Head Lifeguard

Under the supervision of the Aquatics Supervisor, the Head Lifeguard is responsible for overseeing lifeguard staff, ensuring patron safety, maintaining high facility standards, and supporting the daily operations of the aquatic facility. This position combines supervisory, operational, and lifeguarding responsibilities to ensure a safe, clean, and well-managed aquatic environment.

Detailed information regarding the County’s benefits package and retirement offerings may be found here: Benefits

To learn more about Citrus County: Citrus County Government and Official Guide to Crystal River and Citrus County, Florida

The schedule for this full-time position varies and will include nights, weekends, and holidays, and is located at the Bicentennial Pool, Crystal River, Florida.

Patron Safety

• Maintains constant vigilance over pool patrons and lifeguard assignments to ensure safety.
• Performs water rescues, provides first aid, and administers CPR when necessary.
• Enforces all safety rules, facility policies and procedures for both patrons and staff as outlined by the Division of Parks and Recreation.
• Monitors weather and water conditions; takes appropriate actions when hazards are identified.

Supervision & Staff Management

• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates lifeguard staff; assigns duties and provides guidance as needed.
• Conducts and coordinates in-service training to ensure staff are up to date on emergency response procedures and safety protocols.
• Collaborates with Aquatics Supervisor to prepare lifeguards schedules, ensuring adequate coverage and compliance with Child Labor Laws.
• Acts as the point of contact between the Aquatics Supervisor and lifeguarding staff, facilitating clear and consistent communication.

Operations & Maintenance

• Opens, closes, and secures the aquatic facility following established procedures.
• Ensures the pool and surrounding areas are clean, safe, and well-maintained always.
• Conducts regular safety checks of the facility and equipment; promptly reports and addresses any hazards or issues.
• Monitors and adjusts pool chemistry. levels; maintains proper records to ensure safe and balanced water quality.
• Assists with the ordering and inventory of supplies and equipment, according to departmental procedures.
• Drives and/or operates a county vehicle or equipment and must obey all safety policies, and roadway rules and laws.
• Performs other related duties as required

Emergency Response & Safey Leadership

• Responds immediately to emergency situations and leads the implementation of the facility’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
• Ensure that all lifeguards are trained and prepared to respond to emergencies effectively and efficiently.
• Recognizes and mitigates potentially hazardous situations before they escalate.

Customer Service & Communication

• Maintains a professional demeanor and provides excellent customer service to all patrons.
• Addresses and resolves patron concerns and complaints with diplomacy and efficiency.
• Communicates effectively with patrons, staff, and supervisors to maintain smooth operations and a positive facility environment.

Administrative & Reporting

• Maintains accurate and timely records, including water chemistry logs, safety inspections, incident/ accident reports, and daily reports.
• Submit reports to the Aquatics Supervisor and other departments as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned to support the overall operation and safety of the aquatic facility.

Education, Training, and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• 18 years of age at time of appointment.
• Five (5) years’ experience as lifeguard.
• Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience supervising and training of employees.

Certificates, Licenses, Prerequisites

• Valid Florida Driver License or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida.
• Successful completion of Level II Background screening is required. This screening is through The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse:  https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
• Successful completion of a swim test to ensure swimming abilities and rescue technique proficiency is required.
• Must have and maintain the following certifications:
  • Lifeguard, First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for the Professional Rescuer, Water Safety Instructor, and Lifeguard Instructor
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain the following certifications within 90 days of employment:
  • Aqua Fitness Instructor, Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification. 
• Must have or be able to obtain within 90 days certification in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses:
  • IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)
  • IS-200.b: ICS for Single Resources & Initial Action Incidents
  • IS-700.b: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
  • IS-800.c: National Response Framework, an Introduction

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Knowledge of pool operations, safety protocols, and emergency response procedures.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to remain calm and clear-headed in high-pressure emergency situations to ensure effective decision-making and swift, appropriate response.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to maintain courteous and effective relations with County staff, elected officials, community interest groups and the public.
• Strong working knowledge of computers and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Requires a combination of sitting, standing, and walking.
• The job involves frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• The job requires frequent bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, balancing, and occasional jumping, throwing, twisting, and reaching above shoulders.
• The job requires the completion of tasks that involve simple grasping. pushing, pulling, fine manual manipulation, typing, operating foot controls/levers, driving automotive equipment.
• The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, depth perception and color vision, hearing, and speaking.
• The job may risk exposure to adverse weather, fumes and gases, electrical hazards, and extreme noise.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

• All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. Emergency response duties may also include driving and/or operating a county vehicle or equipment and employees must obey all safety policies, and roadway rules and laws.

PLEASE REVIEW THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ON POSTING AND COMMUNICATE HOW YOU MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION/RESUME. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED. Applications will be carefully reviewed to assess qualifications. Selected applicants will be interviewed to determine who will be hired for the job. The kind and length of related work experience, training and education shown on the application/resume will be an important consideration in the screening process. Relevant experience that is not gained through work experience should be explained in the additional information section of the application.

Must successfully pass a criminal background check, pre-employment physical examination, and drug screen. Drug screens will be in accordance with the Drug Free Workplace Act and/or the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991.

Citrus County, Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. 

Citrus County, Florida Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected trait.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the Citrus County, Florida Board of County Commissioners in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.

Pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes or the “Public Records Law,” applications, resumes and personnel records are subject to public inspections. Details regarding the “Public Records Law”/ “The Sunshine Law” / Florida Statutes and the statutory exemptions are available on websites such as the Florida Office of the Attorney General, Florida Senate and Florida Legislature. Additionally, Citrus County Board of County Commissioners Public Information section is located on our website.