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Lifeguard (Temporary/Part-Time - Seasonal)

City of Downey (CA)

Downey, CA

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$18.90–$19.90 Per Hour
SKILLS
Background Investigation, CPR Certification, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Defibrillator, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, First Aid, Housekeeping/Cleaning, Infectious Diseases, Maintenance - Pool, On Call, Physical Demands, Record Keeping, Regulations, Reporting Skills, Secondary School, Swimming, Team Player, Testing
LOCATION
Downey, CA
POSTED
4 days ago
Salary: $18.90 - $19.90 Hourly
Location : Downey, CA
Job Type: Temporary/Part-Time
Job Number: 25-044
Department: Parks and Recreation
Opening Date: 01/20/2026

ABOUT THE POSITION
NOTE: This recruitment is open until the needs of the Department are met and may close without prior notice. Applications received by 05:30 p.m., February 13, 2026, will be reviewed to be considered for an interview at the City of Downey's Job Fair on March 7, 2026. Applications received after 05:30 p.m., February 13, 2026, will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted as needed.

Under general supervision, monitor the use of the swimming pool, observes swimmers and pool area from assigned station, responds to unsafe conditions or potential hazards, and enforces safety rules. This position is for the summer season only. Summer season is anticipated to be held June 5th - August 7th only.

Working Hours: Work hours are flexible for approximately 20 - 25 hours per week. Scheduled working hours may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call status.

The pool will be open five (5) days a week beginning June 15, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Pool closed on Saturday and Sunday.

The position requires availability to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Mandatory Training for all selected applicants will be held, June 8th - 12th.

Temporary/Part-time employment does not include City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system; however, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Temporary / Part-Time employment may not exceed 999 hours in a fiscal year from July 1st through June 30th.
Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.
  • Enforce facility regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Observes swimmers and pool area from assigned station.
  • Performs rescues in the pool area; and administers CPR and first aid as needed.
  • Administer first aid as needed.
  • Monitor activities in swimming areas to prevent accidents.
  • Perform routine swimming pool and aquatics equipment maintenance work on or around the swimming pool.
  • Maintain records and prepare accurate written reports and may assist cashier.
  • Performs appropriate rescues when necessary as well as First Aid when required

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: Junior class standing in High School or above required.*

*Must be at least 15 1/2 years of age. Applicants under 18 years of age will be required to provide a work permit by the date of hire.

Experience: Equivalent to one (1) year of experience as a pool or beach lifeguard.

Two (2) years in a Swim team and or water polo experience is equivalent to one (1) year experience.

Knowledge of: Swimming and lifesaving techniques, principles, and practices; first-aid principles and practices; methods, materials, and equipment involved in the maintenance and operation of swimming pools.

Ability to: Maintain accurate records; perform maintenance and cleaning of pool and other assigned areas; maintain and work safely with a variety of equipment and chemicals used in pool activities; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective relationship with those contacted in the course of work.

Certification:

The following current certifications are required:
  • American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Training/First Aid
The City of Downey offers a lifeguarding certification course in accordance to the Red Cross. If you are interested in enrolling, please log on to our website: Class will be held the week of April 6th.

NOTE: Applicants must provide copies of current certifications or provide documentation that he/she is currently enrolled in a Lifeguard Training Course when requested by the department. Failure to provide required documentation may result in disqualification from further consideration.

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: The majority of work is performed outdoors in a swimming pool. An incumbent sits, stands, walks and runs on slippery and uneven surfaces, kneels, crouches, twists, climbs ladders and inclines, swims, reaches, bends, crawls, and pushes, pulls, drags, grasps and lifts pool/community center equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, an incumbent physically must be able to react quickly to lifesaving emergencies and will perform strenuous physical activity requiring physical strength and endurance when performing water rescues. During the course of some rescue and first aid tasks, an incumbent may be exposed to blood, other bodily fluids/products, communicable diseases and other related health hazards. An incumbent will have exposure to pool water and pool chemicals, cleaning solvents and disinfectants and electrical and mechanical hazards. An incumbent must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of:

Part 1: Appraisal Examination (oral interview) weighted 100% will assess knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Part 2: Verification of all required certifications

Part 3: Written examination (Pass/Fail) will cover the areas of CPR/First Aid/AED and Lifeguarding. Those candidates, who successfully complete the written examination, will be invited to the Swim Performance Examination.

Part 4: Swim Performance Examination. This exam will include an evaluation and skills test of speed, endurance, and strength in the pool as well as effectively demonstrating how to perform a victim rescue of a passive or active drowning.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.
Temporary/Part-Time Appointments: Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandates CalPERS employer contributions. Therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner. Our values include Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.
01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
  • Junior or Senior in High School
  • Some College
  • Completed Degree

02

At the time of appointment, will you be at least 15 1/2 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No

03

Which of the following best describes your years of experience working as a pool or beach lifeguard (2 years swim/water polo = 1 year)?
  • None
  • None to six (6) months of experience.
  • Six (6) months to a year.
  • One (1) to two (2) years of experience.
  • Two (2) or more years of experience.

04

Do you have a current American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer?
  • Yes
  • No

05

Do you have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training/First Aid certificate?
  • Yes
  • No

06

Do you have High School Swim Team and/or Water Polo experience?
  • Yes
  • No

07

if "yes" to question #6, How many years of experience do you possess?
08

As stated on the job flyer, the pool will be open five (5) days a week beginning June 15, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For the following questions please indicate the time of day you are available to work each day for example: Monday - 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Occasionally Fridays will stay open until 10:00 p.m.If you are not available to work on a particular day please put "N/A."

09

Monday
10

Tuesday
11

Wednesday
12

Thursday
13

Friday
14

Is the availability indicated above valid from June 5, 2026 - August 7, 2026?
  • Yes
  • No

15

Mandatory staff training will be conducted June 8-12, 2026. Will you be available to attend this training?
  • Yes
  • No

16

Are you currently or have you ever been a member of the California Public Employee's Retirement System (CalPERS)?
  • Yes
  • No

17

If you answered "Yes", to question #16, please indicate what agency(s) you are/were employed with and include the dates (mm/dd/yr) of employment under CalPERS. If you answered "no", please indicate "N/A".
18

For candidates that pass the interview, two reference checks will be conducted. Professional references are those who have supervised you in a work or volunteer setting. If you do not have work/volunteer experience, some examples of references that could be used could be: coach, teacher, counselor, pastor/leader from a place of worship. Please retype the name and phone number of your first and second reference below.
Required Question

About the Company

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City of Downey (CA)