Head Lifeguard

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is looking for someone to join our Schweitzer Wellbeing Center team as a Head Lifeguard in Pullman, WA. This position is essential to the safe and efficient operation of our aquatic facilities. The Head Lifeguard serves as a resource for staff, helps maintain compliance with safety procedures, and assists in fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all participants. The ideal candidate is a strong role model who demonstrates sound judgment, accountability, and a commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our community.

Please note: The Schweitzer Wellbeing Center is currently closed for a major remodel and is scheduled to reopen in January 2027. Individuals hired for this position will begin training in December 2026, with regular work responsibilities starting in January 2027.

A typical day as a Head Lifeguard might include: 

• During assigned shifts, oversee the daily operations of aquatic programming for the Schweitzer Wellbeing Center
• Regularly perform lifeguard duties
• While on shift, lead aquatics team in efficient workflow, ensuring the safety of patrons. Set the standard for professional lifeguarding, both on and off stand, and during patron/staff interactions
• Provide high quality customer service to patrons including responding to membership inquiries and needs, and effectively managing customer complaints
• Maintain records and reports concerning aquatic program memberships, payment collection, and safety
• Support aquatics leadership to facilitate regular training for aquatics staff
• Provide mentorship and supervision to aquatics staff to build lifeguarding and swim instruction skill competency
• Assist with pool operations and facility maintenance as needed
• Follow and enforce safety standards, policies and procedures

This job might be for you if you have: 

• 1-year proven experience lifeguarding
• 1-year proven instructing swim and/or water fitness
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
• Current American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED for the Professional Rescuer Certification
• Demonstrated skills in leadership, customer service, problem-solving, organizational skills, communication, computer knowledge, and file maintenance
• Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment

It is a plus if you have:

• Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certificate, or equivalent certified documentation. (or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire date)
• Have knowledge of or ability to learn basic swimming pool and facility maintenance.
• Familiarity with computers and various software.
• Current Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification (or ability to obtain within 1 month of hire date)

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to talk or hear
• Move or lift up to 50lbs frequently, and occasionally lift or move a higher amount
• Sit and/or stand for up to 8 hours
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, kneel, and/or twist
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Frequently works in and around chlorinated water
• Ability to swim, move and train in the pool

Pay Range Data
We anticipate filling both Lifeguard and Head Lifeguard positions. Lifeguards generally start at $20.00/hour. Head Lifeguards generally start at $21.00/hour.

Communication with Applicants 

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at [email protected].

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.