Lifeguard Sergeant

The St. James; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The St. James in Springfield, Virginia seeks a Lifeguard Sergeant to lead the Department of Safety & Rescue, mentoring lifeguards and directing daily aquatic operations with a focus on high safety and service standards for members and guests.

You will strengthen the team by coaching, training, and ensuring readiness of staffing, equipment, and facilities, while collaborating with community partners and fellow officers for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 2 years as Lifeguard Supervisor or equivalent leadership at a year-round aquatic facility.
• 4 seasons of supervisory experience with a seasonal lifeguard organization.
• Experience in ocean/surf/waterfront rescue and EMS/fire or military leadership is highly valued.
• Certifications listed in the job posting (ARC Lifeguarding, CPO/AFO, LGI, EMT).

Responsibilities

• Developing and mentoring lifeguards through coaching, training, and accountability.
• Leading daily aquatic operations and emergency response activities.
• Maintaining staffing, equipment, facilities, and operational readiness.
• Supporting members, guests, coaches, athletes, and community partners through professional service.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Emergency response

Team mentorship

Calm under pressure

Education

College coursework or related degree preferred

American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification

CPO or AFO certification, or ability to obtain within 30 days

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor (LGI) certification, or ability to obtain within six months

Virginia and National Registry EMT certification, or ability to obtain within one year

Job description

Lifeguard SergeantDepartment of Safety & RescueSpringfield Flagship | Springfield, VirginiaGreat leaders don't inherit great teams. They build them.The St. James Department of Safety & Rescue (DSR) is seeking experienced aquatic professionals who are ready to do more than supervise a shift.At The St. James, a Lifeguard Sergeant is more than a shift supervisor. You'll be entrusted with strengthening the people, operations, and systems that allow our Department to perform at its best.As a Lifeguard Sergeant, you'll help lead one of the region's most progressive life safety organizations—developing exceptional responders while delivering professional safety services across one of the nation's premier sports and entertainment destinations.If you're looking for a leadership role where your influence extends beyond today's shift—where you help shape the future of your team, your facility, and your Department—you'll find something different here.What You'll DoYour responsibilities include:Developing and mentoring lifeguards through coaching, training, and accountability.Leading daily aquatic operations and emergency response activities.Maintaining high standards across staffing, equipment, facilities, and operational readiness.Supporting members, guests, coaches, athletes, and community partners through professional service.Identifying opportunities to improve training, procedures, and department operations.Working alongside fellow Officers to strengthen the Department through continuous improvement.Who You AreWe can teach policies. We can't teach leadership.You're someone who:Leads by example.Coaches rather than commands.Builds trust through consistency.Remains calm under pressure.Takes ownership without waiting to be asked.Holds yourself—and those you lead—to a higher standard.Finds satisfaction in helping people and organizations become stronger.Why This Role MattersEvery decision you make as a Lifeguard Sergeant reaches far beyond the shift in front of you.It influences the confidence of your team, the professionalism of our operations, the experience of every member and guest, and the continued growth of the Department itself.If you're looking for a leadership role where you're entrusted with strengthening the people, operations, and systems that allow our Department to perform at its best, we'd like to meet you.Minimum QualificationsExperienceTwo (2) years as a Lifeguard Supervisor, Pool Manager, Head Lifeguard, or equivalent leadership position at a year-round aquatic facility; orFour (4) seasons of supervisory experience with a seasonal lifeguard organization.Ocean rescue, surf rescue, waterfront rescue, ski patrol, EMS, fire, military, or other emergency response leadership experience is highly valued.Education & Professional DevelopmentDemonstrated leadership experience and a commitment to continuous professional development are expected.College coursework or a degree in a related field is preferred but not required.CertificationsCurrent American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification (or equivalent).Current Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor (LGI), or the ability to obtain within six months.Virginia and National Registry EMT certification, or the ability to obtain within one year.Interested in Joining Our Leadership Team?Visit www.thestjames.com/safety-rescue or contact Randy Cooper at [e-mail] to begin the conversation.The St. James is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.