Guard-in-Training (Part-Time; Year-Round)

Lifeguard I

Mountain Recreation provides a dynamic and engaging environment for both participants and staff—one that promotes skill development, movement, life skills, and fun! We're looking for enthusiastic applicants who excel in teamwork, demonstrate strong communication, and exemplify our core values in every interaction.

Mountain Recreation is seeking vigilant and qualified individuals to join our Aquatics team. The safety and well-being of our patrons are our top priorities, and we are looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about maintaining a safe and enjoyable aquatic environment.

Position details:

Job Title: Lifeguard I

Location: District-wide • Gypsum Recreation Center (Gypsum, CO), Gypsum Creek Pool (Gypsum, CO), Eagle Pool and Ice Rink (Eagle, CO)

Schedule: Part-Time; Year-Round

Work Environment: Work schedule is varied and may require evenings, weekends, and holidays. Hours vary depending upon specific program needs.

Duties may be performed indoors or outdoors; the work environment and physical demands described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent exposure to the sun, wet and/or humid conditions, or other outdoor weather conditions.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic, or caustic chemicals (such as chlorine).
• Exposure to moderate levels of noise.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100+ pounds.
• Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending, and standing for long durations.

The flow of work and character of duties require high levels of mental and visual attention, much or all of the time. This position also requires the ability to maintain focus for multiple hours at a time in sunny, hot, and humid conditions. Job stress may include dealing with crowds, uncooperative participants, difficult individuals, emergency response, sun exposure to illness, and periods of continuous demand.

Supervision Required: Directly supervised by Aquatics Specialists, Aquatics Coordinator, and Aquatics Supervisor

Supervision Exercised: None

Salary: $20.50 - $24.65/hour; DOE; staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test.

This position is eligible for shift differential pay – additional $3.00/hour when working eligible shifts:

• Weekends: Saturday and Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day only
• Weekday Mid-Day: 9:30am – 2:30pm, Labor Day through Memorial Day only

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: 3.75% employer contribution to a 401(a)-retirement account.
• Paid Time Off: Accrued sick leave in accordance with HFWA.
• Facility Access & Memberships: Complimentary access to all three Mountain Recreation facilities and a free membership to the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Program Discounts: 20% off facility programs for employees and immediate family members.
• Family Discounts: Discounted punch cards for immediate family members at the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Outdoor Gear Perks: Access to pro deals on top outdoor industry brands through ExpertVoice.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Student scholarship programs available.
• Healthcare Options: Opportunity to enroll in Vail Valley Partnership's One Valley Healthcare Plan—an affordable healthcare program for employees and their families.

Mountain Recreation believes that everyone, including our staff, deserves to be healthy and happy. We foster a culture of accountability and flexibility while offering world-class benefits.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

General statement of duties: Responsible for the efficient and safe operation of Mountain Recreation's aquatic facilities for the convenience and enjoyment of patrons. The work involves practicing preventative lifeguarding, the prompt performance of emergency lifesaving and first aid tasks as occasions require, providing customer service to patrons, and the care and maintenance of all equipment, pool deck, swimming pool and locker room facilities. The employee works under immediate supervision, exercising some initiative and independent judgment.

Examples of duties:

• Surveillance and Rescue: Monitors activities in and near the water through patron surveillance; observes swimmers and performs rescues, CPR, AED, and first aid when necessary.
• Emergency Response: Recognizes and responds quickly and effectively to all emergencies, ensuring proper action is taken.
• Team Collaboration: Works as a team with other lifeguards, facility staff, and management to ensure safe operations.
• Rule Enforcement: Communicates and enforces all rules, regulations, and ordinances governing pool activities to prevent accidents and maintain order in a professional manner.
• Injury Prevention: Prevents injuries by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors.
• Facility Operations: Performs opening duties, closing duties, and facility safety checks and inspections.
• Professionalism and Customer Service: Maintains a professional appearance and attitude while providing a high level of customer service.
• Facility Maintenance: Performs various maintenance duties as needed or directed to ensure a clean and safe facility.
• Water Chemistry Testing: Tests pool water chemistry to ensure it meets health and safety standards.
• Recordkeeping: Completes records and reports as needed to maintain accurate documentation.
• Slide Dispatcher: Act as a slide dispatcher as needed to ensure safety and proper operations.
• In-Service Attendance: Attends mandatory in-services and training to stay up to date with safety procedures.
• Swim Set Completion: Completes a monthly swim set as assigned by supervisors to maintain fitness and skills.
• Audit Readiness: Demonstrates the ability to proficiently pass announced or unannounced audits for safety and procedure adherence.
• Other Duties: Performs other duties as assigned by supervisors or management.

Requirements:

Competencies and qualifications:

Considerable knowledge of: Effective lifesaving methods; knowledge, capability, and comfort with American Red Cross lifeguarding, CPR, AED, and first aid skills.

Skills and abilities:

• Strong communication skills, able to effectively communicate with patrons, staff, and volunteers.
• Provide excellent customer service to all guests.
• Knowledge of municipal rules and regulations related to pool area use and the ability to effectively communicate these rules to staff and patrons.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Ability to handle stressful working conditions and respond to emergencies.
• Skilled at recognizing potentially harmful situations and taking immediate, appropriate action.
• Proficient in utilizing effective lifesaving methods.

Tools and equipment used: Safety and rescue equipment, small hand tools for minor pool maintenance, phone/walkie-talkie, chemical test kit, pool vacuum, brushes, pressure washer, and various pool cleaning materials.

Requirements:

• Be 15 years of age or older AND
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Colorado driver's license AND
• Must be able to attend at least nine in-service training courses per calendar year

Certifications:

• American Red Cross Lifeguard certification (required)
• Shallow Water Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR/AED, OR
• Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED (required for Eagle Pool & Ice Rink location); AND
• Ability to pass the Mountain Recreation Lifeguard Skills Test
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (preferred)

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