Head Lifeguard

Position Summary 

Responsible for the on-site supervision of the aquatic facility, pool maintenance, staff relations, public contact, shift reports, lifeguard training, and auditing. May work both at an indoor and outdoor pool locations.

All team members are expected to adhere to the organizational values of ACTION! (Accountability, Change, Teamwork, Integrity, Opportunity, Now!) and are responsible for contributing to the achievements of the organization and department. Team members are expected to continue to grow professionally and to apply learning in their job setting.

Please note that interviews will be held on Friday, March 14 and you will receive notice if you are invited for an interview by the end of day on Tuesday, March 11.

Position Responsibilities

• Primarily responsible for on-deck supervision of the aquatic facilities, assigned staff, and guests.
• Oversee assigned shifts to include assigning work tasks for Lifeguards I & II and monitoring progress, coach and train team members on performance of work, life saving techniques, and water safety principles.
• Ensure city policies, pool rules, and regulations regarding the operation of the pool are adhered to and enforced by the team members. 
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public.
• Complete and maintain a variety of reports, forms, files, and other records as required in an accurate and timely manner, i.e., daily records of water chemistry, attendance, maintenance, cleaning, lifeguard audits and training, incident reports, rescue reports, shift reports, and employee coaching forms.
• Operate and maintain the pool and equipment; conduct daily walk-through of facility to ensure appropriate appearance; document needed repairs and maintenance; maintain accurate inventory of first aid, chemical, operating, and program supplies.
• Perform as a lifeguard or swim instructor as assigned.
• When scheduled at the outdoor pool, the Head Lifeguard will complete all cash reports and deposits from the concession stand and uphold cash handling requirements. The Head Lifeguard works in absence of Specialists, Coordinators, and Supervisors and must be available to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. The Head Lifeguard will have a typically assigned regular schedule, with occasional flexibility needed to support operations.
• Other duties assigned as appropriate by the position.

Education, Experience, and Requirements 

Knowledge 

• Pool mechanics, chemistry and routine maintenance.
• Swim instruction and methods for swim instruction.
• Lifeguarding methods and techniques, aquatic safety and risk management, principles and practices of supervision, and training and evaluation.

Skills 

Preparing written reports and projects.  Skilled in operation of equipment necessary to perform the functions of the job.
  
 Abilities 

• Analyze mechanical pool problems and make minor repairs, perform routine mechanical and chemical pool maintenance and identify and correct facility safety hazards. 
• Supervise, train and evaluate subordinates and work under minimal supervision. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, and guests. 
• Deal tactfully with the public. Use good judgment and make sound decisions in stressful or emergency situations. 
• Accurately complete a variety of forms, logs and reports while working in a highly visible work environment. 
• Sufficient strength to make rescues and lift 50 lbs, able to carry a rescue tube on a daily basis up to 140 minutes at a time; able to perform rescue and lifeguard skills based upon StarGuard ELITE criteria on a daily basis

Evidence Of Qualifications

Training 

High School Diploma or equivalent; two (2) years college preferred. Current StarGuard ELITE Lifeguard certification or equivalent required at the time of application. Selected candidates will be provided StarGuard ELITE Lifeguard Training at no cost. Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO) or Certified Pool Operator (CPO), StarGuard ELITE Supervisor, and Starfish Aquatics Institute Swim Instructor required within 12 months of hire. 

Experience 

Minimum of two (2) years or seasons of experience in aquatics or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Supervision Received
 Works under the direct supervision of the assigned Recreation Coordinator and general supervision of the assigned Recreation Supervisor.
 
Supervision Exercised
 Acts as “lead” worker, giving oversight to assigned staff including Lifeguards I & II, Swim Instructors, and Aqua Aerobics Instructors.  
 
Independence Of Action
 Work is performed within authorized limits prescribed by the supervisor and/or policy. Exercises independent judgment in selecting and interpreting information, handling deviations from standard methods, and resolving problems, including emergencies. Finished work is reviewed for attainment of objectives and adherence to deadlines. Supervisor is available to assist in solving problems.

General Information

Working Conditions/Physical and Mental Effort
 Work is primarily performed in a hot, humid environment and/or hot outdoor environment, with constant exposure to sun in the summer. May be required to work in chemically treated water. Must have hearing and sight sufficient to survey pool area and recognize distressed swimmers, dangerous situations and hazards. Work requires strength and stamina necessary to rescue distressed swimmers. Work involves problem solving with an emphasis on pool chemistry and mechanical operations daily, customer and employee contact, instruction and lifeguard duties. Work requires pulling, pushing, reaching, use of fingers and hands, walking, standing, sitting, bending/stooping, twisting and kneeling; occasionally requires lifting more than 50 lbs., carrying, pushing and pulling and work with hazardous materials. Work requires ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks with interruptions and involves stress in emergency/non-emergency situations; entails working alone and working closely with others; involves flexible hours.
  
Equipment Used

The ability to properly operate or use the following equipment is necessary for this position: pumps, boilers, filters, and related valve systems; chemical feed and control systems; pool water testing equipment and kits; pool maintenance equipment including manual and automatic vacuum systems, hydro washers and small tools; general pool deck equipment; telephone, cash registers, computer terminal.
 

It is the policy of the City of Wheat Ridge not to discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state, or municipal law unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification. The City of Wheat Ridge will consider reasonable accommodations for employment to qualified applicants upon request to the Human Resources Office.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.

 

Salary : $20 - $27