Under direct supervision, performs general lifeguard functions at a District aquatic facility.  The essential functions include:  performs the tasks necessary to promote public safety at an aquatic facility by lifeguarding.  Monitors activities in aquatic areas to prevent accidents: enforces regulations, cautions swimmers regarding unsafe swim areas, rescues swimmers in danger of drowning and administers first aid, and maintains order in aquatic areas.  Inspects facility for cleanliness, keeping aquatic area clean and free from hazards.  Inspects and maintains equipment and materials in proper working order. Participates in training sessions.  Takes reports from the public.  Fills out medical incident reports, training logs, and other forms and paperwork as required. Other tasks include: instructs aquatic and safety programs, as required.

Minimum Qualification

Sixteen years of age or older (as of May 1, 2010 – first day of the Lifeguard Academy)

Desirable Qualifications

A current “Water Safety Instructor” (WSI) certificate and a “Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation For the Professional Rescuer” Instructor certificate from the American Red Cross or its equivalent, a current “Lifeguarding” Instructor certificate from the American Red Cross or its equivalent, and SCUBA certification by a nationally recognized certifying agency are highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation, sufficient to write reports and forms. After successful completion of the District’s Lifeguard Academy, knowledge of lifeguarding.  Ability to swim 550 yards (500 meters) over a measured course in 10 minutes or less.  Ability to operate and maintain lifesaving equipment.  Ability to effectively teach aquatic and safety programs to varying age levels. Ability to walk, run, jump, climb, swim, dive, sit, lift and carry equipment weighing up to 60 pounds, lift overhead and balance equipment weighing up to 40 pounds, and work outdoors in the sun for prolonged periods of time. Ability to breath-hold dive to 15 feet and recover 150 pound person while wearing mask and fins in an open water environment.  Ability to understand and apply District and department policies, procedures, protocols, and pertinent local and state regulations relating to lifeguard operations and emergency procedures.  Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including a culturally diverse public, with a focus on quality service to internal and external customers.

Lifeguards must work 750 hours in order to progress to the next salary step. Lifeguards earn additional pay for actual teaching hours worked.

Conditions of Employment

New Lifeguards must successfully complete the District’s Lifeguard Academy prior to lifeguarding.  Lifeguards are required to wear uniforms and may be required to work unusual hours, weekends, and holidays.  The individuals chosen for hire must be able to pass a medical examination, fingerprint background check and continuous skill audits.  Lifeguards must participate in a minimum of 16 hours of formal rescue skills training per season. Lifeguards will be limited to 900 hours of work each fiscal year (July 1 through June 30).  Lifeguards have limited representation by Local 2428, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO.

Vacancy Situation

The District expects to hire about 40 new Lifeguards for this summer season.  Lifeguards will be scheduled and assigned according to the District’s swim facility needs.  All District aquatic facilities are open water areas with the exception of Roberts Pool, Contra Loma, and Diablo Foothills. The aquatic facilities are listed below.

Selection Process

The application materials of all candidates will be reviewed by a screening panel to select the best qualified for testing. These candidates will be invited to participate in the swim/physical test. The new lifeguard candidate swim test will be in this order: a rescue board carry, a surface dive/retrieval of ten pound object, underwater swim to retrieve 3 dive rings, 200 yard breaststroke, and a 550 yard swim in a heated pool. The candidates will then review their application materials with a department representative.

The Human Resources Division will establish a hiring pool as a result of this selection process. Based on the swim/physical test and application materials, approximately the top 40 new lifeguard candidates will be hired provisionally and paid to attend the Lifeguard Academy. The District reserves the right to be the sole selector of the candidate’s suitability as determined by the exams named. Pursuant to the Federal Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, applicants who are hired will be required to provide proof of identity and appropriate work authorization documents prior to employment.

2010 Lifeguard Academy

New Lifeguard candidates are required to participate in the Lifeguard Academy. Upon successful completion of the Lifeguard Academy, continued employment as a Lifeguard will be conditional based on District need. The following American Red Cross certificates will be awarded upon passing the provisional hire status: CPR/AED for Lifeguards, Lifeguarding/Waterfront/First Aid, Administering Emergency Oxygen, and First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22).

ACADEMY DATES:  May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23; from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and 2 additional training days to be completed by June 13 at an assigned facility.

Swim Facility Locations

All facilities operate depending on weather, water level, water quality, staffing availability and visitation.  For specific lifeguard service dates, please refer to the “Swimming” section of the District’s website at www.ebparks.org.

Lake Anza, Tilden Park, Berkeley
Contra Loma, Antioch
Cull Canyon, Castro Valley
Diablo Foothill, Walnut Creek
Don Castro, Hayward
Del Valle, East Beach, Livermore
Del Valle, West Beach, Livermore
Quarry Lakes, Fremont
Roberts Pool, Oakland
Shadow Cliffs, Pleasanton
Lake Temescal, Oakland

How to Apply

Interested applicants may download application materials below. Application materials may also be requested via the website or by calling Human Resources at (510) 544-2154, or can also be picked up from EBRPD Administrative Offices, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA, 94605. The completed materials must arrive in the Human Resources Division before 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Postmarks or faxed applications are not acceptable.

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: March 19, 2009, 5:00 p.m. (Late applications may be considered).

Application materials for this position consist of two required parts:

1. Click here to download a current District Application form, and

2. Click here to download a New Lifeguard Supplemental Application form

Special Assignment Interest

If you are interested in working at Roberts Pool or Contra Loma, it is highly recommended that you complete a Swim Lesson Instructor Interest form.  In order to be considered for work as a Junior Lifeguard Instructor, you must complete the Junior Lifeguard Instructor Interest form.

 

Application packets for the position advertised above may be obtained by completing the form below and clicking on the "Submit Form" button. Expect applications to arrive at the address provided within 2-3 business days.

Application Packet Request Form

Please send an application package to:

Your Name:
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Thank you for your interest.

 

East Bay Regional Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).