Head Lifeguard

Gunnison, City of•Community Center, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Gunnison Community Center is seeking a Head Lifeguard to help lead its Aquatics team. The Head Lifeguard maintains a safe and welcoming environment for swimmers, mentors and supports lifeguards, assists with facility operations, swim lessons, and special events, and sets a strong example for customer service and safety. The position is responsible for watching over the public swimming facility, enforcing regulations, preventing accidents, assisting swimmers in distress, and providing emergency and routine first aid. It also assists the Aquatics Manager with aquatic programs and facility upkeep, including preventative maintenance in the pump room and throughout the aquatics center. The Head Lifeguard performs lifeguarding duties in the aquatics center for as much as 32 hours per week and may also work as a swim instructor, trainer, coach, chemical tester, or custodian as needed. Duties include opening, mid-day, or closing responsibilities, attending monthly in-service trainings and skill assessments, and planning and administering in-service training. The position works under the general supervision of the Aquatics Manager and provides no direct supervision.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalence.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, or ability to obtain it within 30 days of being hired.
Certified Pool Operator (CPO) license, or ability to obtain it within 90 days of being hired.
First Aid and CPR/AED certifications.
Strong organizational skills and ability to conduct multiple tasks concurrently.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with employees, instructors, volunteers, community service workers, coworkers, community members, and the public.
Ability to work cooperatively with children, adults, senior citizens, and diverse community groups.
Customer service and public relations skills, including ability to resolve or diffuse concerns and complaints.
Knowledge of and ability to perform basic calculations.
Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations and distinguish life-threatening from non-life-threatening emergencies.
Ability to perform American Red Cross lifeguarding procedures.
English-language comprehension and communication skills, orally and in writing, appropriate to the position.
Arrive on time and maintain attire and appearance consistent with Gunnison Aquatics Center guidelines.
Complete a criminal history background check.
Demonstrated computer literacy and experience with word processing, spreadsheets, and data file management.
Ability to meet the position's physical demands, including frequent lifting and carrying of items up to 50 pounds and, as needed, swimming, running, jumping, climbing stairs, crawling, bending, and reaching.

Nice To Haves

Two years of lifeguarding experience.
Red Cross certification in water safety instruction (WSI), lifeguard training instruction (LGI), and first aid and CPR instruction.
Understanding of water chemistry, chlorination, pool mechanical systems, preventative maintenance, and risk management in an aquatic setting.

Responsibilities

Assist the Aquatics Manager with planning, organizing, implementing, and administering aquatic programs, including swim lessons, stroke clinics, and diving lessons, as well as Community Center events.
Maintain watch over patrons in assigned areas, assist patrons in distress, and lifeguard in the aquatics center as needed, potentially up to 32 hours per week.
Enforce rules and regulations in and around the pool, pool deck, locker rooms, programs, and facilities.
Complete daily operational forms, including chemical testing, cleaning checklists, slide inspections, and maintenance records; report unsafe conditions to the Aquatics Manager.
Administer first aid as necessary, perform regular safety checks, and keep first aid supplies stocked.
Implement and monitor the pool chemical control program in accordance with state operations and safety guidelines and standards.
Maintain facility cleanliness and perform general maintenance, including removing trash and cleaning areas throughout the aquatics center.
Perform lifeguarding, swim instruction, training, coaching, chemical testing, and custodial duties as needed.
Perform assigned opening, mid-day, or closing shift duties.
Attend monthly in-service trainings, planned or random skill tests, and in-pool assessments; plan and administer in-service trainings.
Follow Red Cross lifeguard and swim instructor training standards and communicate with the organization regarding classes, certifications, and materials.
Update the aquatics center's weekly “what’s happening” page.
Communicate with participants and the public, address concerns, and work with the Aquatics Manager to find solutions.
Work with Recreation Staff in the Parks and Recreation office to build effective working relationships with lifeguards and their supervisors.
Provide courteous, professional service and set an example of positive customer service and professionalism.
Anticipate and meet the needs of the community, facility users, and aquatic staff; perform related duties as required.