Head Lifeguard

City of Somerville; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a vibrant community as a Head Lifeguard, where your skills will ensure the safety and enjoyment of all pool visitors. In this role, you will supervise lifeguards, monitor aquatic activities, and respond to emergencies, all while promoting a safe swimming environment. This part-time, seasonal position offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in your community while honing your lifeguarding skills. If you are passionate about water safety and enjoy working with diverse groups, this is the perfect opportunity for you to shine and contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone at the pool.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of lifeguarding experience required.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard certification is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Supervise swimming activities and ensure safety procedures are followed.
• Respond to emergencies and administer first aid and CPR as needed.
• Monitor pool activities and enforce regulations.

Skills

Lifeguarding

CPR

First Aid/AED

Conflict Resolution

Communication

Multilingual Skills

Education

1-3 years of experience as a Lifeguard

American Red Cross Lifeguard certification

Job description

Under the direction of the Pool Manager and/or Assistant Pool Manager, the Head Lifeguard in the Parks and Recreation Department provides supervision for Lifeguards, monitors activities at the pool, and functions as a Lifeguard as needed. The Head Lifeguard may participate in scheduling and assigning Lifeguard duties. While on duty, gives instructions in pool operating procedures, rules, safety practices, maintenance, and related matters.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Closely monitors activities related to the pool area, identifying any safety issues throughout the shift.
• Supervises swimming activities at the aquatics facility and ensures that policies, guidelines, and safety procedures are followed.
• Warns swimmers of improper activities or danger and enforces pool regulations and water safety policies. Ensures strict adherence to pool rules and water safety guidelines.
• Responds to emergencies and rescues swimmers in distress or in danger of drowning.
• Administers first aid in the event of injury and administers CPR and/or artificial respiration, if necessary.
• Inspects pool facilities, equipment, and water to ensure that they are safe and usable.
• Assists Certified Pool Operator in testing pool chemicals to assist in maintaining water chemistry.
• Oversees Lifeguard staff and creates daily Lifeguard rotation schedules.
• Under the direction of the Pool Manager/Assistant Pool Manager conducts swimming lessons, as needed.
• Documents all accidents/incidents in proper form and reports to the Pool Manager and/or Assistant Pool Manager immediately.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

1-3 years of experience as a Lifeguard and interacting with people of various ages with diverse backgrounds; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Certifications

First Aid/AED. Required: American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguard certification (or similar).

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Knowledge: Knowledge of proper swimming techniques and water safety rules. Knowledge of CPR and water rescue methods and techniques.

Ability: Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to provide lifesaving rescue. Ability to work professionally with public members, volunteers, and staff. Ability to oversee Lifeguard staff during shifts and provide guidance. Ability to answer any inquiries from the public.

Skill: Highly skilled in the application of lifeguarding surveillance and rescue techniques. Excellent conflict resolution and communication skills. Multilingual skills in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian-Creole, Mandarin, and/or Nepali are preferred but not required.

Physical and Mental Requirements

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 position’s essential functions.

Physical Skills: Sitting, standing, walking, climbing/ladders, squatting/kneeling, reaching, grasping, pushing/pulling, twisting/bending, lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs. multiple times per shift, talking, hearing, and seeing.

Motor Skills: Duties are both mental and physical; the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Visual Skills: Visual demands require constantly reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Hours and Compensation

Hours: Part-Time/Seasonal
Salary: $22.00 - $32.00 hourly based on experience; no benefits
Union: Non-Union
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Date Posted: March 13, 2024

City of Somerville residents are especially encouraged to apply.

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.