What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ocean Rescue Lifeguard position at St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners?
JOB
OFFERS ARE TYPICALLY MADE AT THE MINIMUM OF THE RANGE.Position Overview: The Ocean Rescue Lifeguard’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of all beachgoers by providing vigilant supervision, proactive prevention, and emergency response. This position requires strong swimming skills, physical fitness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure to perform water rescues and administer first aid when needed. In addition to responding to emergencies, lifeguards enforce beach regulations, educate the public on water safety, and maintain lifesaving equipment.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Key Responsibilities: Surveillance & PreventionScan the water/beaches for dangers and patrol beach on foot or in an all-terrain vehicle.Locate and mark rip currents and hazardous areasMonitor designated beach and water areas for potential hazards or unsafe behaviors.Educate the public on water safety, flag warnings, and environmental conditions.Take proactive measures to prevent accidents and injuries.Rescue & Emergency ResponsePerform water rescues, retrieve distressed swimmers, and provide immediate assistance.Administer first aid, CPR, or other lifesaving measures during emergencies.Coordinate with emergency medical services and other rescue teams as needed.Equipment MaintenanceInspect, maintain, and repair lifeguard equipment, including rescue boards, buoys, and radios.Ensure first aid kits and lifesaving tools are fully stocked and functional.Report any equipment issues to supervisors promptly.Training & PreparednessParticipate in ongoing training, drills, and fitness assessments to maintain certifications and readiness.Stay updated on ocean safety protocols, weather patterns, and rescue techniques.Collaborate with team members during practice scenarios and evaluations.Beach Regulation EnforcementEnforce beach policies and address unsafe activities or behaviors.Communicate beach closures, safety alerts, and hazard warnings effectively.Assist with crowd control during high-traffic periods or special events.COMPETENCIES: The following competencies are key to success in this role, enabling effective contribution, collaboration, and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.Situational Awareness: Quickly assess environmental and situational risks.Decision-Making: Act confidently and effectively in high-pressure scenarios.Team Collaboration: Work cohesively with other lifeguards and emergency personnel.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to swim long distances in ocean conditions, including against strong currents. Strength to lift and carry individuals or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Endurance to run on sand and perform strenuous activities for extended periods. Tolerance to outdoor conditions, including sun exposure, heat, wind, and water temperatures. As a condition of continued employment, Ocean Lifeguards must be able to pass annual re-testing of the physical skills assessments outlined in the Qualifications section above.ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS: Continuous exposure to outdoor elements, including extreme heat, sunlight, wind, and fluctuating weather conditions. Frequent contact with saltwater and sand, which can cause skin irritation or equipment wear. Potential exposure to marine life such as jellyfish, stingrays, and other aquatic creatures. Risk of physical injuries during rescues, such as cuts, bruises, or muscle strains. Potential for heat exhaustion or dehydration due to prolonged sun exposure. Hazards related to high surf, rip currents, or rapidly changing water conditions. Risk of infection from open wounds or contact with contaminated water.SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment,County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.EEO STATEMENT: St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Pay Grade: T07This is a union position. Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position. PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 2 background screening, which includes fingerprinting.
OFFERS ARE TYPICALLY MADE AT THE MINIMUM OF THE RANGE.Position Overview: The Ocean Rescue Lifeguard’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of all beachgoers by providing vigilant supervision, proactive prevention, and emergency response. This position requires strong swimming skills, physical fitness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure to perform water rescues and administer first aid when needed. In addition to responding to emergencies, lifeguards enforce beach regulations, educate the public on water safety, and maintain lifesaving equipment.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Key Responsibilities: Surveillance & PreventionScan the water/beaches for dangers and patrol beach on foot or in an all-terrain vehicle.Locate and mark rip currents and hazardous areasMonitor designated beach and water areas for potential hazards or unsafe behaviors.Educate the public on water safety, flag warnings, and environmental conditions.Take proactive measures to prevent accidents and injuries.Rescue & Emergency ResponsePerform water rescues, retrieve distressed swimmers, and provide immediate assistance.Administer first aid, CPR, or other lifesaving measures during emergencies.Coordinate with emergency medical services and other rescue teams as needed.Equipment MaintenanceInspect, maintain, and repair lifeguard equipment, including rescue boards, buoys, and radios.Ensure first aid kits and lifesaving tools are fully stocked and functional.Report any equipment issues to supervisors promptly.Training & PreparednessParticipate in ongoing training, drills, and fitness assessments to maintain certifications and readiness.Stay updated on ocean safety protocols, weather patterns, and rescue techniques.Collaborate with team members during practice scenarios and evaluations.Beach Regulation EnforcementEnforce beach policies and address unsafe activities or behaviors.Communicate beach closures, safety alerts, and hazard warnings effectively.Assist with crowd control during high-traffic periods or special events.COMPETENCIES: The following competencies are key to success in this role, enabling effective contribution, collaboration, and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.Situational Awareness: Quickly assess environmental and situational risks.Decision-Making: Act confidently and effectively in high-pressure scenarios.Team Collaboration: Work cohesively with other lifeguards and emergency personnel.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to swim long distances in ocean conditions, including against strong currents. Strength to lift and carry individuals or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Endurance to run on sand and perform strenuous activities for extended periods. Tolerance to outdoor conditions, including sun exposure, heat, wind, and water temperatures. As a condition of continued employment, Ocean Lifeguards must be able to pass annual re-testing of the physical skills assessments outlined in the Qualifications section above.ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS: Continuous exposure to outdoor elements, including extreme heat, sunlight, wind, and fluctuating weather conditions. Frequent contact with saltwater and sand, which can cause skin irritation or equipment wear. Potential exposure to marine life such as jellyfish, stingrays, and other aquatic creatures. Risk of physical injuries during rescues, such as cuts, bruises, or muscle strains. Potential for heat exhaustion or dehydration due to prolonged sun exposure. Hazards related to high surf, rip currents, or rapidly changing water conditions. Risk of infection from open wounds or contact with contaminated water.SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment,County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.EEO STATEMENT: St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Pay Grade: T07This is a union position. Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position. PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 2 background screening, which includes fingerprinting.