Head Lifeguard

Under the direct supervision of the Athletics & Aquatics Supervisor/Aquatics Coordinator, the Head Lifeguard is responsible for working directly with lifeguards, public, & other recreation staff. Head Lifeguard plays an integral role in the development of building strong character values in others. The Head Lifeguard is responsible for the daily operation, workflow, and facility safety of the Merkel Aquatic Center and Petersen Park Beach. The staff is representative of the philosophy, mission, and goal of the City of McHenry Parks & Recreation department and its aquatics program. Staff must strive to work cooperatively with fellow employees to achieve the goals and objectives of the City of McHenry Parks & Recreation department.

Job Duties

DECISION MAKING AND JUDGMENT

• Oversee the direction and daily operation of aquatics facilities and oversight of recreation staff assigned to facility
• Lead by example and willingness to complete tasks (ex. facility cleaning, lifeguarding, or filling in at other positions as needed)
• Considerable judgment and resourcefulness required
• Must deal with emergency situations and rescues
• Displaying a high level of professionalism by devoting attention to tasks at hand and not being distracted while performing duties on stand or on deck
• Ability to respond to patrons and staff concerns and correct inappropriate behavior immediately
• Be present and visible at the facilities and interacting in a positive manner with the public
• Track and complete daily records, staff attendance, and incident paperwork
• Facilitate a friendly and welcoming aquatics facility and build team mentality in staff
• Enforce all policies & procedures with staff, patrons, and facility attendants

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Overall responsibility for maintaining pool or beach over the course of daily activities, including but not limited to: adding, monitoring and maintaining proper chemical levels; regular cleaning of pool, deck, changing rooms and surrounding areas; inspecting and maintaining lifeguard equipment; and making sure facility is secured when not in use.
• Keeping a maintenance log for the aquatics facilities (chemicals added, chemical readings, daily logs, payroll logs, incidents, etc.)
• Communicating closures or facility issues directly and in a timely manner to Aquatics Coordinator & Aquatics Supervisor
• Properly storing and maintain all aquatics equipment
• Filling in at necessary positions during the shift along with helping train staff
• Assist Aquatics Coordinator & Aquatics Supervisor in developing quality programming and provide construct departmental feedback
• Set-up and take down of assigned areas daily
• Wearing proper uniform and swimsuit daily
• Ensure staff are at designated posts at scheduled times and report tardiness/absences to supervisors
• Responsible for assigning daily cleaning duties, rotations, and breaks ensuring all staff take equal turns at each duty
• Must be available to work all shifts and locations (including but not limited to weekends, holidays, nights, waterfront, pool, etc.)
• Attend all trainings along with enforcing daily training logs/drills with staff

SUPERVISION

• Responsible for scanning and watching patrons in the pool at all times
• Quickly respond to emergency situations and active facility Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
• Assign aquatics staff duties while in down time and placing extra guards on deck as need to stay in ratio or to help supervise large swimmer volumes including sending staff home as needed (1 guard per 25 swimmers)
• If Aquatics Coordinator is unavailable, responsible for selecting, instructing, directing, and supervising the flow of work

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be motivated and able to implement oral and written instructions.
• Must be able to communicate respectfully and effectively with superiors, co-workers, recreation staff, and public.
• Must be mentally prepared to handle emergency situations and rescues
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be able to communicate verbally, including projecting their voice across distances
• Ability to hear noises and distress signals
• Must be able to move to various locations, including in and out of an elevated chair
• Must be able to evaluate situations and make decisions within established policies and standards
• Requires frequent heavy lifting and moving of equipment and supplies
• Knowledge and physical ability to respond in an emergency situations

ACCURACY

• Requires accurate record keeping for programs

PARTICIPANT SAFETY

• Requires considerable attention and alertness to safety hazards
• Must be able to take on a leadership role in matters of safety

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:

• Interpret and enforce aquatics rules and policies to ensure safety of all participants and swimmers
• Execute emergency procedures as needed
• Promote the City of McHenry Parks & Recreation aquatics programs
• Directly supervise aquatics staff assigned to program area during scheduled shifts
• Lock and secure all facilities when opening or closing
• Keep accurate records of attendance, chemical reading, and incident reports
• Maintain proper facility chemicals, a clean and sanitary facility, and regular cleaning schedule
• Be an ambassador and committed member of the aquatics team
• Other related duties as assigned by the supervisor
• Adheres to all policies and procedures stated in the City of McHenry Employee Handbook Must be able to be participate in activities
• Knowledge and physical ability to respond in emergency situations
• Candidate must be energetic, outgoing, and interested in being a positive role model
• Candidate must possess strong oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Candidate must possess ability to be flexible and adjust to changing work environment
• Candidate must possess creativity, initiative, and willingness to learn and implement new ideas
• Candidate must be trained and certified in Lifeguarding, First Aid, AED, and CPR

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard & Waterfront Certification
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid
• Willingness to project the City of McHenry image by personal adherence to all policies
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret and administer all policies, established by the City of McHenry Parks & Recreation department, to all members, employees, and volunteers you may come in contact with
• At least one year as a lifeguard or supervisor in an aquatic setting
• Knowledge of chemicals and record keeping or willingness to learn
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or obtained prior to first shift
• Preferred at least one year of college or class work in a similar field or setting

The City of McHenry is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.