Senior Lifeguard

Opportunity

Closing Date: 09/08/2026 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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 Senior 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 Senior 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

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.

Selection Process

Application Ranking: Application, including resume and cover letter will be evaluated and scored. Candidate's 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io.