Head Lifeguard

Gunnison, City of (CO); Colorado; Presencial; USD 42.000 - 58.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The City of Gunnison Community Center is seeking an energetic and motivated Head Lifeguard to lead our Aquatics team, ensure a safe and welcoming environment, and mentor lifeguard staff. You’ll help with swim lessons, special events, and facility operations, while delivering outstanding customer service and safety.

Applicants should hold current Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (or obtain within 30 days) and demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills.

Formación

• High school diploma or GED equivalence is required or equivalent
• Two years of lifeguarding experience preferred
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days)
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) license or ability to obtain within 90 days
• First Aid and CPR/AED certifications are required
• Desirable: Red Cross WSI, LGI and related first aid/instruction certifications

Responsabilidades

• Plan and organize Aquatics Programs (swim lessons, clinics, diving lessons) and related community center events
• Complete daily operation forms including chemical testing and maintenance checklists
• Report unsafe conditions to the Aquatics Manager
• Maintain consistent watch over patrons and assist those in distress
• Lifeguard for up to 32 hours per week and enforce pool rules and safety protocols
• Collaborate with Recreation Staff to build strong working relationships with lifeguards and supervisors
• Administer first aid as necessary and perform safety checks and restock supplies
• Coordinate with Aquatics Manager to plan swim lessons and pool programs
• Monitor pool chemical control to meet state safety guidelines
• Oversee cleaning and maintenance of the facility and assist with duties as needed
• Open, mid-day, or closing duties as required
• Attend in-service trainings and contribute to ongoing staff development
• Maintain and update the aquatics center's information and communications

Conocimientos

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Customer service

Educación

High school diploma or GED equivalence

Descripción del empleo

The City of Gunnison Community Center is seeking an energetic and motivated Head Lifeguard to help lead our dynamic Aquatics team. In this role, you’ll take the lead in maintaining a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for swimmers of all ages while mentoring and supporting our lifeguard staff. You’ll play a hands‑on role in ensuring top‑notch facility operations, assisting with swim lessons and special events, and setting the standard for excellence in customer service and safety.

If you’re passionate about aquatics, enjoy leading by example, and thrive in a team-oriented environment, we invite you to make a splash with us! Candidates should have current lifeguard certification (or the ability to obtain one within 30 days) and strong leadership and communication skills.

Come be part of a community that values recreation, safety, and service.

The first review of applications is November 20, 2026. The position is open until filled.

General Purpose

The Head Lifeguard is responsible for consistent watch over a public swimming aquatics facility to enforce regulations and prevent accidents, assists swimmers in distress, and provides emergency and routine first aid. The Head Lifeguard assists the Aquatics Manager with organizing and administrating aquatic programs, as well as routine preventative maintenance and upkeep in the pump room, and throughout the aquatics center. The Head Lifeguard takes the leadership role in customer service and emergency situations; and oversees and motivates the Lifeguards on duty.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the Aquatics Manager in planning, and organizing Aquatics Programs (swim lessons, stroke clinics, diving lessons, etc.) and other Community Center events such as (but not limited to) EggQuatics (Easter), Fright Night (Halloween), and middle school nights.
• Accurately completes daily operation forms including chemical testing, cleaning checklists, slide inspections, and other regular maintenance in the pump room and throughout the aquatics center.
• Reports any unsafe conditions to the Aquatics Manager.
• Maintains consistent watch over patrons in assigned areas and assists patrons in distress.
• Lifeguards in the aquatics center as much as 32 hours a week.
• Enforces rules and regulations of programs and facilities including in and around the pool, pool deck, and locker rooms.
• Work directly with Recreation Staff in the Parks and Recreation office to develop strong ties and establish a solid working relationship with lifeguards and their supervisors.
• Administers first aid as necessary.
• Performs regular safety checks and keeps first aid supplies stocked.
• Follows standards for Red Cross lifeguard and swim instructor training and communicates with this organization to create classes, update certifications and purchase materials.
• Provides courteous and professional service to all program participants, facility users, Gunnison Parks and Recreation personnel, and the public.
• Assists the Aquatics Manager to plan, implement, and administer swim lessons and other pool programs.
• Implement and monitor the pool chemical control program to assure compliance with State operations and safety guidelines and standards to provide an impeccable swimming facility for patrons.
• Ensure the quality of the cleanliness and up keep of the facility. Performs general maintenance, including removing trash from the aquatics center, locker rooms, floors, walls, storage, office, and other areas of the center.
• Perform the tasks of lifeguarding, swim instructor, trainer, coach, chemical testing, and custodial duties on an as needed basis.
• Responsible for either the opening, mid-day, or closing duties as it relates to shifts.
• Attends and participates in monthly in-service trainings, planned or random skill tests, and in-pool assessments. Planning and administering in-service trainings.
• Updates the weekly “what’s happening” page for the aquatics center.
• Communicates with participants and with the public; discusses concerns and works with the Aquatics Manager to find solutions to problems.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for setting an example of positive customer service and professionalism in the workplace. Anticipates and meets the needs of the community, its citizens and guests, and the aquatic staff. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Job Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalence.
• Two years of lifeguarding experience, preferred.

Other Necessary Requirements

• Possession of American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (or the ability to secure that certification within thirty days of being hired).
• Possession of a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) license or the ability to secure that license within ninety days of being hired.
• First Aid and CPR/AED certifications.
• Desired: Possession of Red Cross certification in water safety instruction (WSI), lifeguard training instruction (LGI), and first aid and CPR instruction.
• A complete criminal history background check is required.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and ability to conduct multiple tasks concurrently.
• Ability to communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) with employees, instructors, volunteers and community service workers. Ability to work closely and cooperatively with children, adults, senior citizens, and other various community groups and the general public.
• Demonstrate customer service/public relation skills including the ability to resolve/diffuse customer concerns, and complaints.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform basic calculations.
• Communicates effectively with their coworkers, community members, and others throughout the organization.
• Arrives on time and in proper attire/appearance as required by the Gunnison Aquatics Center guidelines.
• Remains calm and professional in stressful situations. Can decipher between life threatening and non-life threatening emergencies.
• Ability to perform all American Red Cross lifeguarding procedures.
• Have an understanding of water chemistry, chlorination, pool mechanical systems, and preventative maintenance, risk management, in the aquatics setting, also preferred.
• Helps to establish a high level of lifeguarding standards and carries themselves in a professional manner as an example for the rest of the lifeguards to follow.
• English Language Comprehension - Requires the ability to listen to, read, understand, and communicate the English language so that others are able to understand. This must be done both orally and in writing, at the level appropriate for the position held.

Working Conditions

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually relatively loud. This position requires continual public interaction and communication including advanced customer service relations with patrons of all ages (including minors). The work environment is in and around water and slippery surfaces with exposure to noise, fumes, hazardous chemicals (including chlorine & muriatic acid), and cleaning chemicals. This position requires being in and around water on a regular basis and in a humid/warm facility.

Physical Activities

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Requires the ability to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis. It will be necessary at times to perform physical activities requiring continual walking, standing, and sitting. May be required to perform physical recreational activities such as swimming, running, jumping, climbing stairs, crawling, bending, and reaching. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Tools and Equipment Used

Standard lifeguarding equipment and pool chemistry testing kits. Demonstrated computer literacy and experience with word processing, spreadsheet and data file management required.

Supervision Received

Works under the General Supervision of the Aquatics Manager. Works closely with the Aquatics Manager, the Parks and Recreation Director and in conjunction with the Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Coordinator, Rec Center Manager, and Recreation Assistant.

Supervision Provided

None.