LIFEGUARD (PERMANENT INTERMITTENT)

State of California; California; On-site; USD 31,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

State of California is seeking a Lifeguard (Permanent Intermittent) for the North Coast Redwoods District, stationed at Sue-meg State Park in Trinidad, CA. The role involves public safety, visitor services, and aquatic operations under the Supervising State Park Ranger, with potential to lead seasonal staff during block training.

The position works up to 1500 hours per year and requires a valid CA driver’s license, background screening, medical clearance, and drug testing as specified.

Job description

Job Posting: LIFEGUARD (PERMANENT INTERMITTENT)

Department of Parks & Recreation

JC-535161

$22.51 - $25.27 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: 10/26/2026

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

LIFEGUARD (PERMANENT INTERMITTENT) – NORTH COAST REDWOODS DISTRICT / SUE-MEG STATE PARK.

The reporting location for this position will be Sue-meg State Park at 4150 Patrick's Point Drive in Trinidad, CA 95570. This position will work under the supervision of a Supervising State Park Ranger.

Under general supervision of the Supervising Ranger, the Lifeguard (Permanent Intermittent) performs public safety and visitor services duties required to provide a safe, efficient, and effective visitor experience at North Coast Redwoods District's State Parks with a focus on aquatic activities and operations. In addition to performing patrol, and aquatic safety duties, the Lifeguard (PI) performs varied professional and technical duties relating to interpretation, the Junior Lifeguard Program, resource protection and management (Snowy Plover habitat, Marine Mammals), operations, facility maintenance, and program management. May lead seasonal and/or lower level permanent staff in block training.

This position may work up to 1500 hours in any calendar year.

This position is designated as not telework eligible.

This position requires a valid Class C driver’s license.

The selected candidate is required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.

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 .

State housing is not required. For further information regarding this position, please contact Cameron Faris at [phone] or at [e-mail]

This recruitment may be used to fill identical vacancies which may occur within 180 days of the Final Filing Date of this job posting.

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

Working Conditions

Days, evening shifts. All weather conditions as well as weekends and holidays. Includes but is not limited to beach and ocean open water environment may include lakes and rivers. Work will occur in an outdoor environment with varied weather including sun, wind, and rain. Travel using a state vehicle.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• LIFEGUARD (PERMANENT INTERMITTENT)

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 Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Possession of a current Department of Parks and Recreation Lifeguard Training Program Certificate, or successful completion of the Department's Lifeguard Training Program is required prior to appointment. The Department Lifeguard Training Program is to be specific for the job assignment: i.e., Inland Lifeguard Training for assignment to a reservoir or lake, or Ocean Lifeguard Training for assignment to a coastal beach or park. Annual renewal of the Lifeguard Training Program certificate is required.

A physical suitability examination by a licensed medical doctor is to be completed prior to appointment. Persons who are not successful in these examinations cannot be appointed in this classification.

Special Physical Characteristics: Physical strength, endurance, and agility necessary to perform lifesaving activities; ability to swim at alevel to perform lifesaving activities; mentally alert; hearing in each ear sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job; a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye; an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye; a peripheral visual field of at least 120 degrees horizontally and 100 degrees vertically in each eye; normal color vision, as determined by Ishihara or other color plate tests; pass a swimming/running performance test as determined by the Department prior to appointment and on an annual basis.

Eligibility Information

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

• List Eligibility – Successfully complete the civil service exam for Lifeguard (PI). Click Here for more information on how to apply for the exam. NOTE: Please refer to the exam bulletin for the frequency of administration of this exam.
• Transfer Eligibility – Must have current employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).
• Reinstatement Eligibility – Previously obtained permanent employment with the State of California in the same classification or in a classification that is comparable. If in a different classification, you must meet the minimum qualifications (see Minimum Qualifications section and associated links above).

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.