Lifeguard

Job Details: Job Location: Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex - Oak Park, IL, Position Type: Part Time Non IMRF, Education Level: High School, Salary Range: $15.75 - $15.75Hourly, Job Shift: Mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, Job Category: Non-Union, Overview:

The Lifeguard is a Part-Time year-round position. We offer competitive compensation, PTO and an employee discount for part-time employees.

Job Purpose:
The Lifeguard ensures the safety of patrons of an aquatic facility by preventing and responding to emergencies while maintaining an inviting, positive, and safe environment. The Lifeguard effectively communicates and enforces Park District rules, regulations, and policies to the public.

Essential Functions:

Assist in preparing pools for daily opening and closing.
Supervise pool(s) during operational hours and prevent accidents through managing patrons successfully and enforcing Park District rules.
Scan swimmers for distress signs; cover assigned zones systematically, and to respond according to the 10/20 rule of protection. Provide emergency care by using a rescue tube and other equipment to effect a safe rescue, follow facility emergency action protocols, and provide follow-up care.
Participate in all required training session and safety audits. Maintain complete awareness training drills.
Keep skills at a proficient and test ready level by attending 4 hours of lifeguard training per month.
Understand, follow and enforce all Park District rules. Provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive public image by addressing questions and concerns from staff, patrons, participants, and parents immediately. Contact and ask for assistance from supervisor or other Park District staff when necessary.
Become familiar with patrons; know their names, personalities, skills and interests.
Complete basic facility maintenance and routine cleaning.
Report maintenance needs to supervisor; follow-up on status with supervisor and/or maintenance supervisor.
Identify and observe equipment daily for possible maintenance needs and adjustments.
Complete all paperwork, reports, and checklists as needed.
Assist in conducting regular safety inspections of the pools.
Maintain a complete understanding of Park District emergency action plans and assists in the execution of the plan when required. Assist with emergency procedures and building evacuation.
Communicate hygiene and other Public Health issues to the public.
Manage and report any hazards around the facility.
Assist in the management of operational closing for weather, emergency, or other unsafe situations.
Return all equipment to its proper place as specified by Park District.
Wear a PDOP staff shirt and identification during all work hours.

Additional Functions:

Occasionally assist with events and programs.
Attend staff meetings and training programs as specified.
Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor or other Park District administrative personnel.

Knowledge, Skill, and Work Experience required:

Must be at least 16 years of age or older. 
Must be able to swim 100 yards without stopping, retrieve a 10 pound brick from 12ft. deep, and tread water without using your hands & arms for 1 minute. Previous lifeguard experience is preferred but not required.
Graduation from high school is desired but not required.
Previous lifeguarding experience desired by not required.
Must be able to swim proficiently and pass a swim test.
Lifeguard certification will be provided by Park District staff.
Knowledge and experience in the day-to-day operations of a park district and/or pool desirable.
Must have the ability to solve problems as they arise and be able to perform tasks without supervision.
Must be highly motivated and able to assume a positive and active role in the park, even while working under potentially stressful conditions (hot or cold weather, upset or injured participants, etc.).
Must have the ability to be firm with participants when necessary, enforce park district rules, and make sound decisions in order to secure the safety and well-being of all park visitors, facilities, and equipment.
Certification in advanced Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 1 month of employment and keep certification current. The District provides this training.

Work Environment, Physical Demands and Considerations:

Frequent swimming, walking, running, jumping, standing, reaching, bending, yelling.
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
Will be exposed to inclement weather including heat, humidity, cold, rain, snow, ice and wind.
Ability to work independently without supervision.
Ability to present ideas and recommendations in a concise manner.
Ability to understand and carry out verbal and/or written instructions efficiently and effectively and to read and understand printed material.
Ability to operate assigned equipment.
Ability to effectively interact and communicate well with others.
Ability to interpret and explain division and District policies and procedures.
Ability to follow safety guidelines and exercise judgment in all aspects of responsibility.
Ability to resolve conflict safely, calmly and effectively.

Customers:

Internal: Employees of Park District
External: Patrons of Park District of Oak Park; residents of Oak Park, WSSRA, Partner Organizations including governmental and non-profit groups, and the Oak Park Business Community

Hours: 

Fall and Winter (September-February): Tuesdays 5:45-7:45P, Wednesdays 5:45-7:45P, and Sundays 8:15A-1:30P

Summer (May-September): This position is expected to work from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hours very but candidates can expect to work 30-40 hours per week, mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Candidates are expected to work weekdays, weekends and holidays.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, functions, activities or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Park District of Oak Park is an equal opportunity employer!Qualifications: