Head LIfeguard

Penn State University•University Park, IL

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Head Lifeguards help ensure the safety of members and guests through patron surveillance and preventive lifeguarding. They also act as shift supervisors, uphold department expectations, and may perform all duties and responsibilities of a lifeguard or head lifeguard. The role works at Penn State’s University Park Campus, at the White Building or McCoy Natatorium, indoors or outdoors. Head Lifeguards maintain American Red Cross lifeguarding skills and follow Penn State Campus Recreation policies and procedures. They help lead skills during in-services and trainings, and help maintain a clean, safe aquatics center by performing and assigning light cleaning and other tasks to the lifeguard team. The position requires respectful management of disagreements, positive rapport with patrons, punctuality or arranging appropriate shift coverage, calmness in stressful or emergency situations, regular communication with supervisors, and the ability to interact with diverse groups. Head Lifeguards are expected to use sound independent judgment, demonstrate integrity, participate in trainings and meetings, be receptive to development and feedback, balance commitments, recognize limitations, and contribute to the Penn State Campus Recreation team. Head Lifeguards must obtain and maintain American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification and complete Penn State University Bloodborne Pathogens training, as well as required criminal and FBI background checks before their first shift. The schedule is variable and includes mornings, evenings, weekends, and some required holiday hours. Work is limited to 24 hours per week during the academic year (20 hours for international students) and 40 hours per week during breaks.

Requirements

Obtain and maintain American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification.
Complete Penn State University Bloodborne Pathogens training.
Complete required criminal and FBI background checks before the first shift, including PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
Accommodate a variable schedule that includes mornings, evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
Demonstrate the ability to interact with diverse groups, use independent judgment, and maintain a strong sense of integrity.
Work calmly in stressful and emergency situations and communicate regularly with the supervisory team.

Responsibilities

Ensure the safety of members and guests through patron surveillance and preventive lifeguarding.
Act as shift supervisor and hold themselves and lifeguards to department expectations.
Perform lifeguard and head lifeguard duties as needed.
Maintain lifeguarding skills in accordance with American Red Cross standards and Penn State Campus Recreation policies and procedures.
Help lead lifeguarding skills during in-services and trainings.
Help maintain a clean and safe aquatics center by performing and assigning light cleaning and other needed tasks.
Respectfully manage disagreements and model positive rapport with patrons, including in online communities.
Arrive on time for assigned shifts or secure appropriate coverage.
Remain calm in stressful and emergency situations.
Communicate regularly and frequently with the supervisory team.
Attend and participate in employee-group and department-wide trainings and meetings.
Give and receive feedback, balance time commitments, recognize limitations, and contribute to the Penn State Campus Recreation team.