Lifeguard - Paid Training

IMDiversity; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

The King County Aquatic Center (WKCAC) seeks a Lifeguard through our Paid Lifeguard Training Program. No prior certification required; you’ll receive all training at no cost and get paid while you train.

This part-time, on-site role supports rentals, events, and daily pool supervision for a safe, welcoming environment. Responsibilities include monitoring pool users, enforcing safety rules, responding to emergencies, and assisting with facility setup and customer service.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 15 years of age.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to bend, reach, sit for long periods of time.
• American Red Cross First Aid, CPR & AED – within 6 months into employment
• Bloodborne Pathogens & Preventing Disease Transmission - within 6 months into employment

Responsibilities

• Actively monitor the activities of pool users and patrons; educate and enforce rules.
• Respond to emergencies with appropriate care within training level.
• Report all incidents using the proper reporting systems.
• Assist in cleaning and maintaining the pool and facilities, and collect lost items.
• Assist in staging the facility for swim sessions and events.
• Provide excellent customer service to patrons and staff.
• Teach swimming techniques and water safety.

Skills

Effective communication

Safety procedures

Emergency response

Age 15+

Job description

Lifeguard - Paid Training

Salary
$22.01 - $27.90 Hourly

Location
King County Aquatics Center, 650 SW Campus Dr., Federal Way, WA 98023, WA

Job Type
Temporary

Job Number
2026-27026

Department
DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks

Division
Parks

FLSA
Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit
Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines

Full- or Part-Time
Part Time

Join the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center (WKCAC) as a Lifeguard through our Paid Lifeguard Training Program! No prior experience or certification is necessary to apply. If selected, you’ll receive all required certification training at no cost and get paid while you train. Start your journey toward a rewarding role where you’ll make a difference in the community and earn as you learn!

Lifeguards at WKCAC enjoy flexible hours, good pay, and a rewarding job that serves the community. They are responsible for the supervision and safety of pool users and spectators by educating and promoting habits and attitudes that lead to safe recreation, and for enforcing safety rules and responding to emergencies in an appropriate manner. This position requires the ability to deal courteously and appropriately with the public in a variety of situations. Individuals must be able to work both independently and as part of an overall staff team.

The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center (WKCAC), a legacy venue from the 1990 Seattle Goodwill Games, stands as one of the premier natatoriums in the nation, featuring both diving and swimming complexes. Renowned for hosting the 2000 and 2012 Olympic Diving Trials, it hosted the BIG-12 Swimming and Diving Championships and the 2025 NCAA Swimming Championships. With one of the most active competition schedules in the country, WKCAC features all-day events, including high-profile televised national and international competitions that significantly enhance King County’s reputation. Beyond its competitive offerings, the facility welcomes the public for team training, lap swims, family swims, and swimming lessons, while also providing a banquet hall for weddings, parties, and corporate events.

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Lifeguard, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.

Job Duties

• Actively monitor the activities of WKCAC pool users and patrons. Educate the public and enforce the rules and regulations of the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center. Ensure that safety hazards are corrected and report all unsafe conditions to appropriate parties.
• Respond to emergencies by addressing injuries and emergency situations by providing appropriate care within your level of training as a certified lifeguard while adhering to OSHA training and safety standards.
• Report all incidents of damages or injuries using the appropriate reporting systems accurately and in timely manner.
• Assist in cleaning and maintaining the pool and related facilities and collect lost and found items.
• Assist in staging the facility for various swim sessions and large-scale events.
• Provide excellent customer service to all patrons and staff.
• Teach swimming techniques and water safety.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adhere to established safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to respond appropriately and effectively to emergency situations.
• Must be at least 15 years of age.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to assist with rental set-up, clean-up, and take-down.
• Ability to bend, reach, sit for long periods of time

Competencies You Bring

• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Drives Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
• Courage: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• American Red Cross First Aid, CPR & AED – within 6 months into employment
• Bloodborne Pathogens & Preventing Disease Transmission - within 6 months into employment

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions

• Work Location: King County Aquatics Center, 650 SW Campus Dr., Federal Way, WA 98023
• Work Schedule: Work is onsite with a schedule that varies based on monthly events. Most events occur on weekends throughout the day and occasionally on weekday evenings. This position supports rentals and events at the WKCAC during those times with a minimum of 10 hours per month. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.
• Union Representation: This position is not represented by a union.
• Pre-employment Swim Evaluation: Applicants to this paid training opportunity must successfully complete both a 20-minute virtual interview AND a preliminary swim test to be considered for hire.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.