The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting applications for Furman Aquatic Center Lifeguards for the 2025 Summer Season!
Candidates can work up to 40 hours per week. Shift times vary with day and evening hours, weekdays and weekends, May through September, with an opportunity to extend employment upon mutual agreement.
Lifeguards are directly accountable to the Shift Leaders, Recreation Assistant, and the Aquatics Manager, and adjunctly accountable to the Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks & Recreation.
Lifeguards who become Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certified will be given a rate increase after certification. Responsibilities include:
- Preventing injuries by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations and behaviors.
- Consistently enforcing all aquatic facility policies, rules, and regulations and educating patrons about them.
- Recognizing and responding quickly and effectively to all emergencies.
- Administering first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and/or using an AED in an emergency.
- Informing other lifeguards, facility staff, and management when more help or equipment is needed.
- Inspecting the facility on a daily schedule and reporting any unsafe conditions or equipment to the shift leader.
- Completing and submitting required records and reports.
- Performing routine cleaning and maintenance as prescribed.
- Participating in regular in-service training sessions.
- Exercising regularly to maintain fitness level (swimming skills, strength, and endurance).
- Completing additional duties as assigned by the Shift Leaders, Recreation Assistant, and/or the Aquatics Manager.
Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include:
- Committing to continuous improvement.
- Inspiring creativity and innovation.
- Being customer-driven.
- Making data-driven decisions.
- Committing to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Championing employee involvement.
- Striving for excellence.
- Having fiscal stewardship.
- Acting with honesty and integrity.
- Exhibiting leadership.
- Choosing a positive attitude.
- Respecting one another.
- Promoting safety and wellness.
- Cultivating teamwork.
For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.
Age Requirement:- Must be at least 15 years of age.
Experience:- Lifeguard experience is preferred.
Licenses and Certifications:- Current American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and AED training is required.
Candidates not possessing the required certifications may still apply.
On-site training and certification will be provided by the City, free of charge. (
A strong swimming ability is needed for certification!)
Please attach your American Red Cross Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR/AED certificate to your application!Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Thorough knowledge and application of lifeguarding surveillance and rescue techniques.
- Skill in leadership, public relations, and decision-making.
- Ability to understand facility characteristics, rules, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to assist in maintaining an exceptional level of safety and sanitation of the pool facility.
- Ability to complete all modules of Lifeguard Orientation.
- Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times (see Lifeguard Dress Code).
- Ability to understand, appreciate, and embody the City of Ames Core Values.
Selection Process:The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, an interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.