Head Lifeguard

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)•Pullman, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is hiring a Head Lifeguard for its Schweitzer Wellbeing Center in Pullman, Washington. The position supports the safe and efficient operation of aquatic facilities, serves as a resource for staff, helps maintain compliance with safety procedures, and contributes to a welcoming environment for participants. The center is closed for a major remodel and is scheduled to reopen in January 2027. Training for this position begins in December 2026, with regular work responsibilities starting in January 2027. During assigned shifts, the Head Lifeguard oversees daily aquatic programming, performs lifeguard duties, leads the aquatics team, and sets professional standards for lifeguarding and interactions with patrons and staff. The role also includes customer service, responding to membership questions and complaints, maintaining program and safety records, supporting staff training, mentoring and supervising aquatics staff, assisting with pool and facility maintenance, and enforcing safety standards and procedures.

Requirements

One year of proven lifeguarding experience.
One year of proven experience instructing swim and/or water fitness.
Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification.
Current American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED for the Professional Rescuer Certification.
Demonstrated leadership, customer service, problem-solving, organizational, communication, computer, and file-maintenance skills.
Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
Ability to swim, move, and train in the pool.
Ability to move or lift up to 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift or move more.
Ability to sit and/or stand for up to eight hours.
Ability to perform occasional climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, and/or twisting.
Specific vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Regularly talk or hear and frequently work in and around chlorinated water.

Nice To Haves

Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certificate or equivalent certified documentation, or ability to obtain it within three months of hire.
Knowledge of or ability to learn basic swimming-pool and facility maintenance.
Familiarity with computers and various software.
Current Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification, or ability to obtain it within one month of hire.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations of aquatic programming during assigned shifts.
Perform lifeguard duties regularly.
Lead the aquatics team in efficient workflow and ensure patron safety.
Set professional standards for lifeguarding and interactions with patrons and staff.
Provide high-quality customer service, respond to membership inquiries and needs, and manage customer complaints.
Maintain records and reports concerning aquatic program memberships, payment collection, and safety.
Support aquatics leadership in facilitating regular training for aquatics staff.
Mentor and supervise aquatics staff to build lifeguarding and swim-instruction competency.
Assist with pool operations and facility maintenance as needed.
Follow and enforce safety standards, policies, and procedures.