Head Lifeguard

CITY EQUITY STATEMENT

The City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job—someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge skills and education.

Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described we invite you to apply.

POSITION PURPOSE / IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION

The Head Lifeguard position is a leadership role on the lifeguard team that ensures the safety of guests, lifeguards, rule enforcement, and pool safety standards. This position also trains and mentors the lifeguards. The Head Lifeguard is responsible for taking initiative in in-service trainings, lifeguard certifications, and day-to-day pool operations. This is a safety-sensitive position that allows for growth opportunities, promotion within, and demands a safety-conscious mindset in a fast-paced aquatics environment.

The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee’s level of proficiency and usage.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL VALUES/GENERAL COMPETENCIES

The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).

This position supports the goals of the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department, which enhances the quality of life for all Westminster citizens by providing diverse leisure, recreational and informational services and resources; and acquiring, developing and maintaining first-class parks, facilities, open space and recreational trails. This position works towards the accomplishment of the Departments mission: Together we create exceptional opportunities for a vibrant community with a commitment to nature, wellness and literacy.

Every employee is accountable to:

Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is a priority

Communicate with customers to ensure that, where possible, they are satisfied, and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedback

Act as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization's mission and vision

Exhibit pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conduct self in a professional manner

Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty, and ethical behavior

Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner

Support/promote change; demonstrate flexibility, and take calculated risks when appropriate

Participate in personal growth opportunities, and attend trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organization

Work to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being delivered

Demonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectives

Value diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity, and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differences

GENERAL COMPETENCIES

Citywide - Every employee in this position is accountable to:

Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitments

Recognize personal strengths and weaknesses, and target areas for personal self-development

Demonstrate initiative in performing job tasks

Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions

Achieve goals, and handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independently

Communicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communication

Demonstrate accountability for work and take ownership in job performance

Demonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall productJob Specific – Every employee in this position must be able to:

Demonstrate preventative lifeguarding and current lifeguard techniques, standards, and procedures related to rescue of drowning swimmers or any user in a distressful situation in or around the swimming pool

Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations, making proper judgments as to the correct course of action

Rescue swimmers in danger of drowning, regardless of situation and even if possible drowning victim resists rescue efforts

Demonstrate ability to perform first aid, CPR, and AED procedures common in swimming pool operations and within certification standards

Enforce pool safety rules firmly and courteously with the public in a professional manner

Assist hourly lifeguards with enforcing or communicating rules to the public

Use cleaning agents, brushes, and scrub pads on pool surfaces and aquatics equipment and assist supervisor team in training for safe use of such products

Instruct swimming classes of various age groups and ability levels

Use computers for e-mail communication through Outlook and for timesheet entry

Work courteously with the public and support the city guest/host philosophy and SPIRIT values

Pass the City of Westminster’s swim and lifeguard skills test

JOB SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks

1. Reliability – Maintain reliability as a head lifeguard and member of the aquatics leadership team

Maintain regular and punctual attendance

Communicate effectively with City staff and guests

Support and model quality internal and external guest service2, Professionalism – Exhibit professionalism in conduct and image

Maintain clean and organized office spaced

Maintain office etiquette in a shared space

Maintain professionalism and confidentiality

Lead cleaning operations in and around the natatorium3. Deck Management – Maintain safety in and around the pool area

Monitor activities in swimming pool areas and takes action to prevent drowning, injuries, or accidents

Demonstrate leadership, take initiative, and make recommendations for safe lifeguard ratios and rotations

Oversees deck operations when aquatic supervisors are not present4. Emergency Response – Take the lead role in emergencies in or around the pools

Maintain cognizance and initiate the Emergency Action Plan as necessary

Assist in completing incident, accident, and save reports5. Task Completion – Lead and accomplish daily maintenance, janitorial, and aquatic-related tasks.

Monitor and ensure completion of opening and closing duties

Test water quality and make necessary adjustments to comply with established health standards

Take initiative to perform cleaning duties including but not limited to the pool, deck, and mechanical rooms

Communicate issues to the aquatics management team

Utilize assigned software and city-designated software platforms to communicate, document, and complete assignments

Assist and participate in staff motivation to complete daily tasks

Maintain records for water quality/balance and mechanical issues6. Teaching – Lead aquatic programming and training, including staff in-services, certifications, and swim lessons

Conduct classes in swimming for various age groups and levels of ability

Assist with leading monthly in-service trainings and lead lifeguard meetings as scheduled Assist in teaching lifeguard certification classes

Assist, act as a leader, and set example to other lifeguards on proper class instruction and lifeguard skills

Participate in and contribute to teambuilding activities7. Maintains regular and punctual attendance

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS/PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses, and Certifications

Required:

High school diploma or GED

Must be at least 18 years of age

One (1) full year of experience as a lifeguard at a year-round public pool or two (2) summer seasons at a seasonal pool

CPR/AED for Lifeguards certification, Basic First Aid certification, and Lifeguard Training certification

Ability to obtain StarGuard Lifeguard Instructor Certification within one year – training provided by the City

Ability to obtain Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification within one year – training provided by the CityPreferred:

Two (2) full years of experience as a lifeguard at a year-round public pool

StarGuard Lifeguard Certification

Certified water safety instructor (WSI) or the equivalentAny equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.

Physical Requirements

Work performed is physical in nature and involves sufficient physical strength and stamina:

Constant sitting, standing, and walking throughout pool area to observe patrons’ adherence to facility rules, and inspect for safety hazards

Constant near and far visual acuity to observe pools for possible troubled swimmers and safety hazards; constant audial acuity to be aware of troubled individual that may be out of line of sight

Frequent crouching/squatting, kneeling, and bending/twisting to perform pool maintenance and rescue duties; frequent climbing and balancing to ascent and descend elevated lifeguard stands

Frequent light grasps to hold rescue tubes throughout shift and safely use maintenance items; occasional firm grasp and fine motor skills to perform water testing, first aid, and other emergency functions

Occasional reaching overheard to pull up to lifeguard stands; frequent reaching below shoulder to perform pool maintenance and emergency functions

Occasional lifting of ten (10) pounds from floor to overhead to move equipment and supplies; occasional lifting of up to 75 pounds from floor to chest to assist in moving furniture, equipment, and patrons on backboards

Occasionally carry 75 pounds up to 50 feet and 50 pounds up to 100 feet to perform emergency rescues; occasionally push/pull 75 pounds to remove individuals from pool area in an emergency situation, and set up bleachers for events and lane ropes for lap swim

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is constantly performed in a high-volume indoor pool setting with constant exposure to loud noise and wet/humid conditions. Work includes periods of high activity and stress during emergency situations. Sufficient physical strength, stamina, and conditioning are needed to rescue swimmers in danger of drowning who may resist rescue.

Required Materials and Equipment

Knowledge of lifeguard equipment to include but not limited to rescue tubes, backboards, bag valve masks, AED, whistles, chemical testing kits, basic pool chemicals, telephones, two-way radios, and megaphones. Uses cleaning chemicals and cleaning equipment such as pool vacuum, hose, pressure washer, and scrubbers. Operates personal computers and other standard office equipment.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Background checks will include employment references and criminal history

Drug screen and physical

Must be legally entitled to work in the United States

Must be able to provide proof that all required certifications are current by the first day of employment

Must be able to pass the City of Westminster’s swim and lifeguard skills test, and demonstrate CPR, rescue breathing skills, and the use of an AED

The City of Westminster, Colorado, is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community.