Lifeguard - Regular Half Time

City of Des Moines; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Des Moines is seeking a Lifeguard to protect patrons at Reichardt Community Recreation Center and outdoor pools. This is a permanent part-time position (20-29 hours/week) year-round at the indoor center and seasonal at outdoor facilities.

Responsibilities include enforcing pool rules, performing water rescues, administering first aid and CPR, and maintaining a safe, inviting aquatic environment for all visitors.

Qualifications

• Must hold valid American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and CPR certifications.
• Certifications valid through September 2, 2026.
• Background checks (criminal, sex offender and driving record) required.

Responsibilities

• Enforces pool rules and safety regulations.
• Warns patrons against hazardous practices and instructs on facility rules.
• Responds to emergencies using lifeguarding techniques and water rescues.
• Administers First Aid and CPR as needed.
• Maintains clean, safe pool area and assists with facility upkeep.
• May work before/after public swimming hours for programs.

Skills

Lifeguard certification

CPR certification

First Aid

Customer service

Job description

General Statement of Duties

Under general supervision, to safeguard swimming pool/aquatic center patrons in various water areas and depths of aquatic facilities, and to ensure proper use of pool area.

This is a Permanent Part Time position (20 - 29 hours a week) and will be all year round at the Reichardt Community Recreation Center and various outdoor pools in the summer.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Must be 15 years of age and able to secure a work permit.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen prior to employment.

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates are required to possess a valid and current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification and CPR Certification or have the ability to obtain required certifications by employment start date.
  • Certifications may be obtained through the American Red Cross and must be valid through September 02, 2026.
  • Candidates accepting a conditional offer of employment as a Lifeguard with the City of Des Moines will be offered the opportunity to take the Lifeguard training class through the City of Des Moines (class dates TBD). The registration fee will be waived for those who work as a Lifeguard for the City of Des Moines through August 15, 2026. Those who do not work as a Lifeguard for the City of Des Moines through August 15, 2026 will be required to pay a pro-rated amount for the certification training. Alternatively, lifeguard classes are offered year round throughout the community.
• Requires satisfactory criminal, sex offender and if applicable driving record background checks.
• Passing a pre-employment physical and drug screen is required prior to employment.

If you have current certifications such as American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, CPR, AED and/or First Aid, please attach these to your application.

Candidates are required to possess a valid and current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification or have the ability to obtain the required certifications by employment start date. Lifeguard Training and CPR certifications must be valid through September 02, 2026.

Requires satisfactory criminal, sex offender and driving record background checks. Passing of a pre-employment physical and drug screen are required prior to hire.

ONLY U.S. CITIZENS AND LEGAL ALIENS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR HIRE. AA/EOE

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Enforces all rules and regulations regarding public health and safety;
• Warns patrons against hazardous practices and instructs patrons on facility rules;
• Assists persons in distress by applying lifeguarding techniques and performing water rescues;
• Applies First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation as needed. Maintains constant watch for accidents or potential accidents or hazards in all water areas and depths of aquatic facilities;
• Possess and utilize superior customer service skills;
• Assists with maintenance work on or around the aquatic facilities;
• Performs cleaning duties relative to opening, operating, and closing the facilities as well as vacuuming the pool, cleaning floors, counters, restrooms, decks and landscaped areas;
• Lifeguards may be required to work before or after public swimming hours for special aquatic programs or facility rentals.

This positions receives only mandatory benefits.