Lifeguards & Swim Instructors

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Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department:

Salary will be based on qualifications.

Closing Date:

Until Filled

Job Details:

This is is entry level work responsible for maintaining water safety at the City's aquatic facilities by observing swimmers and taking appropriate action as necessary. Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the swimming pool under the supervision of the designated Supervisor.
Positions allocated to this class report to a designated supervisor and works under close supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its lifeguard responsibilities of a temporary nature.

Job Description:

SUMMARY

This is temporary, responsible work maintaining water safety at the City’s aquatic facilities by observing swimmers and taking appropriate action as necessary.  Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the swimming pool under the supervision of the designated Supervisor.

Positions allocated to this class report to a designated supervisor and works under close supervision.  Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its lifeguarding responsibilities of a temporary nature.

EXAMPLES OF WORK*

* This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job.  Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Maintains alertness at all times while observing patrons in and around the facility.

Enforces all rules, regulations and procedures governing the City of Gainesville’s aquatic facilities, including compliance with health, safety and building codes; enforces by informing general public participants.

Rescues swimmers in distress; administers first aid to the injured; administers Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), if necessary; calls for emergency assistance, when needed.

Reports all incidents and accidents to the designated Supervisor and completes an accident report.

Monitors activities, special events and programs at pool facilities and assists as needed.  Acts as the City’s representative during rentals of pool facilities by outside agencies.

Answers telephone and provides public with pertinent information about facility operations and deals with inquiries or complaints from the public in a diplomatic and respectful manner.

Performs general janitorial and attendant work including, but not limited to set-up before events and activities, clean-up after events and activities, cleaning the pool and deck area, bathroom floors and fixtures, concessions areas , store room and office area daily.  Checks these areas during each break and spot cleans, as necessary.

Responsible for monitoring and for the minor maintenance of equipment, materials and facilities; reports any damaged and unsafe equipment or required maintenance or materials such as cleaning supplies to the designated Supervisor.

Moves and lifts heavy equipment, tables, chairs, and other objects to prepare for and clean up after events and programs.

Collects entrance or equipment rental fees and money for food and beverages from customers; makes correct change and issues receipts.

Prevents unauthorized persons from entering the facility.

Checks chemical status of pool several times daily and adds chemicals when needed in absence of the designated Supervisor.

Attends 4 hours of in-service training per month as scheduled by the designated Supervisor.

Assists swim instructors in teaching Red Cross swimming and water safety courses as assigned by the designated Supervisor.

Informs the designated Supervisor of any problems or changes in regard to the general operation of the facility.

Responsible for the care of the children/adults at the facility they are assigned to.

Attends work on continuous and regular basis.

Assists the designated Supervisor in any phase of the pool’s operation not outlined above.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

May lock and unlock facilities and notify appropriate authorities in event of an emergency.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Must be at least 16 years of age at time of appointment and possess an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification or equivalent.  Prior lifeguarding experience is preferred.

Physical capability to pass the pre-employment American Red Cross Lifeguard swim test is required.

Ability to pass Children and Family Services background check upon hire and as requested.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

None.

Certifications

American Red Cross (or equivalent) Lifeguard certification is required upon hire.

American Red Cross certification as a Water Safety Instructor or equivalent is preferred. 

American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Adult, Infant and Child Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid is required upon hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Basic knowledge of the principals and methods of water safety.

Basic knowledge of State Public Swimming Pool codes and related Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Basic knowledge of the methods of handling, receipting and maintaining records of money received, including equipment used in processing cash.

Basic knowledge of methods, materials and equipment used in pool maintenance, pool filtration systems (sand) and pool water chemistry.

Ability to communicate effectively with persons of varying ages and abilities, both orally and in writing.

Ability to provide individual and group skilled instruction in varied aquatic activities.

Ability to effectively work with and to secure the confidence and cooperation of participants, the general public, and other employees in aquatic activities.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires the ability to climb stairs and ladders to the height of 35 feet.

Work requires the ability to use respiratory protection equipment, including self-contained breathing units.

Must be able to swim down to a depth of 16 feet.

Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions, including the ability to lift, carry, push or pull 50 pounds without assistance.

Specific vision abilities include normal color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, distance vision and close vision.

Must conform to grooming and dress codes (uniforms furnished).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work requires the ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals, including but not limited to: water treatment, gasoline, motor oil, household cleaning and maintenance chemicals.

While performing the duties of this Job, work will require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.

May be required to work outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays. 

Days off are at the discretion of the designated Supervisor.

Physical capability to pass the pre-employment American Red Cross Lifeguard swim test is required.

Note: 

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. Not only do we offer traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.

If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at [email protected] or by calling 352-334-5077.