Lifeguard I/II

Job Description:

Lifeguard I/II

Description

DESCRIPTION

The full salary range for this position is as follows: Lifeguard I - $21.20 to $23.37 / Lifeguard II - $22.26 to $24.55. Expected hiring range is as follows: Lifeguard I - $21.20 to $22.26 / Lifeguard II - $22.26 to $23.37.

Provides for the safety of patrons using the pool, and aid patrons in danger.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Lifeguard I

This entry level class of the series is distinguished from level II by routine and repetitive duties performed according to established procedures. Incumbents are closely supervised in their initial assignments. As they gain experience, incumbents will work more independently in routine work.

Lifeguard II

Working under general supervision, the position is the journey level in the series. Employees at this level require specific experience and less supervision and review to complete assignments.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prevent accidents through enforcement of policies, rules and regulations governing the conduct of patrons at the swimming pool; keep attentive lookout for accidents in the water or on a diving board or swimming pool deck; warn people against dangerous practice regarding pool use.
• Enter the water to rescue patrons in distress; administer CPR and first aid; assist with routine pool cleaning and maintenance work on or about the swimming pool as required, conduct water safety and lifesaving instruction classes.

• Ensure visitor safety in the water and on the pool deck.
• Explain and maintain pool safety rules.
• Rescue distressed swimmers.
• Administer CPR and first Aid.
• Assist in routine pool maintenance and cleaning.
• Teach swimming lessons.
• Conduct, oversee and teach competitive and non-competitive recreation swim activities.

• Attend training courses to receive necessary information to conduct such activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Rescue methods and first aid as applied to accidents in the water and surrounding area.

• Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of public swimming pools.

• Administering First Aid and CPR

Ability to:

• Instruct swimming lessons.
• Rescue distressed swimmers.
• Supervise pool visitors and maintain a safe environment.
• Read, understand and carry out written or oral directions.
• Communicate policies to the public.
• Represent the City in a positive, appropriate manner.
• Exercise good judgment.
• Follow procedures outlined by supervisor.
• Work as a team member with the parks and recreation department.
• Must be able to swim at a proficient level.

• Supervise the conduct of pool patrons and maintain order in a tactful manner.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

LIFEGUARD II

In addition to the requirements for Lifeguard I:

• Evaluate where in the swim program a swimmer will be placed

• Execute swim program curriculum and scope.

• Provide mentorship to Lifeguard I level position.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Participation in formal or informal education courses. Swimming instructor or aquatic program experience preferred.

Education:

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements:

Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver's license, or the ability to use alternative transportation methods to perform the essential duties of the position.

Other Requirements:

Incumbent must be seventeen (17) years of age by July of the current year to be eligible for hire.

Special certifications that are required:

• Lifeguard I

• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
• Lifeguard Training Certificate
• Emergency Response or EMSA Title 22

• Lifeguard II

• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
• Lifeguard Training Certificate
• Emergency Response or EMSA Title 22
• Current Water Safety Instructor Certificate

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:

Mobility: frequent standing for long periods of time; frequent climbing, bending and squatting; frequent climbing ladders, working at heights, and walking on uneven ground.

Lifting: frequently up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.

Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.

Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions.

Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.

Environmental: frequent exposure to noise; frequent exposure to dust, gases, chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is often performed in an outdoor environment with exposure to varying weather conditions. Work is subject to site noise and environment including exposure to loud equipment and machinery; Work is performed at various locations.

Incumbents in this class may be required to work irregular hours on a regular basis, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Will not be required to travel.

Adopted: September 2025

FLSA: Overtime Eligible

The City of Palmdale is noted for its highly skilled workforce, with a large concentration of aerospace firms located at Air Force Plant 42 and nearby Edwards Air Force Base. Its family-oriented and culturally enhancing venues, such as the Palmdale Playhouse, DryTown Water Park and Palmdale Amphitheater, make Palmdale "a place to call home." Palmdale is located approximately one hour north of Los Angeles off the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR-14). It encompasses 106.6 square miles and has a population of approximately 165,450. The City is served by several school districts and has a growing retail and commercial base. For more information, visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov.

BUSINESS HOURS: Normal operating hours are from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday - Thursday. CLOSED on Friday.

UNION: The Teamsters Local 986 represents certain positions in the City's Public Works Maintenance Division and Parks and Recreation Department.

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYEES: Additional benefits apply to the positions of Deputy Director, Director, Deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager. These are at-will positions and do not serve a probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
APPLICATION MATERIALS must be submitted by the closing date listed in the job bulletin. Resumes cannot be accepted in lieu of a City online application.

RESIDENCE within the City is not required.

AN ELIGIBILITY LIST of the most qualified applicants will be compiled based on the results of the selection process. The list will remain in place for a period to be determined by Human Resources.

The benefits listed here apply to full-time positions, not to part-time employees unless described.
A PROBATION PERIOD of one year minimum applies to initial employment with the City.

VACATION, HOLIDAYS AND LEAVE: The City provides 15 paid holidays per year and 80 hours vacation (years one through four) with a maximum accrual of 240 hours. Exempt employees accrue 80 hours of administrative leave per year with a maximum accrual of 240 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Employees accrue 96 hours per year with a maximum accrual of 800 hours. P art-time employees shall accrue one (1) hour of Sick Leave for every 20 hours worked. Total accrued bank sick leave may not exceed 80 hours.

RETIREMENT: The City is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Full-time employees will be enrolled in either the New Member or Classic plan, as defined by CalPERS. New Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 62 formula and pay the full 7.75% employee contribution. Classic Members are enrolled in the 2% @ 60 formula and pay the full 7% employee contribution.

All other part-time employees are covered under the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS).

WELLNESS PROGRAM: Employees may be reimbursed up to $500 per fiscal year for qualified wellness expenses.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: Direct Deposit is mandatory for all new employees.

INSURANCE: The City offers group health, dental/vision, long term and short term disability, and a $50,000 life insurance policy for full-time employees. The City contributes towards the employee's health insurance.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: The City offers a Deferred Compensation Plan which enables full-time employees to contribute on a tax deferred basis. The City matches up to $200 per month.

BILINGUAL STIPEND: Eligible employees may receive bilingual pay.

OVERTIME COMPENSATION: Overtime is accrued at time-and-a-half for eligible employees for time physically worked in excess of the regular 40-hour work week.

PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: Part-time employees are reviewed for merit salary advancement but are not eligible for any other benefits listed.

MILEAGE PAY: Any employee may be reimbursed for work related mileage at a rate consistent with IRS guidelines when assigned to use their private vehicle on City business.

SOCIAL SECURITY: The City does not participate in Social Security and does not deduct Social Security payments from any employee's salary. The City deducts 1.45% of salary for Medicare and makes a 1.45% matching contribution.

*Benefits can change at any time.

Salary:

$21.20 - $24.55 Hourly