Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard)

Commander, Navy Installations Command•Great Lakes, IL

About The Position

This position is assigned to the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Fitness, Sports, and Deployed Support Branch within Fleet Readiness, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), at MWR Great Lakes, Illinois. The incumbent safeguards people in the assigned pool or waterfront area and assists with aquatic training, education, and general installation support. Pool and/or waterfront lifeguard duties account for approximately 60% of the position. The incumbent supervises patrons and aquatic activities, monitors conditions and hazards, enforces safety rules, performs rescues and emergency first aid, conducts and records pool chemical tests, and documents relevant water, weather, and marine-life conditions. Waterfront duties may also include marking swim and surf areas and operating rescue vehicles. General duties account for approximately 40% of the position. These include administering aquatic assessments and certifications, providing equipment orientations, checking patron identification and collecting fees when applicable, coordinating with activity, security, and medical personnel during emergencies, maintaining and inspecting facilities and safety equipment, enforcing MWR policies, preparing incident reports, and working with cleaning agents, pool chemicals, and other hazardous or biohazardous materials. The position requires current lifeguard, CPR, first aid/AED, and bloodborne-pathogen certifications, as well as background checks, a valid state driver's license, and physical agility and swim testing. The employee must be able to work varied schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Salary depends on experience and/or education.

Requirements

Pass applicable records and background checks, including a National Agency Check with Written Inquiries (NACI) upon hiring and renewal every five years.
Successfully pass E-Verify employment verification; resolve any discrepancies as a condition of employment.
Have or be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license.
Be able to work varied schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Be able to work with hazardous and biohazardous materials.
Pass initial and recurrent physical agility tests.
Possess and maintain Lifeguard Training Certification; CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Providers; First Aid certification including Automated External Defibrillator certification; and Blood Borne Pathogens certification.
Know pool and waterfront safety rules.
For waterfront assignments, know the beach environment, marine life, and beach and water hazards.
Know DoD, DON, and CNIC policies and procedures governing aquatic assessment testing and certifications.
Know applicable MWR policies and procedures for aquatic facilities and waterfront operations.
Know cash-handling procedures.
Be able to identify hazards and hazardous situations and recognize a patron's need for assistance promptly.
Be able to provide water-safety and facility-rule instruction tactfully but firmly and enforce rules and regulations.
Be able to conduct routine facility and pool-area safety inspections to ensure environmental health standards are met.
Know how to conduct pool chemical testing, document results, and adjust chemical imbalances as directed.
Be skilled or proficient in surf lifesaving techniques and radio communications for safe, efficient rescue operations.
Be able to exercise control over a large group of people and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
For waterfront assignments, complete an ocean run-swim-run event consisting of a 1/4-mile run, 500-meter swim, and 1/4-mile run.
For waterfront assignments, complete a 500-meter swim in less than 10 minutes in a controlled environment.
For access to CNRMA installations beginning May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification.

Responsibilities

Supervise swimmers and patrons and monitor pool or waterfront activities.
Observe assigned areas for hazards and unsafe water, chemical, weather, or environmental conditions; remove hazardous materials when necessary.
Perform water rescues, CPR, and emergency first aid, and call for medical assistance as needed.
Conduct and document pool chemical tests; notify the Certified Pool Operator or supervisor of imbalances and adjust chemicals as directed.
Document marine life, water, and weather conditions; mark swim and surf areas with a flag system for waterfront assignments.
Operate rescue vehicles, including personal watercraft, patrol boats, and automobiles, as needed for waterfront assignments.
Administer aquatic assessment testing and certification in accordance with DoD, DON, and CNIC policy.
Provide introductory equipment orientations as needed.
Check identification cards for authorized patrons and collect usage fees when applicable.
Act as the primary liaison among the activity, security, medical departments, and Aquatics Coordinator during emergencies.
Perform cleaning and routine facility-maintenance duties as assigned.
Inspect stands, boards, ropes, safety gear, and dressing rooms for required condition and environmental health standards; report deficiencies to a supervisor.
Use and maintain emergency equipment, including specialized kits, backboards, suction devices, splints, stretchers, and monitoring equipment.
Enforce MWR policies and procedures for aquatic facilities and waterfront operations.
Prepare accident and incident reports and notify management of emergencies immediately.
Work with hazardous and biohazardous materials, including cleaning agents, pool chemicals, and blood.

Benefits

Competitive pay
Free trainings, certifications, and professional development opportunities
Flexible hours
Advancement opportunities
Eligible for overtime
Free fitness center membership
Onsite childcare options with reduced rates
Tax-free shopping at the Navy Exchange
Employee Assistance Program with complimentary access to health, financial, social, and legal services
Access to American Forces Travel discounts
Access to on-base entertainment and events
Access to recreation centers with reduced rates for movies, bowling, party and picnic gear rental, and golf
Federal employee benefits package, subject to position eligibility