Senior Guard

City of Lynnwood, Washington; Lynnwood (PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lynnwood, Washington, is seeking a Senior Guard to support the Parks—Recreation Aquatics division. You will supervise lifeguards and instructors, ensure safety, and help implement quality swim programs for all ages.

Responsibilities include assisting with hiring, conducting tests, maintaining records, and coordinating activities with Aquatics Managers. Must hold ARC certifications and be prepared for training in LGI/WSI within six months.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older with current ARC Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
• Must obtain LGI certification within six months of hire and WSI within six months or provide equivalent knowledge.
• Two years of continuous aquatic experience including lifeguarding and swim instruction is preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office is highly preferred for reporting and records.
• Must pass a pre-employment swim test and background check as required by city policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead as part of the Aquatics Leadership Team and supervise lifeguards and instructors.
• Monitor daily activities, enforce policies, and ensure safety and quality instruction.
• Assist with staff hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Prepare reports and manage attendance, timecards, and equipment inventories.
• Oversee programs in the absence of managers and respond to emergencies.

Skills

Lifeguarding

Emergency response

Public safety

Effective communication

Education

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification

Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Posting number: 2026-00020

Department: Parks

Division: RECREATION AQUATICS

Job classification: Senior Guard

Posting type: Open

Categories: Parks and Recreation, Parks

Summary

This is a safety-sensitive position within the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department, working under the supervisory direction of the Aquatics Manager and Assistant Aquatics Supervisors. Individuals assigned to this position are responsible for assisting in performing administrative tasks, maintenance and evaluations of on-going procedures and program operations, safeguarding the natatoriums and providing quality swim instruction to all ages. In the absence of the Aquatic Manager or Assistant Aquatic supervisors, this position oversees various aquatic programs, participants, facilities and supervises aquatic staff.

HOURS FOR THIS POSITION

Monday 1130-8

Tuesday OFF

Wednesday OFF

Thursday 1130-8

Friday 1-930

Saturday 12-830

Sunday 145-1015

Normal Hours of Operation (possibly starting 2027)

Monday 1230-9

Tuesday OFF

Wednesday OFF

Thursday 1230-9

Friday 2-1030

Saturday 115-945

Sunday 145-1015

Examples of duties

• Serve as a member of the Aquatics Leadership Team
• Monitor daily work activities of lifeguards and instructors to ensure the timely and accurate completion of duties. Supervise assigned staff and perform duties similar to those of instructors and lifeguards.
• Enforce policies and procedures with the public and staff.
• Assist with the hiring of aquatics staff by helping administer the entry swim test and skills check. May be a member of the interview panel to evaluate candidates for hire. Occasionally assist in conducting reference checks. Orient, train and supervise new employees.
• Conduct inventory of equipment and supplies. Make recommendations to the Assistant Aquatics Supervisors to maintain adequate staff equipment and aquatics supplies.
• Coach part-time staff for desirable trends in performance. Assist with the development in ongoing staff training. Conduct regular staff in-service training.
• Track the performance of part-time employees; maintain records of absences and timecards. Maintain working staff files.
• Ensure aquatics activities are adequately supervised and operate effectively in the absence of the Aquatics Manager and Assistant Aquatics Supervisors. Serve as the onsite supervisor for the natatoriums during periods when the Aquatics Manager and the Assistant Aquatics Supervisors are not on duty.
• Respond to emergency situations and perform lifesaving duties with a high level of proficiency.
• Assist Aquatics Manager and Assistant Aquatics Supervisors in planning and implementing a quality aquatics program including regular aquatics activities, special programs and events. Observe current programs and recommend changes as appropriate.
• Assemble data and prepare reports such as attendance, expenditures, etc.
• Facilitate contamination control.
• Prepare pool for activities by ensuring all needed equipment is available.
• Advise Aquatic Manager and Assistant Aquatic Supervisors concerning aquatic policies and procedures, recommending changes and improvements as necessary.
• Teach training classes (Lifeguarding, CPR: FPR, and other ARC aquatics courses).
• Assist in the development and preparation of program materials; purchase supplies; create promotional brochures, calendars, flyers, fact sheets, and newsletters.
• Maintain accurate records of any incidents, property damage, accidents, etc., involving patrons, staff, or volunteers; prepare written reports as necessary or as assigned; turn in reports to Aquatics Manager within 24 hours.
• Assist Aquatic Manager and Assistant Aquatics Supervisors with the registration process. Serve as the onsite supervisor overseeing registration during periods when the Aquatic Manager and Assistant Aquatic Supervisors are not on duty.
• Attend team meetings with other Senior Guards, Assistant Aquatics Supervisors, and Aquatics Manager. Discuss and advise Assistant Aquatics Supervisor and Aquatics Manager in policy development to resolve current issues. Prepare for upcoming in-service training with Assistant Aquatics Supervisors and Aquatics Manager.
• Conduct tests and evaluations of staff.
• Maintain positive public relations and ensure a friendly atmosphere is always maintained while serving the public. Respond to questions or situations in person or on the phone, or by email.
• Perform regular chemical balance tests. Calculate, weigh and add chemicals to the water as needed.
• Maintain regular attendance. Work early mornings, evenings, holidays, and/or weekends as required.

Job Location and Equipment Utilized

Work is normally performed in an indoor and outdoor pool environment. Potentially hazardous conditions may exist due to the treatment of injuries or lifesaving rescues near wet or slick surfaces around the pool area. Work is in a noisy environment with frequent interruptions. May be required to work on holidays, weekends and/or evenings as scheduled.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of customer service and public relations principles and practices, and ability to effectively promote programs.
• Knowledge of basic pool chemistry and maintenance or the ability to learn within the first three months.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with the public, co-workers, volunteers, and elected officials; must possess good interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the community and public.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations and perform lifesaving duties with a high level of proficiency.
• Ability to operate pool maintenance equipment or become proficient within the first three months of employment.
• Ability to articulate the positive role of recreation activities and programs in the community.
• Skilled in operating computer equipment, reading and producing accurate, professional-quality written materials.
• Ability to communicate with patrons and staff enforcing policies and procedures.
• Ability to handle and work with hazardous chemicals.

Physical Demands

• Visually monitor and constantly listen to program activities, patrons and staff to ensure the safest environment possible.
• Physical strength and stamina: Must possess the ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force to move individuals and equipment. Move weights of 50-100 pounds on occasion.
• Mobility and agility: must be able to move swiftly and navigate various terrains, including confined spaces, to reach and assist individuals in emergency situations.
• Manual dexterity: must have the ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as administering first aid treatments and grasp small objects.
• Endurance: must be capable of sustaining physical activity over prolonged periods, especially during extended rescue operations.
• Sit and stand for extended periods of time; reach, lift, squat, reach overhead, stoop, and bend.
• Move between office and facility to teach lifeguard programs. Move safely and quickly on continually wet or slippery surfaces around the pool area.
• Wear assigned safety respirator when required.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years old and possess current certifications in American Red Cross () Lifeguarding (LG), CPR, and First Aid. Must possess current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) or be able to acquire it within six months of hire. Must possess American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification or be able to acquire it within 6 months of hire or demonstrate equivalent knowledge of the course content. Deep water and shallow water aerobics experience preferred.

Must pass a pre-employment swim test. Must pass a pre-employment Washington State Patrol background check. Must meet the requirements under OSHA 1910.134 and the City of Lynnwood Respiratory Protection Plan for wearing a City of Lynnwood approved respirator.

Requires at least two years of continuous, progressive aquatic experience including lifeguarding, swim instruction, and customer service experience. Experience with the Microsoft Office Suite of applications and programs is highly preferred.

Supplemental information

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented; General Salary Ordinance