Head Lifeguard

City of Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boulder is seeking a Lead Lifeguard to supervise aquatic facility operations, guiding on-duty lifeguards and swim instructors while ensuring safety. The role includes trainings, pump room duties, water testing, and public safety communications.

The candidate will oversee lifeguards, enforce rules, coordinate safety inspections, and report incidents. Red Cross Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR certifications and 1–2 years of aquatics leadership are preferred.

Qualifications

• Lifeguarding and water safety proficiency.
• Proven leadership and customer service experience.
• Ability to supervise and coach staff; maintain a friendly, professional demeanor.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a lifeguard as primary responsibility.
• Lead and coach lifeguard team; ensure on-duty coverage and safety.
• Enforce facility rules and monitor safety inspections.
• Communicate incidents and safety updates to management.

Skills

Lifeguarding

Water safety

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Team supervision

Safety awareness

Education

Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification

Red Cross First Aid Certification

Red Cross CPR/AED Certification

Job description

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

August 28, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

19.20 - 26.87

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time salaried position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

15

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Confirm with the Hiring Manager

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under general supervision, assist in managing the aquatic facility operations including taking a lead worker role of all lifeguards and swim instructors on duty while on their shift. They may assist with in-service trainings, complete minor pump room operations, water chemistry testing and overall safety of all pool activities. The Head lifeguard is responsible for helping conduct evaluation and training of lifeguard staff, managing aquatic programming, and performing other departmental activities as required. The employee is directly responsible for communication to the public regarding the success of all aquatic’s programs and safety activities.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as a lifeguard as primary responsibility.
• Maintains the highest level of skills, portrays a professional attitude at all times, be proactive and be a role model for the lifeguard team.
• Helps build a solid lifeguard team through evaluation, on-the spot coaching opportunities, training, and proper supervision.
• Makes sure lifeguards are actively scanning, rotating and breaking on time.
• Ensures lifeguard stations are in the proper locations based on activity in the pool(s).
• Works in rotation alongside the lifeguard team. They are responsible for enforcing facility rules, regulations and policies.
• Demonstrates a proactive approach toward facility cleanliness and maintenance.
• Leads, directs and controls situations as needed in the case of an emergency.
• Documents incidents, accidents, and rescue reports properly.
• Performs daily safety inspections of pools and equipment to reduce hazards and to provide maximum safety to the patrons.
• Communicates any pump room maintenance issues, staff issues, patron issues, and general concerns with the management team in a timely manner.
• Maintains proper pool chemical balance, which may include administering chemicals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to demonstrate life-saving skills and water competency prior to employment. Lifeguards may be tested at any time during their employment.
• Ability to evaluate conditions in assigned areas and make proper judgments into overall patron safety.
• Ability to demonstrate effective interpersonal & leadership skills, including conflict resolution.
• Ability to demonstrate prior customer service experience.
• Ability to work with direct and indirect supervision.
• Ability to demonstrate a friendly and outgoing demeanor.
• Skills at a proficient level in lifeguarding and swim instructing.
• Must be at least 18 years old as is the requirement to handle caustic pool chemicals.
• Must successfully pass and maintain a drug screening check before the first day of work and while employed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• American Red Cross Swim Instructor (WSI) preferred
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) preferred.
• Certification in American Red Cross Administering Emergency Oxygen

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• At least one (1) to two (2) years of experience that includes lifeguarding, customer service, and leadership.
• Current American Red Cross certifications (or equivalent) in Lifeguarding.
• Current American Red Cross certifications (or equivalent) in First Aid.
• Current American Red Cross certifications (or equivalent) in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received : Water Safety Supervisor
Supervision Exercised : None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to perform a wide range of strenuous physical and manual tasks in aquatics environment. Physical ability to stand, walk, and kneel; hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment; vision for reading, recording and interpreting information; speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and the public.
• Work Environment: Works in both indoor and outdoor environments that are oftentimes impacted by chemical odors, weather and at times, unpredictable conditions.
• Machines and Equipment Used: Uses various aquatics supplies and equipment, filtration systems, standard office equipment including personal computers, calculators and copy/fax machines daily. Ability to lift to a maximum of 50 lbs.

As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.