What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lifeguard/Swim Instructor (Summer Season 2025) position at City of Pacific Grove?
$24.56 per hour* (pay rate is at the top step of the salary range for this position)
Application priority screening date is March 2, 2025.
This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received and all seasonal summer vacancies are filled. The recruitment may close with or without notice.
The City of Pacific Grove is looking for a Summer lifeguards/swim instructors. Primary duties will be swim instruction and running swim program and activities, but will also include lifeguarding, responding during emergencies, and cashiering. Aquatics program staff will be assigned to the Stillwell Children's Pool at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove.
The ideal candidates will be experienced swimmers with strong observation skills, who are good with teamwork, communication, responsibility, lesson planning and working with children of all ages. Experience in participation and/or instruction of swim teams, clubs and classes are preferred. Priority will be given to individuals who have Lifeguard experience and who possess a valid American Red Cross Lifeguard certification.
A lifeguard certification course may be offered through Pacific Grove Recreation Department for those applicants who qualify during the interview process. Spaces will be limited, and we encourage applicants to apply early.
To qualify, you must:
*Classification is Recreation Assistant 2
Employment may be extended for 2-3 weeks for staff who have availability past August 2. Additional weekend shifts may be available Aug - October.Essential Functions
Under supervision, performs a variety of activities in support of recreation programs, including customer service at centers, instruction, monitoring, and assisting with the supervision of individual and team sports, programs, and activities.
As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.
Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND two years experience working as a lifeguard in aquatics, preferably with City of Pacific Grove; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of:
Application priority screening date is March 2, 2025.
This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received and all seasonal summer vacancies are filled. The recruitment may close with or without notice.
The City of Pacific Grove is looking for a Summer lifeguards/swim instructors. Primary duties will be swim instruction and running swim program and activities, but will also include lifeguarding, responding during emergencies, and cashiering. Aquatics program staff will be assigned to the Stillwell Children's Pool at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove.
The ideal candidates will be experienced swimmers with strong observation skills, who are good with teamwork, communication, responsibility, lesson planning and working with children of all ages. Experience in participation and/or instruction of swim teams, clubs and classes are preferred. Priority will be given to individuals who have Lifeguard experience and who possess a valid American Red Cross Lifeguard certification.
A lifeguard certification course may be offered through Pacific Grove Recreation Department for those applicants who qualify during the interview process. Spaces will be limited, and we encourage applicants to apply early.
To qualify, you must:
- Have a minimum of two (2) years experience in aquatics as a lifeguard and/or swim instructor OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Possess the ability to oversee pool operations, lead and supervise staff, enforce rules, regulations and safety precautions and organize, schedule and instruct swim lessons and aquatic activities for children of all ages.
- Be able to work the entire summer (June 2 - Aug. 2*) and the hours required by the position and program. Work hours will vary from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
- Have reliable transportation to and from work.
- Attend mandatory staff orientation and training on June 2 - 6, 2025
- Be able to attend in-service training sessions and weekly meetings.
- Be 16 years of age or older.
- For those under 18, must be able to obtain a valid work permit through their school. Please click here to start the work permit application by downloading the work permit request, which is the first step in the process. The form is called, CDE Form B1-1.
- Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen prior to hire.
- Successfully pass a Department of Justice fingerprint background screen prior to hire.
- Possess a current lifeguard certification or have the ability to pass a lifeguard certification program.
- Be able to work assigned shifts. Leave requests for time-off will not be granted in excess of seven days unless protected by law.
- Possess the ability to meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public and to solve minor disciplinary problems that may arise.
*Classification is Recreation Assistant 2
Employment may be extended for 2-3 weeks for staff who have availability past August 2. Additional weekend shifts may be available Aug - October.Essential Functions
Under supervision, performs a variety of activities in support of recreation programs, including customer service at centers, instruction, monitoring, and assisting with the supervision of individual and team sports, programs, and activities.
As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.
Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assists the recreation program staff with various tasks to help meet the program services goals; duties will vary according to job assignment.
- Assists in setting up and maintaining recreation facilities for events and scheduled programs.
- Provides lifeguard duties, swim assistance, and cashiering.
- Instructs private and group lessons programs.
- Performs rescue and renders first aid during emergency situations.
- Assists with various activity programs; supervises participants in diversified recreation programs, verifies supplies, equipment, and facilities are in order, and recommends supply needs to the supervisor.
- Maintains routine attendance and participant records; registers citizens for classes and special events; checks out and checks in personal belongings such as, clothing at the pool, recreation and athletic equipment, games and toys, etc.
- Enforces rules, regulations, and safety precautions for municipal facilities.
- Recognizes, avoids, and reports unsafe acts, conditions, accidents and injuries.
- Maintains recreation facilities and equipment in clean and safe condition, and in compliance with City policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Provides information, instructions, and assistance to the public; assists customers with requests, program participation, applications, and other documents.
- Supports the relationship between the City of Pacific Grove and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND two years experience working as a lifeguard in aquatics, preferably with City of Pacific Grove; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of:
- City policies and procedures (swim pool rules,procedures, and safe swim behaviors).
- Rules and responsibilities of lifeguarding.
- Rules, equipment, facilities, operations, and techniques used in public recreation programs.
- Occupational hazards and safety precautions.
- Legal liabilities and responsibilities for recreation services staff.
- Local community resources and regional community services programs.
- Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.
- Water safety and swim instruction.
- Following verbal and written instructions.
- Accounting for money and making change
- Interpreting and explaining City policies and procedures.
- Monitoring operations and ensuring recreation programs are operating properly and safely.
- Dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.
- Promoting and enforcing safe work practices.
- Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees and the general public.
- Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
- A valid California State Driver's License may be required
- American Red Cross Standard First Aid Certificate and CPR or equivalent may be required for some assignments. Training will be provided.
- American Red Cross valid Lifeguard Certificate
- Required to take an Oath of Office.
- City employees are disaster relief workers in the event of natural disasters or emergency conditions.
- As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment will be subject to a pre-employment drug screen and a background check, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
- The City of Pacific Grove does not participate in Social Security. An employee in this part-time classification will contribute up to 7.50% of his/her pay into a 457 deferred compensation plan.
Salary : $20 - $25
