Lifeguard - Seasonal

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; Riverdale Park (MD); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance eligibility

Sick leave

Training opportunities

Job summary

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission seeks Lifeguards at locations across the county to provide surveillance and emergency response at our pools. Lifeguards ensure safety, enforce pool rules, assist with maintenance, and participate in in-service training and certification updates.

Required is American Red Cross Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid, and the candidate must be at least 15 years old with a pre-employment skills assessment.

Qualifications

• Must be 15 years of age.
• American Red Cross certification in Lifeguarding (including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid.
• Successful completion of internal aquatics pre-employment skills assessment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct surveillance of assigned zone and maintain position at designated station.
• Enforce pool rules, regulations, and facility policy.
• Recognize and respond to emergencies within training scope.
• Respond to customer requests and inquiries.
• Maintain pool and surrounding area cleanliness; report unsafe conditions.
• Complete records and reports (supplies, incidents, etc.).
• Participate in in-service training and required meetings.
• Arrange substitutes for scheduled hours when needed.
• Perform other duties related to pool operations.

Skills

Surveillance techniques

Water rescue techniques

CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and

Verbal & written communication

Safety decision-making

Job description

Description

The Aquatics and Athletic Facilities Division is seeking multiple Lifeguards at locations across the county to provide surveillance and emergency response at our pools.

Lifeguards are professional rescuers who ensure the safety of facility patrons by preventing and responding to emergencies. They maintain a safe environment for customers, enforce all rules and regulations of M-NCPPC and facility, and participate in daily maintenance/cleaning of pool as required. Participation in monthly in-service training and maintaining certification is required. May perform other, job-related, duties as assigned.

Lifeguards must have current certification from the American Red Cross before an offer is extended however, we encourage potential lifeguards to apply at any time. Certification classes are offered throughout the year with a low cost “Pre-test” session and free registration for applicants who intend to work for the Department.

Examples of Important Duties

• Conduct effective surveillance of assigned zone of responsibility by:
  • Maintaining position at designated station
  • Utilizing scanning pattern suitable to zone characteristics
  • Communicating conditions or challenges to incoming lifeguards and supervisory team
• Enforce pool rules, regulations, and facility policy
• Recognize and respond to emergencies within the scope of their training.
• Respond to customer requests and inquiries.
• Maintain cleanliness of pool, surrounding area, and facilities.
• Complete assigned tasks and report any unsafe conditions or equipment to supervisor.
• Complete records and reports (i.e. supplies, unsafe conditions, incidents, etc.)
• Participate in regular in-service training sessions, meetings and other required training.
• Secure a substitute through approved process for any scheduled hours/shifts that cannot be worked.
• Perform other duties assigned (related to the operation of a public swimming pool).

Required

• 15 years of age
• American Red Cross certification in “Lifeguarding (including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid”
• Successful completion of internal aquatics pre-employment skills assessment.

Preferred

• Previous Lifeguard work experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of surveillance techniques, swimmer/non-swimmer characteristics, water rescue techniques, and life-saving care including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use of automated external defibrillators (AED), and application of First Aid.
• Knowledge of facility layout, characteristics, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to act responsibly with high attention to safety.
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Skill in verbal and written communication
• Skill in decision-making related to safety conditions and de-escalation of incidents.

Supplemental Information

May be subject to drug and alcohol testing.

Work hours

• Shifts vary from 3-8 hours based on staff availability and are highly flexible
• Facility operating hours vary between sites and include; a. Weekdays: As early as 4:30 am / As late as 9:30 pm b. Weekends: As early as 7 am / As late as 8 pm
• Morning, daytime, evening, and weekends are available

NOTE: Employees under 18 years old are subject to Department of Labor restrictions for underage employees and, if selected, must obtain a Work Permit with guardian signature.

Working Conditions/Environment

• Must be able to tolerate indoor natatorium conditions including varying temperatures and humidity levels
• Must be able to stand, walk and/or sit for prolonged periods of time
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment.

Supplemental information

• Employment is contingent upon a favorable background check.
• Lifeguards are a ‘Safety Sensitive’ position and must pass a pre-employment drug screen and are subject to random screening throughout employment

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411. (Maryland Relay 7-1-1) M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

2026 Benefit Summary For Seasonal Intermittent Employees

The following information is a summary of benefits extended to all Seasonal employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). This is for informational purposes only and is subject to change.

Limited Benefits For Seasonal Employees

Health Insurance Plans

You are eligible for specific health insurance benefits if you worked, on average, 30 hours per week during your first 12 months of employment or from October 3rd to October 2nd each subsequent period following your first 12 months of employment. This equates to 1,560 hours over a 12-month period.

If and when you are eligible for benefits, you will receive notification directly from the Health & Benefits Office.

Eligible Employees Pay 35% of the health insurance plan premium and The Commission Pays 65%.

• Medical
  • Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with Prescription Plan
  • UnitedHealthcare Select Plan (EPO)
• Prescription: CVS Caremark Prescription Plan

Other Benefits

• Credit Union
• Sick Leave Benefits

This summary is intended to highlight some of the benefits offered by the M-NCPPC. It is not an all-inclusive agreement and is subject to change. For a more detailed description of benefits, please see the appropriate benefits brochure, service agreement or manual. For more information, contact The Health and Benefits Office at [e-mail] or 301-454-1694.