Lead Lifeguard

Lead Lifeguard

Salary

$21.64 - $26.31 Hourly

Location

Santa Maria, CA

Job Type

Part-Time

Job Number

FY 27-00164

Department

Recreation and Parks

Division

Rec & Parks - Paul Nelson Pool

Opening Date

09/23/2026

Closing Date

10/8/2026 8:00 AM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits

OPPORTUNITY

Closing Date: 10/08/2026 8:00 AM

Please see the SELECTION PROCESS below for required attachment(s) to the electronic application. Applicants will not be able to "submit" the application without first electronically attaching the required documents.

If you have further job-related questions, please contact (805) 925-0951 ext. 2354.

Under general direction of assigned supervisor, performs duties and responsibilities related to the building and leading of a lifeguard team and is responsible for day-to-day oversight of programs, activities and staff at either the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center or one of the high school pools.

The Lead Lifeguard position is an Individual Contributor role that provides pool patron safety, leadership and staff training. Their role enables the Santa Maria residents to learn about safety around water and to enjoy a healthy, safe and pleasant environment to participate in recreational activities.

NOTE: This is a Part-time (32 hours per week) job class and is benefit eligible.

WHO WE ARE:

The City of Santa Maria is a full-service city with a Council/Manager form of government with over 700 employees and serves approximately 108,000 constituents. The City is located on the beautiful central coast of California and covers over 23 square miles. The community is a harmonious balance of coastal and agricultural lands while promoting business. Santa Maria has been recognized nationally as an All-America City by the National Civic League and offers reasonably priced housing, community festivals, quality schools, cultural arts, a local airport, wineries, and higher education institutions and is near locally accessible beaches.

WHAT WE DO:

The Lead Lifeguard position will work in the Recreation Division at one of three aquatic facility locations. The locations are the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, Pioneer Valley High School pool, and Santa Maria High School pool. Candidates must have certification in American Red Cross lifeguarding, CPR for the professional rescuer, and Title 22. The incumbent will be involved in safeguarding aquatics patrons and providing day-to-day leadership of other aquatic staff as needed.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate will be reliable, courteous, energetic and a team player; motivated self-starter, who works well independently and takes initiative; communicates effectively with a wide range of people and motivates fellow employees; demonstrate an ability to provide exemplary customer service and perform other duties as assigned in a professional manner while presenting a positive public image; and has at least one year of experience serving in a lead or supervisory role, preferably in an aquatics or recreation setting.

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS:

• Application
• Cover letter highlighting experience and explaining interest in position.
• Resume

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION:

Lead Lifeguard - Senior Lifeguard

DUTIES

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. This position:

• Monitors, supervises and directs the day-to-day activities at the facilities and the actions of Lifeguarding staff;
• Assists with recruiting, interviewing and hiring aquatic personnel and written evaluations of staff; responsible for staff meetings, trainings and in-service training; assists with the disciplinary process of aquatic staff.
• Reports any problems, issues or circumstances that transpire at their assigned location; prepares written incident/accident reports.
• Safeguards swimmers and patrons and enforces pool safety rules and regulations while lifeguarding.
• Assists swim instructors in teaching swimming lessons as needed.
• Assists with general facility maintenance.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ideally, two years of lifeguarding experience; and

• One year of college or university work in recreation, physical education or related field.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

• Must be at least 18 years of age, in good health, and possess appropriate physical strength to perform duties as a lifeguard.

• Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:

• Lifeguarding, first aid, public safety, and role of the professional rescuer.

• Rules and regulations of an aquatic facility.

• Effective lifesaving techniques, CPR, first aid.

• Accident prevention and accident management.

• Intervention and conflict resolution strategies.

• Legal duty to perform.

• Special issues associated with conducting activities for citizens possessing a wide variety of physical and mental abilities.

• Team building techniques and supervision of lifeguards.

• Health and safety regulations.

• Current standards for lifeguarding facilities.

• Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

• Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).

• Use computer and other office equipment effectively.

• Required licenses and/or certifications associated with the assignment, such as:

• American Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, AED, Title 22, and Bloodborne Pathogens.

• Possession of a current (less than two years old) Tuberculosis clearance.

• The American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor/Instructor Trainer, American Red Cross Title 22 Instructor/Instructor Trainer and American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor/Instructor Trainer are desired.

Individual Contributor:

Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance (click the hyper link to see the full definition Individual Contributor Competencies):

• Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.
• Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.
• Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.
• Communicativeness - Effective performers recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange and the competitive advantage it brings. They actively seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways. They use modern technologies to access and circulate information, even across great distances. They take responsibility for ensuring that their people have the current and accurate information needed for success.
• Initiative - Effective performers are proactive and take action without being prompted. They do not wait to be told what to do or when to do it. They see a need, take responsibility, and act on it. They make things happen.
• Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation.
• Functional/Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.
• Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.
• Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.

SELECTION PROCESS

Application Ranking:

Application, including resume and cover letter will be evaluated and scored. Candidates final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their complete application packet upon meeting the employment standards of the position.

Departmental selection interviews with the hiring department will be scheduled once the Eligibility List has been established.

Prior to a formal offer of employment, applicants must pass a thorough background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.

If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.

The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/human-resources/salary-group-agreements.

Retirement

The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.

Health Insurance

Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). There are three Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage

All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Employee Assistance Program

The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.

Wellness Program

Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The Citys Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work.

Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.

Mentorship Program

This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants leadership skills and promote professional growth.

Succession Planning

The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.

Deferred Compensation

Employees may participate in the Citys 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.

The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).

Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)

Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.

Holidays

The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employees discretion.

Personal Leave

Each part-time employee will be eligible to accrue, on a pro-rated basis personal leave on an annual basis, 128 hours.

Management Leave

Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.

Educational Incentive Program

In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.

Tuition Reimbursement

Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your

bargaining unit.

Bilingual Pay

Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his/her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Employer City of Santa Maria

Address 110 East Cook Street, Room 1

Santa Maria, California, 93454

Phone 805-925-0951 ext. 2203

Website http://www.cityofsantamaria.org