What are the responsibilities and job description for the Beach Lifeguard position at City of Virginia Beach?
Job Duties:
Home to more than 456,000 people, Virginia Beach is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the 39th largest city in the United States. A dynamic community strengthened by a diverse mix of industry, attractions and people, Virginia Beach is recognized globally as one of the best places to live, work and do business.
The Beach Lifeguard maintains control of beach rescue scenes; maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities; exercises immediate actions to identify, communicate, and correct any unsafe condition that occurs in their areas of responsibility, reporting and documenting such to their supervisor; maintains high quality communications and interfaces with all City departments and divisions, coworkers, and the general public; educates the public on City beach ordinances and safe beach ocean practices; arrives to work at scheduled locations and times prescribed, ready to perform duties, and adheres to City and Department policies; maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meet job responsibility and accountabilities; accepts supervisor instruction and direction, strives to meet the goals and objectives of the same, and questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e. poor communication, variance with City policy or procedures, etc.; contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees; develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter-and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts; tactfully and effectively handles request, suggestions, and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will; emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image and competence, and maintains physical conditioning equal to their minimum qualifications for hire.
As a Beach Lifeguard you will:
- Exercise tact, fitness, and good judgment in responding to service requests; have thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, and methods of proactive and reactive ocean safety, lifeguarding, and customer service; understands the City and Department structure, as well as policies and procedures as they pertain to the performance of the duties of the Beach Lifeguard; and has knowledge of the City’s beach ordinances, laws, and regulations.
- Has knowledge of, and skills in, USLA-approved water rescue methods and specific medical first aid techniques; be skilled in surf swimming, lifesaving, and medical aid; and have the ability to maintain control in stressful situations.
- Develop and maintain effective communications and relationships with all departments and agencies involved in the activities of the job.
- Have familiarity with the beach area assigned and understanding of the varying level of competency that beachgoers have with the ocean waters.
- Have the ability to perform all duties necessary to promote the safety and welfare of the general public.
- Have the ability to react quickly and calmly in dangerous and emergency situations.
- Have the ability to use independent judgment and discretion as necessary in the performance of routine and non-routine activities.
- Have knowledge of telecommunications and radio equipment operations.
NOTE: This posting will close on 04/02/25 at 12:01 AM. All applications must be received no later than Midnight on 04/01/25.
Official City Job Description:
https://virginia-beach-departments-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/city/job-descriptions-pay-plans/Beach-Lifeguard-03042-PT.pdf
Working Conditions:
There is no working conditions statement for this position.
Minimum Requirements:
MINIMUMS:
Minimum age of 16 at time of hire.
Current CPR certification meeting the standard of BLS Healthcare Provider.
Must successfully pass pre-employment endurance, USLA skills testing, and required hours of training. Must demonstrates an ability to swim 500 meters without equipment that enhances buoyancy or propulsion, over a measured course, in ten minutes or less.
Must possess adequate vision, hearing acuity, physical ability, and stamina to perform the duties of an open water lifeguard as documented by a medical doctor, or the doctors designated physicians assistant or ARNP (advanced registered Nurse Practitioner).
Must possess a current medical aid certification. Acceptable forms include: EMT - American Safety and Health Institute - Advanced First Aid American Red Cross-First Aid for Public Safety Personnel American Red Cross - Responding to Emergencies
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs.
This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employees supervisor based on position assigned.
This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to mandatory drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination.
Additional Requirements:
DMV Transcript: Not Required
CDL: Not Required
DOT History: Not Required
CPS Check: Not Required
Physical: Not Required
Respirator: Not Required
Polygraph Review: Not Required
Psychological Screening: Not Required
Attachments Required: Please attach if you have one of the following:
Current CPR certification
Current medical aid certification. Acceptable forms include: EMT - American Safety and Health Institute - Advanced First Aid American Red Cross-First Aid for Public Safety Personnel American Red Cross - Responding to Emergencies
Preferences:
- Experience in ocean lifeguarding
- Experience in EMS
- Virginia certified EMT
- Consistent schedule availability starting the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through and including Labor Day Monday
Special Instructions:
Note 2 of 6: New candidates must successfully complete an endurance and brick swim test prior to employment consideration. Returning applicants from 2024 will be required to complete the 500 meter swim test (under 10 minute time limit). Water skills proficiency is as follows:
- 500 Meter Swim (Under 10 minute time limit)
- Dive, retrieve, Return (1 min. 40 sec. time limit)
- Surface dive to a depth of 7-10 feet
- Retrieve a 10lb brick & return to surface (10 lb. brick must be held with both hands and face must stay above water) swim back to starting point.
“Swim tests will be held on - February 22nd, 23th / March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 23rd / April 5th, 12th, 13th, and May 10th is for returning VBEMS Lifeguards only. These swim test will be held at the Virginia Beach Recreational Center on Saturdays and Sundays. Saturday swim tests will be from 9am-11am and Sunday swim tests will be from 11am-1pm for those who are invited to test. THE TESTING IS BY INVITATION ONLY.
Note 3 of 6: After successfully completing the skills testing a VERBAL INTERVIEW will take place (same day)
Note 4 of 6: Be sure you are thorough in describing your skills and duties as you complete the work and volunteer experience section of your application.
Note 5 of 6: Applicants for this position who wish to also be considered for other currently posted EMS position(s) are encouraged to do so but MUST COMPLETE the application specific for each position sought. This application is only for the indicated position and will not be used for, or considered as an application or supporting documentation/information for any other position.
Note 6 of 6: Certifications will be provided as part of the pre-employment process for individuals that meet all minimum requirements and successfully pass the USLA endurance skills testing.
- Please complete the application in its entirety and include your resume if required by the posting.
- Your responses to any "Supplemental Questions", if attached to this requisition, must be supported by the information you provide on your application and/or resume; or otherwise demonstrated during the hiring process.
- You will not be able to access the details of this job ad once the closing date has passed. If you would like to retain this information, please take a screen shot or print using your browser's printing capability.
VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.
Salary : $17 - $21
