Reservoir Head Lifeguard

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Application Deadline:

April 4, 2025

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

17.78 - 24.88

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a part-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

10

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Seasonal Traditional

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under the supervision of the Recreation Program Coordinator, provides water safety and rescue services via continual surveillance and patrol of the Boulder Reservoir swim area and beach. This position provides education and enforcement of rules and policies in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The head lifeguard assists in managing beach operations including leading lifeguards on duty, implements pre-season and in-service trainings, and acts as a liaison between lifeguards and the public.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES                 

• Serves as the watchful eye that keeps the swim area and beach safe; assists with supervision of fellow lifeguard staff. 

• Acts with moderate supervision and exercises considerable independent judgment while prioritizing tasks, responding to emergencies, and interacting with staff and the public.  

• Ensures lifeguards are actively scanning, rotating efficiently, and stationed appropriately for proactive surveillance of the swim area and beach. 

• Models teamwork with a positive attitude.  

• Reacts quickly and calmly in stressful and emergency situations.  

• Delivers prompt and professional solutions to staff and public interactions. 

• Handles complaints and criticism with grace, elevating problems and concerns to reservoir management as appropriate. 

• Ensures that the Boulder Reservoir is a friendly, welcoming environment for all to play, learn and build confidence in and around the water.

• Maintains a variety of records including daily usage counts for the swim area and beach, medical response logs, secondary duties checklists, and incident and accident reports. 

• Demonstrates a proactive approach toward cleanliness and facility maintenance. 

• Conducts regular inspections to ensure facility and equipment are safe.

• Presents a professional image, dependable and on time for all shifts.

• Supports lake patrol via jet ski for emergency codes and triathlon events, operating equipment in an efficient, safe, and reliable manner. 

• Assists in training the water safety team during orientation, extensive pre-season training, weekly water safety and lake patrol in-service trainings, and monthly facility code trainings.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum of 18 years old in order to operate watercraft, vehicles and UTV’s per the city’s driving policy.

• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including references, and criminal history. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current American Red Cross certification in Lifeguarding Instructor, or equivalent. 

• Bilingual in English and Spanish. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Current American Red Cross certification in Lifeguarding, First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and Administering Emergency Oxygen, or equivalent. 

• Current American Red Cross certification in Waterfront Lifeguarding or successful completion prior to the start of employment.

• Six (6) months experience as a lifeguard.

• Valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record. 

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received:  Recreation Program Coordinator 

Supervision Exercised:  None 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS    

• Ability to perform a wide range of strenuous physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment with variable weather conditions.  Physical ability to stand, walk, and kneel; hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment; vision for reading, recording and interpreting information; speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and the public. 

• Works in both indoor and outdoor environments that are oftentimes impacted weather and at times, unpredictable conditions

Additional Job Description:

Last updated: June 2024

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.