LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)

State of California; California (MO); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

State of California’s Inland Empire District is seeking a Seasonal Lifeguard I for Lake Perris State Recreation Area. The role involves performing aquatic rescues, enforcing safety rules, and providing medical aid during the peak season (Memorial Day through Sept. 30).

The position, located in Perris, CA, requires a valid CA driver’s license, background check via Live Scan, and ability to work weekends/holidays. Training and orientation are provided.

Qualifications

• Seasonal Lifeguard I duties as described by DPR protocols.
• Background investigation via Live Scan prior to appointment.
• Valid California driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Detect and perform aquatic rescues on the beach and in the lake.
• Assist persons and vessels in distress.
• Provide medical aid and resuscitation as per DPR procedures.
• May operate patrol vehicle, vessel, or personal watercraft as needed.

Job description

LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)

$20.69 - $22.97 per Hour
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/4/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL) – INLAND EMPIRE DISTRICT / LAKE PERRIS STATE RECREATION AREA
“Priority consideration will be given to any person receiving State public assistance under the CalWORKs program. Applicants who receive State public assistance need to identify their status as a CalWORKs recipient in the comments area on the application. Applicants must submit a verification of their CalWORKs eligibility status, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing TANF eligibility or a copy of your last aid check stub. If verification is not submitted with the application, the application will not be processed. (Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program).”
The Lifeguard I (Seasonal) reporting location is Lake Perris State Recreation Area, located at 17801 Lake Perris Drive, Perris, CA 92571. The Seasonal Lifeguard I work under the immediate supervision of the State Park Peace Officer Supervisor (Ranger) and under the direction of the State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard), Seasonal Lifeguard II, Lifeguard P.I., or on-duty State Park Peace Officer (Ranger).
Seasonal Lifeguard duties include detecting and performing aquatic rescues on the beach and in the lake, assisting persons and vessels in distress, performing medical aides and resuscitation measures per DPR protocols and procedures, and preventing aquatic emergencies by making safety contacts and identifying hazards. Incumbents may take incident command during aquatic emergencies, notify peace officers of observed criminal activity, notify supervisors of park incidents, prepare reports, contact visitors, communicate rules and regulations, and provide education and interpretation. The seasonal lifeguard may also operate the patrol truck, patrol vessel, and personal watercraft.
Peak season dates are Memorial Day through September 30th and Seasonal Lifeguards are expected to work most weekends and holidays during this timeframe.This position can work 189 days in a 12 consecutive month period or a maximum of 1500 hours within 12 consecutive months per California Code of Regulation 265.1 . This position is designated as not telework eligible.Schedules are written monthly, and hours vary based on operational need.
The selected candidate is required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.
This position requires a valid Class C driver’s license. You must answer the questions addressing your driver’s license on your application. Ensure you provide your driver’s license number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions on your application.
State housing is not available. For further information regarding this position, please contact Sergeant Joshua Johnson at 951-933-6281 or [e-mail] , or Caleb Cunningham at 951-613-1422 or [e-mail] .
Per California Code of Regulations (CCR) 599.961 , this is a sensitive position, and therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing. It should be noted that testing is not mandatory, but is allowed to be conducted only if and when there is a determination of reasonable suspicion as defined in CCR 599.962 .

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions

If hired, Seasonal Lifeguards will complete a paid one-day orientation/on-boarding in March 2027, followed by a paid 80-hour training program before being assigned to park duties. This training program will take place at the end of June 2027.
The Seasonal Lifeguard I duty locations are the Lifeguard Towers/Vehicles/Vessels/Dispatch and any other area in or about Lake Perris SRA as assigned by the lead person or supervisor. The Seasonal Lifeguard I may work under adverse weather not limited to extreme heat/cold, wind, rain, lightning, and dynamic aquatic conditions. The Seasonal Lifeguard I may be required to respond to environmental emergencies outside their normal working environment. The Seasonal Lifeguard I must be willing to work within crowded conditions during hours/days of high park visitation.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)

LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL) $20.69 - $22.97 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions: Multiple

Work Location: In Office

Telework: In Office

Job Type:

Facility: Inland Empire District

Department Information

The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

Applicants must be 16 years or older with a valid CA Driver’s License by April 30th , 2027, and must have a social security card. Please bring your driver’s license and social security card with you to the swim test. Failure to meet these requirements will automatically disqualify candidates from the hiring process. This position is subject to a live scan fingerprint clearance.

In addition to the above requirements, in order to qualify for a seasonal Lifeguard I position, a competitive open water swim test is required.

Candidates under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guard during the swim test.

Swim test #1:
-Location: Lake Perris State Recreation Area, 17801 Lake Perris Dr., Perris, CA 92571.

Once the candidate has successfully passed the swim test, a same-day interview will be conducted. If the candidate is selected after interview, they will be required to complete hiring paperwork and training on a later date. Interested candidates should expect the entire process to take approximately 2 to 4 hours on the swim test day.

Possession of (1) a Department of Parks and Recreation first-aid certificate or equivalent and (2) a Department of Parks and Recreation Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate or equivalent. An approved Department of Health Emergency Technician certificate may be substituted for both the required certificates. Applicants who do not possess these certificates will be admitted to the examination but they must produce evidence of the certificates before they can be considered for an appointment.

DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.).

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Further Information

The Inland Empire District consists of Lake Perris State Recreation Area, Chino Hills State Park, California Citrus State Historic Park, Mount San Jacinto State Park, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, Providence Mountain State Park, San Timoteo Canyon State Park, and Wildwood Canyon State Park. All parks listed are managed by a State Park Superintendent V and further organized into the following functions: Visitor Services, Aquatic Services, Maintenance Services, and Administrative Services.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.