Lifeguard Lead

SJSU Research Foundation

2d • $23 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a responsible, proactive, and team-oriented lead lifeguard to support daily operations at our indoor warm-water pool serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, and adapted populations. This role ensures a safe, inclusive, and welcoming aquatic environment while leading and supporting the lifeguard team. Duties include supervising and assisting lifeguards, performing lifeguard duties on deck, and helping facilitate training and certification sessions. Under the direction of the program and operations director, the lead lifeguard supports the Timpany Center’s mission, policies, and programs while providing hands-on leadership, contributing to daily operations, and promoting a safe and supportive pool environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (minimum)
• Lifeguard certification (American Red Cross Preferred) required
• Lifeguard Instructor Certification preferred at time of hire; required within 6 months of employment
• Previous lifeguard experience (2-3 years) demonstrating strong skills and knowledge of pool safety and rescue techniques.
• Experience in leadership or supervisory role within a lifeguard team or aquatic facility preferred.
• Experience conducting or assisting with training and certification sessions for lifeguards preferred.
• Experience working with diverse populations (older adults, individuals with disabilities).
• Knowledge and ability to evaluate water conditions to determine any potential dangers or hazards.
• Knowledge of on-site aquatic protocols, operational procedures, and safety policies.
• Swimming proficiency.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast paced environment with multiple tasks and deliverables.
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills: must be able to articulate, respond to, address, and resolve queries from all clients, internal and external, with tact and diplomacy.
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of the organization and with outside agents, interns, clients, and vendors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be available to work some evenings and weekend hours.
• Able to lift 45 pounds safely and stand for an extended period of time.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Maintain an appropriate level of fitness in order to competently perform all job-related tasks.
• Must be able to lift, maneuver, and manipulate members in the event of an emergency.
• The physical environment requires the employee to work inside in warm, wet conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Lifeguard Instructor Certification preferred at time of hire
• Experience in leadership or supervisory role within a lifeguard team or aquatic facility preferred.
• Experience conducting or assisting with training and certification sessions for lifeguards preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform lifeguard duties, monitoring pool activity to ensure patron safety, with particular attention to seniors and individuals with physical or cognitive challenges, and enforcing facility rules in a fair and respectful manner.
• Respond to emergencies and provide rescues, first aid, and CPR as required.
• Serve as the on-deck lead lifeguard, providing guidance and support to staff, assisting with scheduling and shift coverage, and filling in during absences or emergencies.
• Greet and assist members on the pool deck, including helping individuals enter and exit the pool and supporting the use of wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety of the aquatics facility and equipment.
• Support onboarding, training, and ongoing development of lifeguard staff, including participation in in-service trainings and certification maintenance.
• Serve as a friendly, knowledgeable point of contact while supporting adapted swim lessons, therapeutic sessions, and aquatic fitness classes, including setup and breakdown of equipment such as lane lines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).
• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.
• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.
• 14 paid federal & state holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.
• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.
• Employee discounts.
• Paid training and professional-development conferences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees