Temporary Recreation Leader III-Head Lifeguard

City of Alexandria; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Alexandria is seeking a Temporary Recreation Leader III - Head Lifeguard to provide onsite leadership at City pools, supervise aquatic staff, and ensure patron safety. The role involves lifeguarding, shift supervision, staff coaching, and facility oversight in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Applicants should have robust leadership skills, aquatics experience, and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Must hold a current Lifeguard certification.
• One year or more experience as a lifeguard.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor prerequisites must be demonstrated.

Responsibilities

• Supervise lifeguards, pool operators, and swim instructors during assigned shifts.
• Oversee daily operations, enforce safety standards, and complete required documentation.
• Support staff training, mentoring, in-services, and audits.
• Act as manager on duty in the absence of full-time staff.
• Perform lifeguard duties including surveillance, rescues, and customer service.
• Monitor facility cleanliness, risk management protocols, and incident response.
• Rotational duty: head lifeguards in the rotation about 60% of the time.

Skills

Leadership

Lifeguard Certification

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Temporary Recreation Leader III- Head Lifeguard

Aquatics/ Recreation Services

Position Overview

The Head Lifeguard provides onsite leadership at City of Alexandria pools, ensuring the safety of patrons and the effective supervision of aquatic staff. In addition to lifeguarding, Head Lifeguards assist with shift supervision, staff coaching, and facility oversight. This position is ideal for individuals with strong leadership skills, prior aquatics experience, and a desire to take on additional responsibility in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.

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

Head Lifeguards are assigned to indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities and may support multiple locations throughout the City. Shifts are available for summer or year‑round, with morning, daytime, evening, and weekend availability. In this role, you will:

• Supervise lifeguards, pool operators, and swim instructors during assigned shifts
• Oversee daily operations, enforce safety standards, and complete required documentation
• Support and assist with staff training, mentoring, in‑services, and audits
• Act as the manager on duty in the absence of full‑time staff
• Perform lifeguard duties, including surveillance, rescues, and customer service
• Monitor facility cleanliness, risk management protocols, and incident response

Head Lifeguards are expected to be in the lifeguard rotation approximately 60% of the time, with additional responsibilities in leadership, safety, and operations during each shift.

Your Impact

As a Head Lifeguard, you help ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment where swimmers of all ages can improve their health, build confidence, and enjoy recreation. You’ll serve as a leader on the pool deck—supporting your peers, modeling professionalism, and gaining valuable experience in supervision, public safety, and facility management.

What You Should Bring

Successful candidates bring strong leadership skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to safety and service. You should be confident in leading a team, responding to emergencies, and working with a variety of patrons and staff.

Candidates must hold a current Lifeguard certification.

Candidates with and without a valid national pool operator certification are encouraged to apply. Paid pool operator training and certification are provided to successful job candidates.

Candidates with and without a Lifeguard Instructor certification are encouraged to apply. Paid training and certification are provided for successful job candidates who can demonstrate the American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor prerequisites:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Possess current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid.
• Successfully complete the prerequisite skill assessment scenario:
  1. Entry
  2. Swimming approach
  3. Surface dive in deep water (7-10 feet)
  4. Passive submerged rescue
  5. Rapid extrication (with an assisting rescuer)
  6. Rapid assessment
  7. Single‑rescuer CPR (3 minutes)

About the Department

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) enriches the lives of Alexandria residents through diverse programming, well‑maintained public spaces, and inclusive cultural activities. RPCA is nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), having met rigorous best‑practice standards in the industry.

High School Diploma and three (3) years of related experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. First Aid training.

Additional Requirements:

• At least 17 years of age
• Ability to work at least one weekend day (Saturdays, Sundays, or both)
• Hold current Lifeguard certification
• One year or more experience as a lifeguard
• Ability to demonstrate Lifeguard Instructor prerequisites

American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification

Current Pool Operator certification (National Swimming Pool Foundation Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) from the National Recreation and Park Association).

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