and facility operations; recognize and acknowledge problems, and work as contributing staff team member to identify problem causes, collect accurate information and data, and implement progressive and comprehensive solutions; accept direction and demonstrate continual learning and improvement.

Physical Demands of the Position: While performing the duties of this position the employee is frequently required to stand, bend, swim, and lift and tow while in water; the employee is infrequently required to crouch and kneel. While on deck, the employee is expected to be standing or moving around the pool deck for the vast majority of the work period. The employee is occasionally required to lift and carry tables and chairs weighing up to 50 pounds with assistance. The employee is occasionally required to help, as needed, in the removal and application of pool mats, which requires the maneuvering of a 300-pound mat cart that is heavier when waterlogged. During emergencies and training simulations, the employee frequently must lift and tow persons of varying body weights (generally between 20 and 200 pounds) through the water and, with assistance, lift person onto the pool deck. Employee must be able to meet the American Red Cross physical requirements which include, swimming 300 yards using freestyle or breaststroke; treading water for 2-minutes using only one's legs; and retrieving a 10lb. object from seven (7) to ten (10) feet of water. The duties of this position are performed inside the facility, thus exposure to weather extremes is not likely. Pool and pool area temperature varies with humidity; however, during summer months the pool area may be warmer. Exposure to loud noise is high while on deck, and low to moderate in office and other areas. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to the disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.

Personal Protective Equipment: Worn in a hip pack on employee at all times - rip-resistant nitrile gloves, safety mask, one-way valve CPR responder mask; liquid proof gloves for general maintenance.

Required Experience and Training: Any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, ability, maturity, and professional judgment to perform the above-described duties. Must be at least 16 years of age.

Preferred Experience and Training: Experience leading and coaching a team of Lifeguards.

Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of or ability to obtain Oregon Food Handler’s permit; American Red Cross Lifeguard certification including CPR/AED certification, and Administering Emergency Oxygen. Proficiency at water rescues in 13 ft. of water. Because this job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen test will be required prior to employment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Hours/Shifts

Varies, including morning, days, evenings, and weekends.

Drug Free Workplace

This job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen test and ability to pass a criminal background check will be required prior to employment.

Oregon Pay Equity 

Willamalane Park and Recreation District determines starting pay based on the applicant's relevant education, experience and training within the wage and salary range for the position. This process is consistent with Oregon pay equity laws. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

BENEFITS: 

Paid sick leave beginning with date of hire, 1 hour accrual for every 30 hours worked. Part-time staff may use sick leave beginning on their 91st day of employment.

Annual cost of living increase (up to 4% as approved by the Board). 

Merit increase (3%) upon successful completion of probationary period and then annually. 

Additional $1/hour increase upon successful completion of a Spanish competency test. 

Discount on selected childcare programs (see Policy Manual for restrictions).

25-percent discount on certain recreation programs.

Free use of pools for lap and play swim for employee only. Discount for household members. 

Free use of fitness center for employee only. Discount for household members.

Free Wellness programs for employee.

Payroll direct deposit is available.