Water Country - Head Guard

DNU - Festival Fun Parks, LLC (OLD); Portsmouth (NH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Cross-training across departments

Free Water Country admission for you

Job summary

Water Country in New Hampshire is seeking a Head Guard to supervise the Aquatics team and uphold safety standards. You will mentor lifeguards, ensure rotations meet Ellis & Associates standards, and support daily operations in a fast-paced outdoor environment.

The role requires at least 16 years old, 1+ year lifeguard experience preferred, and flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays. Fluency in English is essential; bilingual skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• 1+ year lifeguard experience desired
• Must successfully complete the Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Training Program before becoming a lifeguard
• Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual skills a plus
• Must be at least 16 years of age to comply with NH Child Labor Laws
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Demonstrated ability to handle emergencies calmly and manage crowds

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily supervision of the Aquatics team
• Lead by example and represent Water Country's core values
• Mentor and coach assigned team members
• Ensure lifeguard rotations meet Ellis & Associates standards
• Oversee pool checks, water attractions testing, and safety protocols
• Respond to radio calls and log ride times in Dispatch
• Maintain hazard-free park areas and enforce safety policies

Skills

Lifeguard experience

English fluency

Team supervision

Emergency response

Job description

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family‑held themed attractions company, with 49 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide. While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®

Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.

As an equal‑opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved.

We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect.

We are currently looking for a:

Water Country - Head Guard

Roles & Responsibilities

Supervisory Duties

• Assist with the daily supervision of the Aquatics team
• Lead by example, attitude, and as a representation of Water Country’s core values
• Act as an approachable mentor and coach to all assigned team members
• Become knowledgeable of performing the essential duties of all aquatics and lifeguarding positions and backfill these positions when needed
• Participate in training activities for all assigned employees
• Ensure lifeguard rotations are within the Ellis & Associates standards
• Ensure lifeguards are exceeding the Ellis & Associates standards
• Ensure that all required meals and other breaks are being given in accordance with NH law
• Ensure daily sign-in sheets are completed and submitted each day
• Assist with team scheduling and timekeeping activities

Departmental Duties

• Delight all guests by quickly and expertly providing courteous assistance to address their questions or concerns.
• Stay alert when assigned to swimming areas to ensure guest safety.
• Oversee daily morning checks for water attractions and waterslide testing
• Oversee daily pool cleanings, tube field testing, and in-service classes for assigned team
• Respond to all radio calls and properly log down time on rides in Dispatch station
• Provide bathroom breaks for all team members, as needed
• Render first-aid (within scope of knowledge) to injured guests or team members
• Handle operation‑related guest concerns and assist with lost children
• Escalate major guest concerns to management or maintenance team in a timely manner
• Maintain constant vigilance and proactively identify potential hazards inform Park leadership and/or maintenance team of any such situations in a timely manner
• Ensure that all Park areas are clean and free of hazards, prior to daily opening
• React in a calm and professional manner during emergency situations
• Assist with crowd control in emergency situations
• Ensure pre‑opening and closing check lists are done by Aquatics team members
• Update and ensure proper Zone Coverage and Zone Validations are done for each spot in the park
• All other duties assigned by leadership

Education and Experience

• No education requirements for this position
• 1+ year of previous lifeguard experience desired
• Must successfully complete the Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Training Program before becoming a lifeguard at Water Country.

Language

• Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years of age to comply with NH Child Labor Laws
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must be willing and able to work with a vastly diverse staff of lifeguards, including both American and International students
• Demonstrated ability to successfully perform all swim tests, water rescues, assists
• Ability to comply with all uniform policies
• Must possess safety-oriented mindset and understand the importance of complying with all Federal, State, and local regulations regarding aquatics safety standards
• Ability to attend 4 hours of in‑service training per month
• Ability to take control of emergencies and intense situations while remaining calm
• Ability to manage crowd control during emergency situations
• Must demonstrate a willingness to learn and ability to follow instructions
• Must be guest‑focused and work well with other team members and supervisors
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Physical Requirements

• Ability to swim 200 yards using front crawl/freestyle or breaststroke
• Ability to retrieve a 10-pound brick from at least 7 feet of water
• Ability to tread water for 2 minutes without the use of hands
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to swim, wade, and stand (sometimes in moderate currents)
• Ability to frequently kneel, stoop, bend, squat, twist or reach above shoulder‑level
• Ability to use hands to grasp, handle, or feel
• Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to aid and physically move guests of varying heights and weights

Vision Requirements

• Must possess 20/25 correct vision (corrective lens, if required, must be worn while on duty)
• Specific vision abilities are required for this job, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to see differences between colors and brightness
• Ability to see details of objects that are more than a few feet away

Working Conditions

• Continuous exposure to outdoor aquatics environments
• Continuous exposure to variable outside temperatures, including high heat, direct sun, cold, humidity, dust, rain, and other weather conditions
• Fast-paced environment with constantly shifting priorities and challenges
• Subject to bloodborne pathogens Proper PPE is required in these situations.
• Regularly subjected to water and pool chemicals

Herschend Perks & Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Ability to cross-train and learn unique skills across various departments
• Enjoy free entry to Water Country and select Herschend parks at no cost on your days off
• Invitations to exclusive company-sponsored employee events throughout the season

In keeping with our company values, we nurture a balance between work and family, strive to promote 70% from within and support each host’s efforts to develop a fulfilling and rewarding career