Lifeguard - Seasonal

Overview: The Lifeguard - Seasonal is a seasonal position. We offer competitive compensation, and PTO for seasonal employees. Job Purpose: The Lifeguard ensures the safety of patrons of an aquatic facility by preventing and responding to emergencies while maintaining an inviting, positive, and safe environment. The Lifeguard effectively communicates and enforces Park District rules, regulations, and policies to the public. Essential Functions: Assist in preparing pools for daily opening and closing. Supervise pool(s) during operational hours and prevent accidents through managing patrons successfully and enforcing Park District rules. Fulfill all Ellis and Associates lifeguard protocol while on shift, maintain the 10/20 protection standard, and complete all care to the standard of the Ellis and Associates lifeguard certification. Maintain a complete understanding of Park District emergency action plans and take part in the execution of those plans when required. Participate in all required training sessions and safety audits. Maintain complete awareness training drills. Keep skills at a proficient and test-ready level by attending 4 hours of lifeguard training per month required by Ellis and Associates. 2 of the 4 in-service hours must be completed by attending the monthly mandatory all-staff training. Understand, follow and enforce all Park District rules. Provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive public image by addressing questions and concerns from staff, patrons, participants, and parents immediately. Contact and ask for assistance from supervisor or other Park District staff when necessary. Become familiar with patrons; know their names, personalities, skills and interests. Complete basic facility maintenance and routine cleaning. Report maintenance needs to supervisor; follow-up on status with supervisor and/or maintenance supervisor. Identify and observe equipment daily for possible maintenance needs and adjustments. Complete all paperwork, reports, and checklists as needed. Assist in conducting regular safety inspections of the pools. Maintain a complete understanding of Park District emergency action plans and assist in the execution of the plan when required. Assist with emergency procedures and building evacuation. Communicate hygiene and other Public Health issues to the public. Manage and report any hazards around the facility. Assist in the management of operational closing for weather, emergency, or other unsafe situations. Return all equipment to its proper place as specified by Park District. Wear a PDOP staff shirt and identification during all work hours. Additional Functions: Occasionally assist with events and programs. Attend staff meetings and training programs as specified. Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor or other Park District administrative personnel. Knowledge, Skills, and Work Experience Required: Candidates must be at least 15 years of age by June 1st of the summer they are working. If 15, a work permit is required. Must be able to swim 100 yards without stopping, retrieve a 10-pound brick from 12ft. deep, and tread water without using your hands & arms for 1 minute. Previous lifeguard experience is preferred but not required. Must be able to participate in and complete the Lifeguard certification provided by Park District staff. This certification includes demonstrating mastery of all Lifeguards skills by the completion of the class. Graduation from high school is desired but not required. Previous lifeguarding experience desired but not required. Knowledge and experience in the day-to-day operations of a park district and/or pool desirable. Must have the ability to solve problems as they arise and be able to perform tasks without supervision. Must be highly motivated and able to assume a positive and active role in the park, even while working under potentially stressful conditions (hot or cold weather, upset or injured participants, etc.). Must have the ability to be firm with participants when necessary, enforce park district rules, and make sound decisions in order to secure the safety and well-being of all park visitors, facilities, and equipment. Certification in advanced Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 1 month of employment and keep certification current. The District provides this training. Work Environment, Physical Demands and Considerations: Frequent swimming, walking, running, jumping, standing, reaching, bending, yelling. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Will be exposed to inclement weather including heat, humidity, cold, rain, snow, ice and wind. Ability to work independently without supervision. Ability to present ideas and recommendations in a concise manner. Ability to understand and carry out verbal and/or written instructions efficiently and effectively and to read and understand printed material. Ability to operate assigned equipment. Ability to effectively interact and communicate well with others. Ability to interpret and explain division and District policies and procedures. Ability to follow safety guidelines and exercise judgment in all aspects of responsibility. Ability to resolve conflict safely, calmly and effectively. Customers: Internal: Employees of Park District External: Patrons of Park District of Oak Park; residents of Oak Park, WSSRA, Partner Organizations including governmental and non-profit groups, and the Oak Park Business Community Hours: This position is expected to work from Memorial Day to Labor day. Hours vary, but candidates can expect to work 30-40 hours per week, mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays. Candidates are expected to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, functions, activities or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. The Park District of Oak Park is an equal opportunity employer!

Created: 2026-03-10