Lifeguard

San Jose State University Club Sports; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

The Student Union, Inc. at San Jose State University (SJSU) seeks a part-time Lifeguard for Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center. Attend to open rec swim, lessons, practices, competitions, and events, ensuring patron safety and smooth pool operations.

Current lifeguard certs (including First Aid/CPR/AED) are required; you must be a matriculated SJSU student enrolled at least half-time. Salary is competitive for the role, with a focus on safety and service.

Qualifications

• Current Lifeguard, First Aid/CPR/AED certification, American Red Cross. Online certifications will not be accepted.
• Must be a matriculated SJSU student and continuously enrolled at least half-time during the academic term.

Responsibilities

• Monitor activities in and near the water through patron surveillance.
• Enforce facility rules and educate patrons about them.
• Prevent injuries by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors.
• Recognize and respond quickly to all emergencies.
• Respond and perform water rescues, First Aid and/or CPR appropriately, following aquatic EAP protocol.
• Administer First Aid and CPR, including using an AED.
• Organize and clean pool deck equipment.
• Assists in general aquatic facility cleaning and maintenance, to include knowledge of water chemistry.
• Responsible for knowing the day-to-day aquatic operations/event schedules and preparing spaces for programs.
• Work together as a team with other lifeguards, facility staff, and management.
• Attend all regularly scheduled staff meetings, training days, and workshops.
• Perform other duties assigned.

Skills

Lifeguard certification

First Aid CPR AED

Swimming ability

Education

SJSU student in good standing

Job description

Lifeguard

Application Deadline: 28 August 2026

Department: Aquatics

Employment Type: Part Time

Location: Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center

Compensation: $20.50 - $23.25 / hour

Description

Position Overview

The Student Union, Inc. is 501(c)(3) nonprofit auxiliary that maintains three major facilities at San Jose State University in downtown San Jose, California. These facilities include the Diaz Compean Student Union Building, the Provident Credit Union Event Center, and the Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center. The Student Union, Inc. functions as part of the Student Affairs Division on campus, and is governed by a Board of Directors made up of a student majority, faculty, and administrators.

Mission

The Student Union, Inc. of San Jose State University supports the development, growth, and well-being of students and the campus community by providing diverse programs, desired services, and quality facilities to enhance the collegiate experience.

Job Summary

Lifeguards assist with overall aquatic safety and pool operations during open rec swim, swim lessons, athletic and club practices, competitions, and special events. Lifeguards are responsible for the safety of patrons in the Aquatics area. The priority is to monitor activities in and near the water through patron surveillance while supporting the Student Union, Inc. mission to connect, engage, and inspire Spartan pride within the SJSU Community. Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director, Aquatics.

Essential Functions and Tasks

• Monitor activities in and near the water through patron surveillance.
• Enforce facility rules and regulations and educate patrons about them.
• Prevent injuries by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors.
• Recognize and respond quickly to all emergencies.
• Respond and perform water rescues, First Aid and/or CPR appropriately, following aquatic EAP protocol.
• Administer First Aid and CPR, including using an AED.
• Organize and clean pool deck equipment.
• Assists in general aquatic facility cleaning and maintenance, to include knowledge of water chemistry.
• Responsible for knowing the day-to-day aquatic operations/event schedules and preparing spaces for programs.
• Work together as a team with other lifeguards, facility staff, and management.
• Attend all regularly scheduled staff meetings, training days, and workshops.
• Perform other duties assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Current Lifeguard, First Aid/CPR/AED certification, American Red Cross. Online certifications will not be accepted.
• Must be a matriculated SJSU student and continuously enrolled at least half-time* during the academic term.
  • *Half-time is defined as follows
  • Undergraduate Students 6.0 units/semester
  • Post baccalaureate Students: 4.0 units/semester

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to swim proficiently and pass lifeguard certification tests.
• Able to lift 45 pounds safely and stand for an extended period of time.
• Knowledge of aquatic policies, pool rules and ability to manage situations which require resolution and problem solving.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, ability to manage conflicts.
• Maintain a professional appearance and attitude.

Work Requirements

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• The position works in an indoor, recreation facility program-oriented environment.
  • The physical demands of this position are described below
    • Sitting, walking, twisting, bending, climbing, pulling, pushing, squatting, crawling, kneeling, balancing, reaching, and coordination (eye, hand, foot).
    • Fall (Slip, Trip) Conditions that result in falls (impacts) from height or traditional walking and playing surfaces.
    • Lifting and carrying, often 10-25lbs, frequently 26-50lbs, occasionally 50-75 lbs.
    • Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
    • Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrists to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.

Employment Information & Policies

Benefits

This position is employed through the Student Union at San Jose State University which offers employees to receive 40 hours of sick pay during the calendar year.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

The Student Union of San José State University (SJSU) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. The Student Union and SJSU have a firm and unambiguous commitment to the active elimination of discrimination, and the affirmative recruitment of a diverse, multi-racial community of students, faculty and staff.

Background Check and Fingerprinting

Student Union employees are required to undergo and complete a successful background check that includes verification of employment and education, as well as a check of criminal records for employment. Candidates for positions where the employee will come in regular contact with minors and cash management will be required to be fingerprinted. This policy includes emergency hires and may also be applicable to volunteers depending on the work performed. In some cases, the background check will include a credit check and/or a Department of Motor Vehicles check, as well as a check of licenses and certificates when applicable. All background checks are conducted through the Student Union third-party vendor, Accurate Background.

California State University (CSU) Learning and Development

Within the first month, all employees are required to complete the following compliance online training session through CSU Learn, the University’s employee training platform. Employees will be enrolled in the training soon after their appointment is processed and will be notified via email from [e-mail]

1. CSU – Injury and Illness Prevention Program
2. CSU – Preventing Discrimination and Harassment for Non-Supervisors
3. CSU – Sexual Misconduct Prevention Program (Title IX) – required within the first 6 months of hire
4. Data Security and FERPA

California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act

All Student Union at San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.