Lifeguard 1-2/Swimming Instructor/Head Lifeguard

Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site:
www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs. Submissions through other websites or methods will not be accepted.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and reviewed weekly—apply today for immediate consideration!

Pay & Benefits

• Lifeguard I - $16.90 - $19.40 Hourly DOQ

• Lifeguard II/Swimming Instructor - $17.90 – 20.75 Hourly DOQ

• Head Lifeguard - $19.40 – $22.15 Hourly DOQ

• Benefits

  • Paid Sick Leave

  • Direct Deposit

  • Wellness Program (access to gym facility and fitness classes)

About the Opportunity

The City of Ventura is hiring! We’re now accepting applications for Lifeguard I-II/Swimming Instructor/Head Lifeguard positions for our year-round Aquatics Program.

We are currently hiring for multiple positions.

Join a team of water safety professionals at the Ventura Aquatic Center, a state-of-the-art facility featuring:

• 50-meter competition pool

• 25-meter recreation pool

• Zero-depth water playground

• Two 20-foot waterslides

For more information about the Ventura Aquatic Center, visit: http://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/aquatics. 

These are temporary part-time “extra help" at-will positions, with ongoing year-round hiring. Extra help positions work less than 1,000 hours per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), subject to budget availability and agency needs.

What You'll Do:

Lifeguard I-II/Swimming Instructor

• Perform lifeguard and swim instructor duties

• Teach swim lessons for all ages and abilities using American Red Cross techniques.

• Enforce pool rules respectfully and ensure the safety of all patrons.

• Evaluate swimmer capabilities to prevent unsafe situations.

• Perform CPR and first aid when necessary.

• Set up/take down equipment and maintain pool cleanliness.

• Accurately document reports and records.

• Interact professionally with guests and staff.

Head Lifeguard

• Assist the Aquatics Coordinator and Aquatics Specialist with the daily operation and administration of aquatic programs and facilities.

• Lead, train, assign, and provide day-to-day oversight of lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatics staff.

• Open, close, inspect, and perform routine maintenance of aquatic facilities and equipment.

• Monitor pool activities, identify hazards, and enforce safety rules to ensure a safe environment for all patrons.

• Respond to emergencies and administer water rescues, CPR, AED, and first aid as needed.

• Perform lifeguard and swim instructor duties, including active surveillance of swimmers and teaching aquatic skills.

• Maintain facility cleanliness, address safety concerns, and support high-quality customer service and aquatics operations.

The Ideal Candidate – Preferred Qualifications

We’re looking for candidates who:

• Enjoy working with children

• Are dependable and team-oriented

• Have a passion for aquatics and teaching

• Are consistently available during the summer season (June–August)

Minimum Qualifications – Required

Lifeguard I

• Minimum age: 16 at time of appointment

• Required by time of appointment:

  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid certification (if certified)

  • Public Safety First Aid and CPR course completion that meets the requirements as described in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 1.5.

  • Bloodborne Pathogens Training that meets the requirements as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5193 

Lifeguard II/Swimming Instructor

In addition to the certificates required for Lifeguard I, must also possess the following:

• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification

Head Lifeguard

• Minimum age: 18 at time of appointment

• Completion of two seasons of aquatics experience

• Required by time of appointment:

  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid certification

  • American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification

  • Public Safety First Aid and CPR course completion that meets the requirements as described in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 1.5.

  • Bloodborne Pathogens Training that meets the requirements as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5193

Must obtain within 6 months of appointment:

• American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor Certification

All positions must successfully complete:

• Physical Assessment Screening Test

• Interview Process

• Lifeguard Recruitment Training Program

• Facility orientation and skills testing

Note: No certifications are required to apply or participate in the physical assessment. Required lifeguard certifications may be obtained through the City's Lifeguard Training Program.

All positions require a DOJ Live Scan fingerprint background check and proof of a cleared TB test as a condition of employment.

How to Apply & Selection Process

Submit an online City job application and supplemental questionnaire at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs.

• It is important that your city job application shows all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess. Resumes, CVs, and cover letters may be attached to your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application or supplemental questionnaire. Submitting an incomplete application or supplemental questionnaire may disqualify you from further consideration in the recruitment process.

• After you apply, all future correspondence from the city will be via E-Mail.  Please check your messages regularly and keep your contact information up to date using your on-line application.

Selection Process Overview 

Notice to Applicants

• To be considered for Lifeguard vacancies, all applicants must pass an in-person physical assessment screening test (see details below).

• Applicants do not need to have the required certifications before attending the physical assessment.

• If invited to the Lifeguard Recruitment Training Program (LRT), candidates must attend all scheduled training dates and fulfill any certification requirements, if applicable.

• The Lifeguard Training program, including certification, totals 48 hours, spread over multiple days of training from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Certification Requirements

• Lifeguard II/Swimming Instructor applicants must independently obtain their Water Safety Instructor Certification (classes available at Ventura Aquatic Center).

• All applicants must bring a copy of their application confirmation email to the Physical Assessment Test and complete the physical assessment and subsequent selection steps.

1. In-Person Physical Assessment Screening Test

• The skills test consists of:

  • Swim-Tread-Swim sequence

1. Swim 150 yards

2. Tread 2 minutes using legs only

3. Swim 50 yards

• Timed brick event under 1 minute 40 seconds

1. Swim 20 yards

2. Surface dive and retrieve a 10-pound brick

3. Swim 20 yards with a brick back to the starting point

• Both skills are pass/fail.

• Applicants only need to attend one test date.

• The test will be held at the Ventura Aquatic Center (901 S. Kimball Road, Ventura, CA).

• Registration is required prior to attending. Call (805) 654-7511 to schedule.

• On the test day, applicants must bring:

  • A photo ID verifying date of birth

  • A copy of their application confirmation email

  • Participant Release Agreement for All Participants (Applicants must download and complete the form, and bring it to the In-Person Physical Assessment Screening Test).

DOWNLOAD WAIVER FORM HERE:

Participant Release Agreement for All Participants Form(s)

https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1707/Waivers-Forms

2. Interview Process

• Applicants who pass the physical assessment will be scheduled for an interview.

• Interviews are tentatively scheduled to be ongoing and are used to determine which candidates are invited to the Lifeguard Recruitment Training Program.

3. Lifeguard Recruitment Training and Facility Orientation

• Candidates selected from interviews will be invited to attend the Lifeguard Recruitment Training (LRT) program, facility orientation, and skills testing.

• Attendance at all scheduled training dates is mandatory for successful completion and consideration for employment.

• Training includes:

  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Training

  • CPR for the Professional Rescuer

  • First Aid and Emergency Medical Response courses

  • Physical conditioning sessions

• Holding current certifications does not exempt candidates from attending LRT.

• Those who successfully complete the skills test and training will be placed on a hiring list.

• Hiring will be conducted from this list.

• All hired lifeguards must complete mandatory pre-season training before starting regular shifts.

4. Onboarding includes:

• City of Ventura Aquatics Section policies

ATTENDANCE AT ALL SESSIONS DURING LIFEGUARD RECRUITMENT TRAINING IS HIGHLY ADVISED. FAILURE TO ATTEND MAY RESULT IN THE DISQUALIFICATION OF THE CANDIDATE.

Additional Information

For additional information on the duties and responsibilities of the position, refer to the job descriptions located on the City’s Career Page at  City of Ventura Jobs or by viewing here Lifeguard I/II Swimming Instructor/Head Lifeguard.

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team:

[email protected]

(805) 654-7802