Lifeguard - Activity Center

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Become part of a team that thrives on Professionalism, Innovation, Customer Experience, Integrity, and Teamwork — the values that guide how we serve our community.

The Lifeguard ensures a safe, positive, and well-maintained aquatic environment by safeguarding patrons and responding effectively to emergencies at the City’s Natatorium and Rio Vista Pool. This role delivers high-quality swimming instruction that supports community wellness and skill development. By maintaining facilities and accurate operational records, the Lifeguard contributes to efficient pool operations and enhances the overall public experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• Monitor the aquatic facility to ensure patron safety, including observing for distressed swimmers, unsafe conditions, and weather-related risks.
• Enforce safety rules and organizational policies to prevent accidents and maintain a safe environment.
• Perform water rescues and provide emergency care such as First Aid, CPR, and AED use as needed.
• Conduct regular safety and facility checks before, during, and after shifts to ensure proper operation and hazard prevention.
• Maintain water quality by testing and documenting temperature, chemical levels, and overall conditions; adjust chemicals and backwash systems when required.
• Perform routine facility upkeep, including cleaning pool areas, decks, restrooms, and other spaces to maintain sanitation and accessibility.
• Support facility use by preparing swim lanes, managing equipment, and operating accessibility features such as chair lifts.
• Assist with aquatic programs or swimming lessons, supporting instructors and ensuring participant safety.
• Record daily pool activities, patron counts, and operational information accurately and consistently.
• Maintain required certifications and participate in training, policy updates, and in-service sessions to remain prepared for emergency response and operational duties.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous lifeguard experience is desirable.
  

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of relevant regulations, municipal codes, handbooks, and operational procedures, including the ability to read, interpret, and apply them to facility operations.
• Knowledge of proper documentation standards for maintaining facility records, logs, and safety or operational reports.
• Skill in verbal and written communication to convey information clearly and professionally.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with staff, patrons, and the general public.
• Ability to work effectively under general supervision, exercising sound judgment and accountability in carrying out assigned duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to lift up to 150 pounds occasionally. Subject to vision and hearing constantly; standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling, climbing, balancing and talking occasionally; fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending and twisting rarely.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working conditions involve exposure to variable and/or extreme weather conditions, wet surfaces, water, pool maintenance equipment, hazardous chemicals, infectious diseases, and blood borne pathogens.

This is a safety sensitive position.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.

View our Benefits Guide.

BENEFITS
Retirement

• Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) - Individual trust replacing Social Security
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan and Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Employee Assistance Program
• Activity Center Membership

Closing Date/Time: 9/29/2026 11:59 PM Central