Water Safety Officer I - SR-15

County of Hawai`i•Island-wide, HI

39d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is to fill anticipated vacancies in 2026. The Water Safety Officer I attends training classes and receives instruction in the theories, techniques, methods, and procedures used in making ocean rescues and administering emergency life support measures under immediate supervision. The role performs ocean rescues and emergency lifesaving tasks, and performs other related duties as required. The eligible list may be used for Water Safety Officer I, full-time and part-time, permanent and temporary vacancies, as they arise during the life of the list for various beach parks across multiple districts. For part-time employment, wages will be prorated based on hours worked per week. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment. Special Working Conditions include an irregular work schedule, including shift, rotation, weekend, and/or holiday work, and exposure to hazardous conditions.

Requirements

Graduation from high school.
Possession of a valid State of Hawai'i Driver License (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver license at time of filing.
Prior to completion of probation, must possess: a current Hawai'i Fire Department Aquatics Competency Certificate (ACC)/United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Open Water Lifesaving Certificate, and a current First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Certificate, and a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider Certificate (CPR).
For assignment to the Rescue Water Craft (RWC) as a Crewperson (Grabber): In addition to the above license/certificate requirements, possession of a current Rescue watercraft Crewperson Certificate issued by the Hawai'i Fire Department.
Knowledge of principles and practices of modern lifesaving techniques, and equipment, techniques and methods of ocean rescue, emergency life support, and first aid/basic medical care application, ordinances and regulations governing park, beach, shoreline, and ocean usage; and ocean and shoreline conditions.
Ability to swim long distances and conduct water rescues, learn and administer first aid, medical care, and emergency life support, deal tactfully and effectively with the public, prepare concise, complete, and accurate reports; read and follow written instructions, make sound operational decisions, learn and master water safety methods, techniques, and use of lifesaving equipment, and maintain minimum swimming requirements in accordance with Hawai'i Fire Department Aquatics Competency Certificate (ACC)/Untied States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Open Water Lifesaving Certificate.
Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Nice To Haves

Emergency Medical Technician, Mobile Intensive Care Technician, or other nationally recognized certificates which are equivalent or higher than the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Certificate may be substituted for that certificate.

Responsibilities

Attends training classes to learn general principles of water safety work, methods, and techniques of ocean rescue and emergency life support, including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and application of first aid.
Keeps surfboard, field glasses, radio-communications unit, and other equipment in working order.
Logs estimated number of beach patrons.
Under direct supervision, may maintain surveillance from a lifeguard tower or patrol a given beach area, make ocean rescues, administer emergency life support measures and first aid, and advise patrons of local ordinances, rules, and regulations governing beach activities and conditions peculiar to different locales.
Under direct supervision, may write and submit reports describing rescues, accidents, and emergency measures taken.
Under direct supervision, may perform work as a Crew person (Grabber) on a Rescue Water Craft.
May participate in water safety education programs.

Benefits

Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours.
Vacation: Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
Sick Leave: Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
Training and Development: The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
County Tuition Reimbursement Program
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
Retirement Plan: The Employees’ Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan.
Deferred Compensation: Save additional money for retirement.
Flexible Spending Plan: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums.
Health Benefit Plans: The County of Hawai‘i offers a variety of health benefit plans for eligible employees.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Group Life Insurance: Free life insurance policy for active employees.
Credit Union Membership
Other Leaves: You may be eligible for other leaves, including Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Donor Leave, Victims Protection Leave, as well as leave for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, and Jury Duty.