Lifeguard

Salary: $35,528.33 Annually
Location : 88 Cullowhee Mountain Road -- Cullowhee, NC
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Job Number: 20260139
Department: Recreation-6128
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Position Overview


Monitor pool activities to ensure the safety of staff, participants, and the public in and around the county's aquatic facilities. Grade 18

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain active surveillance of the pool area.
• Perform all lifeguard responsibilities including monitoring pool activities.
• Enforce rules fairly and politely.
• Participate and attend in-service training.
• Perform duties in accordance with established safety regulations and policies.
• Instruct swimming lessons according to prepared lesson plans.
• Ensure safety protocols and policies are followed by aquatics facility participants, spectators, and staff.
• Provide first aid and lifesaving care in case of injury or sudden illness.
• Maintain all required certifications and training, including but not limited to: first aid, CPR and all water rescue techniques, American Red Cross Lifeguarding.
• Assist the Parks and Recreation Department with necessary duties related to inclement weather situations.
• Perform other related job duties as assigned.

Education and Experience


Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of Hire. Possess a High School Diploma and two years of experience as a lifeguard and/or swim instructor working in an aquatics program.
Licenses or Certifications (required):

• Possession of a valid, State of North Carolina driver's license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• American Red Cross or equivalent certifications for:
  • Lifeguard
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional Rescuer
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
  • Prefer certification for Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or a willingness to pursue certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of program administration and project management.
• Knowledge of effective leadership and management principles to lead and motivate aquatic staff.
• Knowledge and understanding of local, state and federal aquatic safety regulations.
• Knowledge of lifeguarding techniques, rescue procedures and first aid.
• Knowledge of various swimming instruction methods for different age groups and skill levels.
• Knowledge of operational aspects of aquatic facilities, including water quality, maintenance and equipment.
• Knowledge of emergency response protocols.
• Skilled in problem-solving skills in emergency situations.
• Skilled in fostering a positive and cohesive team environment.
• Skilled in supervision and training.
• Skilled in presenting information one-on-one or to small groups of children, parents and community members.
• Ability to assess and mitigate risks associated with aquatic activities.
• Ability to create and implement an emergency action plan.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable policies, laws, codes, regulations and standards relevant to the position.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage schedules, programs and facility operations.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with management, employees, members of the general public and other groups involved in the activities of the County as they relate to the department.

Statement of Equal Employment Opportunity
Jackson County recognizes its continued success in meeting the needs of its citizens requires the full and active participation of talented and committed individuals, regardless of their gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or political affiliation. It is the policy of the County to foster, maintain, and promote equal opportunity by use of a systematic, consistent recruitment program, and to identify and attract the most qualified applicants for employment with the County. This policy is to be achieved by announcing all position vacancies, by evaluating all applicants using the same criteria, and by applying testing methods through the NC Career Works Office. Selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
Jackson County provides a robust offering of employee benefits including: employer paid medical and dental benefits, participation in the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System, paid leave (vacation, sick, and holiday), Employee Clinic, Wellness program, and supplemental benefit offerings. A full overview of benefits is available at