Head Lifeguard

The primary purpose of this position is to provide onsite supervision of the aquatic activities and programming by performing lifeguard duties, providing aquatic related training, and assisting in the operations of a community pool. 

Under the direct supervision of the Aquatics Supervisor, but works independently on their daily duties and responsibilities. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides onsite supervision for the aquatics program including swim lessons, aquatic classes, open swims, rentals, and of other lifeguards on staff
• Responds to emergencies in an aquatic facility, performing water rescues, first aid, CPR, AED use, and evacuations
• Enforces water safety rules and other policies, standards, and regulations related to health and safety in an aquatic facility  
• Sets up and makes available aquatic sporting equipment such as nets, balls, floatation devices or other toys
• Maintains aquatic and lifesaving equipment
• Assists in the training and certification of staff, assists with community training programs for lifeguards, CPR/AED and First Aid, Water Safety Instructor, and other specialized training needs
• Assists with monitoring and managing proper pool chemical balances, reports facility maintenance needs
• Assists in the planning, organization, and execution of aquatic programming and other special events 
• Performs some administrative functions such as collecting and processing user fees, data entry and management, and preparing reports
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

• Safety measures and protocols to ensure the well-being of participants when using aquatic facilities
• Aquatic facility needs including pool filtration, pool chemicals, and general understanding of pool mechanical systems
• Proper cash handling and collection of fees
• Data entry and reporting

Skills:

• Operating a personal computer using standard software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and customized parks and recreation software
• Providing first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding 
• Enforcing rules in a professional and respectful manner 
• Providing customer service 
• Basic math for cash handling and transactions
• Working with youth and adults in educational or recreational settings
• Providing training and instruction to various groups and different ages

Ability to:

• Recognize and maintain confidential information 
• Respond to emergency situations in a calm, swift, and decisive manner 
• Direct the work of others, provide leadership, and promote teamwork
• Read, understand, and apply policies and procedures or legal requirements related to aquatic programming and facilities 
• Communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
• Understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures and instructions
• Prepare accurate and reliable reports 
• Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines or situations
• Quickly learn and put to use newly acquired skills and knowledge

• HS Diploma or GED; and
• Current certification as a Lifeguard or Lifeguard Instructor, or has held certification within last two years; and
• Current certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED or First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor; or has held certification within last two years; and
• Two years of experience as a lifeguard or swimming instructor; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS OR EXPECTATIONS

• Background check, successfully completed before hire
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire: 
  1. Certification as a Lifeguard
  2. Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED
  3. Certification as a Pool Operator 
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire, a certificate of completion of Alaska Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training 
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 180 days of hire:
  1. Certification as a First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor
  2. Certification as a Lifeguard Instructor 
  3. Certification as a Water Safety Instructor® (WSI™)
• Will be expected to handle pool chemicals in a proper manner with personal protective equipment 
• Experience in recreation in small and rural communities in Alaska or Pacific Northwest preferred
• Will be expected to work evenings and weekends 

May be expected to do some travel outside of Sitka

Working Conditions: 

• Works in an indoor aquatic facility about 80% 
• Works in a general office environment about 20%
• Will be exposed to wet surfaces, warm and humid conditions, noisy and crowded areas, and odors from pool chemicals

Specific Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to stand and walk on a tiled deck surface for several hours throughout the day
• Regularly operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination using a computer and keyboard
• Bending, climbing, stooping, reaching and twisting to set up aquatic equipment
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up 50 pounds with or without the assistance of proper equipment
• Must be able to meet specific physical requirements for certifications and licenses set forth above in the “Other Job Requirements or Expectations” 

General Physical Requirements:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate effectively 
• Sufficient vision and powers of observation which permits the employee to perform assigned tasks, follow safety signage at a facility, and observe and act upon potential safety hazards
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to prepare handwritten work and effectively utilize computers 
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to function in an aquatic facility and general office environment