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Lead Lifeguard

Salary

$18.20 - $22.12 Hourly

Location

91942, CA

Job Type

Temporary Part-Time

Job Number

25-48

Department

Parks and Recreation Department

Opening Date

11/20/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Position Summary

Please note: A salary increase for this classification is under review and will be approved pending City Council approval.

Do you have a passion for aquatic activities and serving your community? Are you seeking an opportunity to contribute to a team focused on delivering fun activities, learning experiences, and a safe environment for the community? If this describes you, then the City of La Mesa Department of Parks and Recreation wants you to apply for the position of Lead Lifeguard.

This is an at-will position and requires availability to work shifts beginning at 5:30 a.m., some weekends and/or holidays, and occasional split shifts. The Lead Lifeguard may work 20-30 hours per week (not to exceed 950 hours per fiscal year - July 1 to June 30). The pool is closed for maintenance between Thanksgiving and January 1st of each year.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

To act as a lead lifeguard at the City's pool; to assist in assignment and functional supervision of subordinate staff; to lead, assist, and participate in conducting recreational activities in connection with the programs of an aquatic facility; to observe and supervise the activities of patrons in the pool and surrounding area; to prepare lesson plans and instruct students in swimming and water safety activities; to protect life, prevent accidents and enforce pool regulations; to rescue swimmers in emergency situations and administer first aid; and to assist in the maintenance of facilities and equipment.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives supervision from supervisory recreational personnel.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

+ Instruct and lead the work of subordinate lifeguards; assist in the evaluation of subordinate staff.

+ Lead and participate in the implementation of aquatics programs.

+ Help train and instruct new and less experienced employees in proper work methods, tools, equipment and safety precautions; provide technical assistance to staff.

+ Perform primary or secondary lifeguard duties during pool hours and at all events, including swimming instruction; observe and supervise activities of swimmers in the pool and the surrounding area; enforce applicable pool rules and regulations; ensure safety of pool areas.

+ Inspect facilities for safe operation and compliance with various City, state and other government codes.

+ Rescue persons in distress or in danger of drowning; provide emergency response as necessary including providing first aid and CPR.

+ Participate in facilities clean-up and maintenance; remove and replace pool covers; test and monitor water chemistry and temperature; adjust as appropriate; monitor operation of pumps, filters and other equipment.

+ Respond to questions and inquiries from the public regarding pool regulations, use of facilities and various aquatic programs offered; respond to patron complaints.

+ Open and close pool and related facilities.

+ Register the public for swim classes; maintain a variety of records and reports.

+ Supervise collection of pool fees, make bank deposits, help with the collection and accounting of daily cash receipts; complete cash reports; and other office work as assigned.

+ Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.

+ Communicate with Recreation Supervisor on a daily basis regarding issues with staff, rental groups or lessons; communicate customer comments, facility issues, policy changes or other important information as appropriate to Recreation Supervisor; report any pool closures to Recreation Supervisor immediately after the occurrence; report any pump room or mechanical problems to the Recreation Supervisor upon discovery.

+ Provide and collect feedback regarding aquatics programming and facility policies.

+ Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience Guidelines

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in lifeguard services, water safety or a related field.

Experience:

At least two (2) seasons of performing increasingly responsible lifeguarding experience at a municipal pool facility or equivalent setting.

Of those two (2) seasons, at least one (1) season of water safety or swimming instruction experience.

Lead/supervisory experience is desirable.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a current Water Safety Instructor’s Certificate.

Possession of a current “CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer” Certificate or equivalent.

Possession of a current First Aid Certificate.

Possession of a current Lifeguard Certificate.

Possession of a current “First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22)” Certificate within six (6) months of hire.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

+ Principles and practices of swimming, lifeguarding and water safety.

+ Basic principles and techniques involved in teaching swimming at all levels.

+ Methods and techniques of first aid and CPR.

+ Principles of supervision and training.

+ Basic operations, services and activities of a public swimming facility including water chemistry and maintenance functions.

+ Principles and practices of public relations.

+ Appropriate safety precautions and procedures within the area of assignment.

+ Pertinent federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations.

+ Cash collection, record-keeping and reporting.

+ Computer equipment and software applications related to assignment.

Skills and Abilities to:

+ Maintain good physical fitness and agility; swim with proficiency and endurance.

+ Assist in training and supervising the activities of lifeguard staff.

+ Interpret and explain aquatics program policies and procedures.

+ Analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective course of action.

+ Perform lifeguarding duties including water rescues.

+ Enforce applicable rules and regulations of the City pool.

+ Provide proper instruction in swimming and water safety.

+ Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.

+ Respond to emergency situations and administer first aid and CPR as necessary.

+ Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

+ Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

+ Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

+ Prepare clear and concise reports.

+ Work various schedules including weekends, evenings, holidays and occasional split shifts as required by the work assignment.

+ Operate computer equipment and software applications related to the assignment.

+ Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Incumbents are required to work at a public pool and are exposed to inclement weather conditions, potentially hazardous chemicals, harsh or toxic substances and vapors; work in water; incumbents may be required to wear protective apparel including goggles, face protector, gloves, coveralls, boots and respiratory protective equipment; incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids rendering first aid and CPR; incumbents may be required to work early morning, weekend and evening shifts.

Physical: Incumbents require sufficient mobility for sitting, standing, walking, stooping, reaching, bending, climbing and swimming; moderate to heavy lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read small print and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Examination Process

This position is open until the needs of the City are met, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire. Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the examination process which may consist of a performance test and an appraisal interview. The performance test would include lifeguarding skills such as rescues, strokes, and CPR. Submission of an application does not guarantee participation in the testing process. Eligible candidates will be notified when testing dates have been established.

NOTE: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment medical evaluation, including drug screen, and a background investigation.

As a general rule, temporary part-time employees do not earn any fringe benefits with the City of La Mesa. However, they are covered under workers' compensation and Social Security inlcuding Medicare and are eligiblie for 40 hours of sick leave after 90 days of employment and 30 days of work.

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process. Resumes in lieu of this questionnaire will not be accepted. Please be as descriptive as possible in your responses. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Are you currently or have you ever been a member of CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System)?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Do you have at least two (2) seasons of experience performing increasingly responsible lifeguarding at a municipal pool facility or equivalent setting?

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you possess a current Water Safety Instructor's Certificate?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Do you possess a current "CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer" Certificate or equivalent?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Do you possess a current Lifeguard Training Certificate?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Do you possess a current "First Aid for Public Safety (Title 22)" Certificate or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire?

+ Yes

+ No

08

Describe your experience related to supervising, training, motivating and evaluating staff.

09

This position requires a flexible work schedule, including shifts starting at 5:30 a.m. or closing shifts until 8:00 p.m., weekends and/or holidays, and occasional split shifts. Are you available to work this type of schedule?

+ Yes

+ No

10

What is your current availability?

11

Pursuant to California Public Resources Code 5164, indicate if you have ever had a violation or attempted violation of any of the penal codes listed below:

+ Penal Code 220: Assault with intent to commit mayhem, rape, sodomy, oral copulation, rape in concert with another, lascivious acts upon a child, or penetration of genitals or anus with foreign object.

+ Penal Code 261.5: Unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under age 18.

+ Penal Code 262: Rape of spouse.

+ Penal Code 266: Inveiglement of enticement of unmarried person under 18 for purposes of prostitution; aiding and abetting, procuring a person for illegal intercourse by false pretenses.

+ Penal Code 266h(b): Pimping a minor.

+ Penal Code 266i: Pandering a minor.

+ Penal Code 266j: Procurement of child under age 16 for lewd or lascivious acts.

+ Penal Code 267: Abduction of person under 18 for purposes of prostitution.

+ Penal Code 269: Aggravated sexual assault of a child.

+ Penal Code 272: Causing, encouraging or contributing to the delinquency of persons under 18 years.

+ Penal Code 273a: Willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment of the child; endangering life or health.

+ Penal Code 273d: Corporal punishment or injury of a child.

+ Penal Code 288: Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.

+ Penal Code 288.2: Harmful matter sent with intent of seduction of minor (Felony Only).

+ Penal Code 288.5: Continuous sexual abuse of a child.

+ Penal Code 311.1: Sent or brought into state for sale or distribution; possessing, preparing, publishing, producing, developing, duplicating, or printing within state; matter depicting sexual conduct by a minor.

+ Penal Code 311.2: Sending, receiving, printing, exhibiting, distribution materials depicting sexual conduct by a minor.

+ Penal Code 311.3: Depicting by film, photograph, videotape, etc., sexual conduct by a person under 14.

+ Penal Code 311.4: Employment of a minor to perform prohibited acts.

+ Penal Code 311.10: Advertising for sale or distribution materials depicting a person under age 18 engaging in or simulating sexual conduct.

+ Penal Code 311.11: Possession or control of material depicting a person under 14 engaging in or simulating sexual conduct.

+ Penal Code 314: Lewd or obscene conduct, indecent exposure, obscene exhibition.

+ Penal Code 647a: Engaging in or lewd or dissolute conduct in a public place or in any place open to the public.

+ Penal Code 647d: Loitering in or about a public toilet for the purpose of engaging in or soliciting a lewd or lascivious or unlawful act.

+ Penal Code 647.6: Annoying or molesting a child under 18.

12

APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL): The City of La Mesa Human Resources Division uses e-mail to notify our applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. Therefore, as an applicant, you are hereby advised of the following: 1. Ensure that the e-mail address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share e-mail addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our e-mails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mail notifications, i.e., for the non-delivery of e-mail or if you fail to check your e-mail inbox on a timely basis, etc. 2. Carefully read any notices that we send in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep a hard copy of our notices for your records. I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of La Mesa

Address

8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California, 91942

Phone

619-667-1175

Website

https://www.cityoflamesa.gov/

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