Temporary Pool Operator

City of Alexandria; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Alexandria is seeking a Temporary Pool Operator for Recreation Services to oversee lifeguarding duties and the technical operation of public pools. The role involves daily water quality checks, adjusting chemical levels, and supporting facility maintenance, with shifts across mornings, days, evenings, and weekends.

Ideal candidates have aquatic experience and current certifications (CPO or AFO, Lifeguard, CPR/AED/First Aid).

Qualifications

• Must hold valid pool operator certifications (CPO or AFO)
• Lifeguard certification required at hire
• CPR/AED and First Aid training required
• Applicant must be at least 16 years old and have 2 years of related experience or equivalent training

Responsibilities

• Perform core lifeguard duties: surveillance, rescues, first aid
• Monitor and adjust pool water chemistry and chemical feed systems
• Complete daily/weekly/seasonal maintenance tasks for pool operations
• Identify and report facility concerns (mechanical, water quality)
• Support clean, safe, welcoming environment for patrons and staff
• May assist with swim meets and special events

Skills

Lifeguarding

Water quality monitoring

Maintenance tasks

Leadership

Public safety

Emergency medical response

Communication skills

Job description

TEMPORARY POOL OPERATOR RECREATION SERVICES

Position Overview

The Pool Operator is a dual-role position that combines lifeguarding duties with the technical responsibilities of operating and maintaining public swimming pools. In addition to monitoring swimmers and ensuring safety, Pool Operators are responsible for daily water quality checks, adjusting chemical levels, and supporting facility maintenance. This seasonal role is ideal for individuals with prior aquatic experience who are looking to take on additional responsibility in a leadership-support capacity.

A Message from the Director

Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all.

As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it.

Hashim T. Taylor, Director

Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

The Opportunity

Pool Operators are assigned to indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities throughout the City. Shifts are available during mornings, daytime, evenings, and weekends. Positions are available for summer or year-round. In this role, you’ll work as part of a supportive team to:

• Perform all core lifeguard duties, including surveillance, rescues, and first aid
• Monitor, record, and adjust water chemistry and chemical feed systems
• Complete daily, weekly, and seasonal maintenance tasks related to pool operations
• Identify and report facility concerns, including mechanical and water quality issues
• Support a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patrons and staff
• This position may also assist with swim meets, special events, and other recreation activities.

Your Impact

As a Pool Operator, you help create a safe, healthy, and fully operational aquatics facilities where swimmers can build confidence, improve their health, learn lifelong skills, and make lasting memories. In return, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in leadership, teamwork, and public safety, emergency medical response, and aquatic facility management—skills that serve you well in any future path.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate is dependable, detail‑oriented, and confident working both independently and as part of a team. Strong communication skills and sound judgment are essential.

Candidates must hold a valid pool operator certification at the time of hire. Acceptable certifications include:

• National Swimming Pool Foundation Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO)
• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) from the National Recreation and Park Association
• A valid Lifeguard certification is also required at the time of hire.

Minimum requirements: CPR/AED first aid training certification

Lifeguard or similar water rescue certification

Additional Requirements: Applicant must be at least 16 years old; and have two (2) years of related experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. First Aid training. Must have:

• Current Pool Operator certification (CPO or AFO).
• Current Lifeguard certification.

Prior experience with pool operations or maintenance. Have strong understanding of pool water chemistry and safety procedures

This position requires pre‑employment background checks which include, but are not limited to, a criminal records check and drug screening