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Open Water Lifeguard I/II (Part Time)

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Open Water Lifeguard I/II (Part Time)

Salary

$22.73 - $32.50 Hourly

Location

Carlsbad, CA

Job Type

Part-Time Hourly

Job Number

01152026

Department

Fire

Opening Date

01/15/2026

Closing Date

2/16/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

The Position

Carlsbad – The Community: The City of Carlsbad is ideally situated in north San Diego County where a great climate, beautiful beaches and lagoons, and abundant natural open space combine with world-class resorts, family attractions, well planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a charming village atmosphere to create the ideal California experience. Covering nearly 40 square miles, the City of Carlsbad is currently home to about 115,000 residents. The city sets the standard for high-quality local government services and is home to corporate headquarters in technology, life sciences and action sports, supported by a thriving tourism market and nearly 40 percent preserved open space. Thanks to an award-winning growth management plan, the city's infrastructure and services keep pace with development and promote an excellent quality of life.

You belong in Carlsbad: The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

The City of Carlsbad Lifeguard Program is part of the Carlsbad Fire Department’s Marine Safety Division, established in 2017, and covering the “North Beach” area alongside state-managed beaches. Our mission is to ensure public safety and provide education on beach and ocean safety.

Led by the Special Operations Division Chief and Paramedic Lifeguard Lieutenants, the program offers advanced life support on the beach and multiple rescue resources. Additionally, we provide unique career pathways: lifeguards who are EMTs have opportunities to work both as lifeguards and on the ambulance, either part-time or full-time. Similarly, our firefighter Paramedics can pick up lifeguard shifts, allowing for cross-training and a diverse range of experiences within the department.

The Position: Under general supervision, monitors assigned beach areas from a fixed station or by vehicle patrol to protect life, prevent accidents, and educate the public on beach regulations. Performs preventive public safety actions, provides emergency medical treatment, assists with maintenance of facilities and equipment, and completes technical tasks related to the assigned area. This is a temporary, hourly, extra-help position without leave or medical benefits. Work hours are not guaranteed and may vary daily based on beach attendance and operational needs.

*Minimum availability 3 shifts per month between May 1st and Sept. 1st

A practical swim test is required:

+ ***Applicants must apply before the application closing date to participate in the swim test***

+ DATE: Saturday, March 7th

+ Swim Test: 600M ocean swim in less than 10 mins unaided by any propulsion/flotation device.

Bring the following to the test:

+ Swimwear (goggles/cap are optional)

+ Towel

+ Water

+ Valid driver’s license- Required for HR check-in process

+ *Fins and/or wetsuits are not permitted*

Key Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES – Examples of duties performed by employees in this class may not include all required duties, nor are all listed tasks necessarily performed by everyone in this class.

Open Water Lifeguard I:

In the interest of public safety, safeguards an assigned area of the beach, and/or ocean; performs preventative actions such as giving safety warnings and monitoring for safety hazards; maintains beach observation towers; performs safety interventions and effects rescues in surf, open ocean, river/streams, harbor and boating areas and roadways; issue safety advisories and warnings to general public; educate public on safety issues related to beach and ocean environments; responds to requests for information from the general public; prepares reports and statistical data of daily activities; administers first aid and CPR when necessary; enforces rules and regulations pertaining to the beaches; participates in drills and training courses; operate and maintain lifeguarding and rescue equipment, vehicles and watercraft; check oxygen tanks, first aid kits and rescue tubes; perform preventive maintenance and repairs; utilizes proper resources to ensure personal and public safety, and performs other related duties as assigned. Advancement on the salary schedule is contingent upon successful performance and attaining and maintaining all required certifications/licenses.

Open Water Lifeguard II:

In addition to the above, assist in planning, organizing, implementing, and controlling day-to-day lifeguard services; assess ocean conditions and determine staffing levels and tower closures as appropriate; serve as tower dispatcher by dispatching and leading a group of seasonal lifeguards engaged in lifesaving activities; request resources as needed for rescues, medical aids, enforcement action, and public service via radio; communicate and coordinate with other Public Safety resources including responding fire departments, law enforcement, adjacent lifeguard agencies, and State Parks; operate the lifeguard vehicle safely and per policy in crowded beach environments; inspects equipment vehicles for serviceability and make appropriate contacts for replacement resources; oversees removal of hazards and debris from beaches and ocean; implement beach closures per policy; advise the general public of laws, rules, regulations, and safety practices governing beach use.

Advancement to the II level is based on appropriate experience, training, certifications, and demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is solely at the discretion of the Department Director and the organizational needs of the department. The number of Lifeguard II positions will be limited by operational needs, acquisition of qualifications does not necessitate advancement.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

+ Basic operations, services and activities of a professional beach lifeguard service

+ Principles and practices of beach lifeguarding and water safety

+ Beach and ocean environments

+ Methods and techniques of first aid and CPR

+ Appropriate safety precautions and procedures within the area of assignment

+ Operational characteristics of various beach lifeguarding and emergency rescue equipment, communication equipment, and vehicles

+ Basic command structures

+ Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations

+ Advanced first aid techniques

+ Approved lifesaving methods for water safety and rescue of swimmers

+ Public relations principles

Ability to:

+ Swim with endurance and proficiency at a level necessary to perform assigned duties

+ Perform beach lifeguarding duties

+ Perform emergency water rescues

+ Respond to emergency situations

+ Recognize and respond appropriately to safety hazards

+ Maintain composure in emergency situations

+ Administer first aid and CPR as necessary

+ Operate and maintain lifeguard and emergency rescue equipment in an efficient manner

+ Enforce applicable beach rules and regulations

+ Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public

+ Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

+ Understand and carry out oral and written instructions

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

+ Immediately evaluate an emergency situation and act decisively and effectively in response to the situation

+ Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to prescribed methods

+ Handle monetary transactions

+ Safely operate an emergency rescue vehicle (beach)

+ Jump from piers, jetties, and moving vessels

Experience & Education

License/Certificates:

+ Current Driver's License

+ Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate from one of the following options:

+ American Red Cross - Basic Life Support (BLS)

+ American Red Cross - CPR for the Professional Rescuer & Health Care Provider

+ American Heart Association - Basic Life Support (BLS)

+ American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) Basic Life Support (BLS

+ CA State Parks CPR/AED certificate

+ Medical Certification from one of the following options:

+ American Red Cross- Emergency Medical Response

+ American Health Safety Institute-Emergency Medical Response.

+ EMT-B, Paramedic, or other advanced licensure will be accepted in place of EMR.

+ CA State Parks Public Safety First Aid

+ United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Introduction to Open Water Certificate

+ Or a certificate from an accredited lifeguard agency.

Training:

+ Graduation from an approved United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Academy- Introduction to Open Water Lifeguarding Academy

+ Or training from an equivalent training organization, such as California State Parks

Open Water Lifeguard I:

+ One year of experience, required.

Open Water Lifeguard II: All the following, in addition to the ones listed above

+ Three+ seasons working at the equivalent of an Open Water Lifeguard I with one season at the City of Carlsbad preferred

+ Certified Emergency Medical Technician (Basic or Paramedic) in the State of California

Completion of the following are conditions of employment for all City of Carlsbad Open Water Lifeguards and must be completed prior to their start date:

+ Swim Test (additional information above)

+ Physical

+ Livescan

+ TB Test

The physical, Livescan, and TB test must be completed at a pre-approved facility and will be paid for by the City of Carlsbad.

*Attach all required certificates to your application, failure to do so may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.*

Environmental Conditions:

Incumbents are required to work at a public beach and in ocean water and are exposed to inclement weather conditions often with insufficient protection from the sun; moving mechanical parts, cold, heat, electrical hazards, dusts, blood, bodily fluids, contaminated water, extreme temperatures for prolonged time periods, intense noise, workspace restrictions, aggressive and/or noncompliant members of the public and potentially violent situations.

Physical Conditions:

+ Maintaining physical condition necessary for swimming, diving, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, crawling, repetitive motions, sitting, kneeling, bending, running, walking and standing for prolonged periods of time; speaking and hearing to exchange information; visual acuity to assess a variety of situations and respond to those situations; read and interpret information

+ Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays

+ APPLE Savings Plan

+ Employee Assistance Program: EAP (https://cityweb.carlsbadca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=24027)

+ 40 hours of sick leave per fiscal year (July 1- June 30)

+ Eligible to use after the first 90 days of work

Part time positions do not have benefits, and cannot exceed 980 hours in a fiscal year (July 1- June 30).

01

Initial in the box below that you acknowledge "see application" and "see resume" are not valid responses to the questions below.

02

Do you possess a San Diego Beach Lifeguard Academy Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Completion from a lifeguard academy that is USLA approved? If "Yes", a copy of the certificate must be attached to your application. If you fail to attach your certificate, your application will not be considered.

+ Yes

+ No

03

Please indicate all (if any) certifications/licenses you possess (ensure they are attached to your application): Attach all certificates to your application, failure to do so may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.

+ USLA- Introduction to Open Water Lifeguarding Academy

+ San Diego Beach Lifeguard Academy Certificate

+ Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

+ Emergency Medical Response (EMR)

+ California "Class C" Driver License (or the ability to get one prior to appointment)

+ CPR for the Professional Rescuer

+ None of the above

04

How many years of professional lifeguarding experience do you have (pool or ocean)?

+ No Experience or less than 1 year

+ 1 year

+ 2 years

+ 3 to 5 years

+ 5 to 7 years

+ 7 to 10 years

+ 10 or more

05

Are you currently an open water lifeguard for another agency, or have you been an open water lifeguard within the last 12 months? (This is not a disqualifying question)

+ Yes

+ No

06

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the agencies you worked for and the dates of employment below. If you answered "No" please write "N/A." Answers of "see resume" or "see application" will not be considered.

07

Do you currently possess a valid Drivers License?

+ Yes

+ No

08

Are you currently a certified paramedic in San Diego County?

+ Yes

+ No

09

Do you have experience operating personal watercraft?

+ Yes

+ No

10

If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list your experience, level of proficiency, type of water craft, and approximate dates of use below. If you answered "No" please write "N/A."

Required Question

Employer

Carlsbad, City of (CA)

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