Summer 2026 - Lifeguard

NOW HIRING:

Lifeguard

MUST BE 16 YEARS OF AGE

The Lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the safety of patrons, including accident prevention in the water and on the surrounding areas, and the rescue and care of accident victims.

INCENTIVES: Part-time employees receive 25% off general programs with the exception of PDNA, contracted, trips, and private lessons. In order to encourage a healthy lifestyle for our staff members, the Park District provides all staff with the opportunity to use our fitness facilities at the Community Pavilion and the Racquet, Fitness, and Gymnastics Center free of charge.

ABOUT US: The Oak Lawn Park District, incorporated in 1944, has a long and proud history of serving the recreational needs of our 56,000 residents with a myriad of recreational programs and services. We operate under the state tax cap as a municipal corporation, meaning we are our own taxing body. Overseen by a Board of five elected officials, the District manages a combination of 34 parks and facilities which cover over 280 acres. In addition, we manage a Special Recreation Cooperative that offers recreational programs and services to individuals with disabilities in 9 municipalities.

*The Oak Lawn Park District is an equal opportunity employer. Equal access to programs, services, and employment is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring accommodations to the application and/or interview process should contact a representative of the Personnel Department.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard certification or the ability to obtain.
• Must have American Red Cross CPR for the professional rescuer certification or ability to obtain.
• Possess the ability to swim 500 yards continuously, tread water for two minutes, and the ability to retrieve a 10-lb brick from the bottom of the deep well.
• Ability to relate to staff and patrons in a positive manner that represents our agency.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere, promoting positive work relationships with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to maintain self-control and composure in difficult situations.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:
• Aquatics Manager

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Present oneself in a professional manner at all times.
• Adhere to the 10/20 Scanning Rule and lifeguard skills.
• Recognize and respond quickly and effectively to all emergency situations in the water and surrounding areas.
• Administer any first aid needed by a victim of an accident.
• To enforce and abide by all aquatic facility rules, policies, and regulations of the Oak Lawn Park district to ensure the safety of the patrons.
• Inspect the facility on a daily schedule and report any unsafe conditions or equipment to the supervisor.
• Educate patrons and inform them of the purpose and need for rules and regulations.
• Complete records and reports.
• Attend all staff meetings and in-service training sessions.
• Be reliable and punctual in full uniform - Oak lawn issued suit, whistle, sunglasses, pack with functional seal-easy and gloves, and have sunscreen applied prior to beginning shift.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
• Be reliable and punctual in full uniform - Oak lawn issued suit, whistle, sunglasses, pack with functional seal-easy and gloves, and have sunscreen applied prior to beginning shift.
• Attend mandatory annual and weekly In-Service Training and meetings.
• Make sure all safety equipment is in good working order.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned by the supervisor to ensure the facility is clean and safe for the patrons and staff.
• Vacuum the pool.
• Responsible for Oak Lawn Park District equipment and ensuring it is available for programs and patrons.
• Perform all job tasks within the rules and guidelines of the District's safety programs.
• Participate in community activities and work the July 4th event.
• Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor, as deemed necessary and appropriate under your position.

PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS:
• Must be able to work in a climate of high heat and high humidity.
• Must be able to work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• To be able to sub or work longer shifts when necessary.
• Maintain fitness level and exercise good personal habits.
• Must be able to stay focused and attentive for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift with assistance victims out of the pool.
• Must be able to stand and sit for long periods of time.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS:
• Ability to maintain self-control and composure in difficult situations.
• Ability to work a varied schedule as required.
• Ability to work with staff and patrons in a relaxed and friendly manner.
• Capacity to be self-motivated and achieve goals with minimal supervision or direction.
• Capacity to proactively troubleshoot, problem solve, and make sound judgments with respect to confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively with fellow staff and the public both verbally and in writing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
• Worker performs activities outdoors. Outdoor environmental conditions will include weather, insects, sun, and temperature.
• Inside the Lifeguard is exposed to high humidity and 86 degrees Fahrenheit temperature.
• Worker must be able to work indoors and outdoors on occasion in weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, and rain).

COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONS:
• Employee must have the ability to follow and give directions.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Employee must possess time management and organization skills to perform their job effectively.
• Employee must have the ability to make judgments with respect to the confidentiality of information and problem-solving.
• Employee must use good safety awareness and judgment in all aspects of this position.