Lifeguard I/II

City of Palmdale, California; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Palmdale, California is seeking Lifeguard I/II personnel to ensure patron safety at the pool, enforce rules, and teach swimming and water safety. Positions include Lifeguard I and Lifeguard II with progression and mentorship opportunities.

Wages range from $21.20 to $24.55 per hour depending on level, with hiring ranges specified. Certification in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Lifeguard Training are required, along with a valid California driver's license and age eligibility.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of rescue methods and first aid as applied to accidents in the water and surrounding area.
• Knowledge of methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of public swimming pools.
• Knowledge of administering First Aid and CPR

Responsibilities

• Prevent accidents through enforcement of policies, rules and regulations governing the conduct of patrons at the swimming pool.
• Enter the water to rescue patrons in distress; administer CPR and first aid; assist with routine pool cleaning and maintenance work on or about the swimming pool as required, conduct water safety and lifesaving instruction classes.
• Ensure visitor safety in the water and on the pool deck.
• Explain and maintain pool safety rules.
• Rescue distressed swimmers.
• Administer CPR and first Aid.
• Assist in routine pool maintenance and cleaning.
• Teach swimming lessons.
• Conduct, oversee and teach competitive and non-competitive recreation swim activities.
• Attend training courses to receive necessary information to conduct such activities.

Skills

Rescue methods

First aid

Pool operations

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Job description

Description

The full salary range for this position is as follows: Lifeguard I - $21.20 to $23.37 / Lifeguard II - $22.26 to $24.55. Expected hiring range is as follows: Lifeguard I - $21.20 to $22.26 / Lifeguard II - $22.26 to $23.37.

Provides for the safety of patrons using the pool, and aid patrons in danger.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Lifeguard I

This entry level class of the series is distinguished from level II by routine and repetitive duties performed according to established procedures. Incumbents are closely supervised in their initial assignments. As they gain experience, incumbents will work more independently in routine work.

Lifeguard II

Working under general supervision, the position is the journey level in the series. Employees at this level require specific experience and less supervision and review to complete assignments.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prevent accidents through enforcement of policies, rules and regulations governing the conduct of patrons at the swimming pool; keep attentive lookout for accidents in the water or on a diving board or swimming pool deck; warn people against dangerous practice regarding pool use.
• Enter the water to rescue patrons in distress; administer CPR and first aid; assist with routine pool cleaning and maintenance work on or about the swimming pool as required, conduct water safety and lifesaving instruction classes.
• Ensure visitor safety in the water and on the pool deck.
• Explain and maintain pool safety rules.
• Rescue distressed swimmers.
• Administer CPR and first Aid.
• Assist in routine pool maintenance and cleaning.
• Teach swimming lessons.
• Conduct, oversee and teach competitive and non-competitive recreation swim activities.
• Attend training courses to receive necessary information to conduct such activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Rescue methods and first aid as applied to accidents in the water and surrounding area.
• Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of public swimming pools.
• Administering First Aid and CPR

Ability To:

• Instruct swimming lessons.
• Rescue distressed swimmers.
• Supervise pool visitors and maintain a safe environment.
• Read, understand and carry out written or oral directions.
• Communicate policies to the public.
• Represent the City in a positive, appropriate manner.
• Exercise good judgment.
• Follow procedures outlined by supervisor.
• Work as a team member with the parks and recreation department.
• Must be able to swim at a proficient level.
• Supervise the conduct of pool patrons and maintain order in a tactful manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

LIFEGUARD II

In Addition To The Requirements For Lifeguard I:

• Evaluate where in the swim program a swimmer will be placed
• Execute swim program curriculum and scope.
• Provide mentorship to Lifeguard I level position.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Participation in formal or informal education courses. Swimming instructor or aquatic program experience preferred.

Education:

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements:

Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver's license, or the ability to use alternative transportation methods to perform the essential duties of the position.

Other Requirements:

Incumbent must be seventeen (17) years of age by July of the current year to be eligible for hire.

Special Certifications That Are Required:

• Lifeguard I
• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
• Lifeguard Training Certificate
• Emergency Response or EMSA Title 22
• Lifeguard II
• CPR/AED for the Professional RescuerLifeguard Training Certificate
• Emergency Response or EMSA Title 22
• Current Water Safety Instructor Certificate

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:

Mobility: frequent standing for long periods of time; frequent climbing, bending and squatting; frequent climbing ladders, working at heights, and walking on uneven ground.

Lifting: frequently up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.

Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.

Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions.

Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.

Environmental: frequent exposure to noise; frequent exposure to dust, gases, chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is often performed in an outdoor environment with exposure to varying weather conditions. Work is subject to site noise and environment including exposure to loud equipment and machinery; Work is performed at various locations.

Incumbents in this class may be required to work irregular hours on a regular basis, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Will not be required to travel.

Adopted: September 2025

FLSA: Overtime Eligible

The City of Palmdale is noted for its highly skilled workforce, with a large concentration of aerospace firms located at Air Force Plant 42 and nearby Edwards Air Force Base. Its family-oriented and culturally enhancing venues, such as the Palmdale Playhouse, DryTown Water Park and Palmdale Amphitheater, make Palmdale "a place to call home." Palmdale is located approximately one hour north of Los Angeles off the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14). It encompasses 106.6 square miles and has a population of approximately 165,450. The City is served by several school districts and has a growing retail and commercial base. For more information, visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov.

BUSINESS HOURS: Normal operating hours are from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday – Thursday. CLOSED on Friday.

UNION: The Teamsters Local 986 represents certain positions in the City's Public Works Maintenance Division and Parks and Recreation Department.

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYEES: Additional benefits apply to the positions of Deputy Director, Director, Deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager. These are at-will positions and do not serve a probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

RESIDENCE within the City is not required.

AN ELIGIBILITY LIST of the most qualified applicants will be compiled based on the results of the selection process. The list will remain in place for a period to be determined by Human Resources.

• Benefits can change at any time.