OCEAN LIFEGUARD II (Full-Time)

City of Imperial Beach • Imperial Beach, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ocean Lifeguard II is a Regular Full-Time employment opportunity. This role involves coordinating and supervising lifeguard and ocean operations, handling special projects and administrative tasks, guarding the City's beach to protect life, prevent accidents, and enforce City ordinances. The position also includes performing aquatic and medical rescues, and other related duties. New hires will start at Step 1 ($27.41 per hour), with potential for annual 5% step increases up to $36.73 per hour, contingent upon satisfactory performance. The salary does not reflect a 2% cost of living increase scheduled for July 1, 2026. Recruitment is continuous until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received and may close without prior notice.

Requirements

• High school graduation or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Minimum of one (1) year full-time-equivalent progressively responsible experience as an ocean lifeguard in water safety involving rescue, first aid, and lifesaving techniques for people using an ocean water, or any combination of training and/or experience that could likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities.
• Possession of the following certificates will be required at time of application: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) American Red Cross for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Providers or American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers.
• Possession of the following certificates will be required at time of application: San Diego County Emergency Medical Technician I.
• Possession of the following certificates will be required at time of application: SCUBA - PADI Open Water Diver or NAUI Scuba Diver.
• Possession of the following certificates will be required at time of application: Miramar College Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operations.
• Possession of or ability to obtain, prior to employment, a valid Class "C" California driver's license with a safe, satisfactory driving record and able to maintain through the course of employment.
• Applicants must successfully complete the following processes prior to starting employment: Interview Process.
• Applicants must successfully complete the following processes prior to starting employment: Live Scan.
• Applicants must successfully complete the following processes prior to starting employment: Pre-employment Physical Examination Including a Drug Screen.
• Applicants must successfully complete the following processes prior to starting employment: Professional Reference Check.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of the following FEMA online courses and certificates are highly desirable at the time of application, if not available at the time of the application, the courses must be completed and obtain certifications six (6) months after appointment to the position: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), online Independent Study Program – IS 100, IS 200, IS 700, and IS 800.
• Within one (1) year after hire, employees must satisfactorily complete the course and obtain certification in: Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) - PC832 course on powers and procedures of arrest.
• Within one (1) year after hire, employees must satisfactorily complete the course and obtain certification in: Swift Water Rescue Technician I.
• Within one (1) year after hire, employees must satisfactorily complete the course and obtain certification in: San Diego Regional Training Center - Supervisory Academy.

Responsibilities

• Plan, assign and supervise the daily activities of subordinate lifeguards within the Marine Safety Department.
• Handle special administrative projects as assigned.
• Oversee all major beach and ocean related rescue operations until relieved by a supervisor.
• Inspect and supervise the maintenance of safety equipment, facilities, and supplies within the Marine Safety Department.
• Recommend and assure all lifeguarding services and administrative policies and procedures are instituted as methods of operation.
• Review and evaluate equipment and material needs.
• Review the work of and evaluate the performance of subordinates.
• Coordinate and lead training on lifesaving and emergency medical techniques, procedures, and drills.
• Coordinate lifeguard services with the activities of other governmental and public safety agencies.
• Maintain discipline of all Ocean Lifeguard I's; write, review and maintain necessary records, reports, logs and performance reviews.
• Perform the full range of duties of a lifeguard.
• Perform rescues and administer medical aid as needed.
• Patrol and take preventative actions and safety interventions.
• Operate specialized lifesaving equipment.
• Enforce and issue citations for City municipal codes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May be assigned to support, instruct, or coordinate the Junior Lifeguard Program.
• Perform the duties of subordinate lifeguard personnel as needed.
• Represent the Marine Safety Department at various lifesaving, medical aid, and water safety programs.
• Interpret and explain applicable codes, ordinances, regulation, policies and procedures to the public.
• Testify in court regarding matters of enforcement and litigation.
• May represent the Marine Safety Department as a media spokesperson with consultation of the Marine Safety Chief.
• Observe activities in assigned area on foot, in vehicle, or from tower or headquarters building with binoculars to detect hazardous conditions, such as swimmers in distress, disturbances, or safety infractions.
• Caution people against use of unsafe beach areas or illegal conduct, such as drinking.
• Present professional appearance and attitude at all times, and maintains a high standard of customer service.
• May lead tours, or provide public education on the total scope of lifeguarding and related areas.
• Attend classes, conferences, and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the lifesaving field.
• Coordinate activities with other supervisors of other City departments and exchange information with officers in other public safety agencies.

Benefits

• Annual 5% step increase until reaching the top step of $36.73 per hour, contingent upon satisfactory performance.
• 2% cost of living increase that will take effect on July 1, 2026.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED