Mid-day Lifeguard

Salary: $14.49 - $15.37 Hourly
Location : 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, IA
Job Type: Part Time or Temporary
Job Number: 26-PRA-02
Department: Parks and Recreation - Temporary & Part-time positions
Opening Date: 10/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MERIT
Residency Requirement?: No


Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.
General Information
The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting applications for Mid-day Lifeguards!

Preferred shifts include days between Monday - Friday and hours within 10:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

All Aquatic positions are directly accountable to the Aquatics Manager, Aquatics Coordinator, and/or designee, and adjunctly accountable to the Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks & Recreation.This posting is open until filled.

Please attach a copy of all American Red Cross Certifications that you currently hold to your application.

This posting is open until filled.
Examples of Essential Job Functions
Consistently enforce and educate patrons on all aquatic facility policies, rules, and regulations; recognize and respond quickly and effectively to all emergencies; perform surveillance and rescue techniques; administer first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or utilize AED in an emergency; inspect the facility and report any safety concerns or unsafe conditions or equipment; complete and submit required records and reports; perform routine cleaning and maintenance as assigned; participate in regular in-service training sessions; exercise regularly to maintain fitness level (swimming skills, strength and endurance); complete additional duties as assigned.
Successful candidates will need to successfully complete the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course. Which includes online and classroom course work with written exam, and in-water skills consisting of: swimming 300 yards continuously without stopping (not timed), tread water for 2 minutes, timed brick retrieval (in one minute and forty seconds - enter water, swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10-pound brick from the bottom of the pool, swim 20 yards on you back with the brick, exit the pool).
Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Qualifications
Education and Experience: Must be at least 15 years of age. Lifeguarding and/or swimming experience is recommended.

Licenses and Certifications: Current American Red Cross Deep Water Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid and AED training is required. Candidates not possessing these certificates may still apply; the city will provide certification course. Lifeguard Instructor Certification (LGI) may also be obtained after hire to qualified candidates.

Please upload a copy of all American Red Cross Certifications that you currently hold to your application.

Supplemental Information
Physical & Environmental Characteristics:

Frequently exposed to various weather conditions, including cold, heat, rain, and wind. Need to be able to remain alert and attentive for extended periods of time. May be exposed to deep water, slippery surfaces, and potential hazards. Must be able to run, swim, and lift objects up to 50 lbs. Aquatics staff must also be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations which may require strenuous physical activity and/or exertion. Indoor and outdoor sound may be moderately noisy. May be exposed to chemicals used for water treatment and maintenance.


Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, an interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.
E-Verify Process:

The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at:
NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.
The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
This classification is not eligible for benefits.
01


What general shift(s) do you prefer? (Select all that apply, including some days/times, but not all days/times.)

• Early mornings 5:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Monday through Fridays
• Mid-days 10:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Monday through Fridays
• Weekday evenings 4:30 p.m. - 9 :00 p.m.
• Saturdays
• Sundays

02


Please select all American Red Cross Certifications that you currently hold. Select all that apply.
Please upload a copy of all American Red Cross Certifications that you currently hold to your application.

• Lifeguard
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
• Lifeguard Instructor (LGI)
• Community First Aid/CPR/AED
• Professional First Aid/CPR/AED
• I do not hold any current American Red Cross Certifications, but able and willing to obtain for position(s).

03


I understand that I will need to successfully complete the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course. I understand in order to successfully complete this course I will need to complete an online and classroom course work with written exam, and complete in-water skills consisting of: swimming 300 yards continuously without stopping (not timed), tread water for 2 minutes, timed brick retrieval (in one minute and forty seconds - enter water, swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10-pound brick from the bottom of the pool, swim 20 yards on you back with the brick, exit the pool).

• I understand the requirements and am confident I can complete all lifeguard certification requirements.
• I am unable to complete requirements listed for lifeguard certification.

04


Are you a junior high or high school student?

• Yes
• No

05


If you are a junior high or high school, what is your anticipated high school graduation date? (month and year)
Required Question