Lifeguard Sergeant
Location: The St. James – Springfield, VA
About The St. James: The St. James is a premier sports, wellness, and entertainment brand, empowering people of all ages to reach their peak potential. Our 450,000-square-foot flagship complex in Springfield, VA, offers a unique combination of world-class sports venues, elite training spaces, recovery amenities, and athletic and wellness programs. We also operate Performance Club locations in Springfield, VA, and Bethesda, MD, providing signature group classes, customized performance training, recovery, and high-performance programming in convenient club settings. From comprehensive training to family-friendly fun, lifestyle events, and sporting experiences, The St. James is your destination to discover your best self.
Our People & Culture: At The St. James, we are in the business of human development. Our success in delivering exceptional guest experiences—experiences that engage, inspire, and delight—depends on our ability to recruit, retain, and cultivate team members who embody the true spirit of hospitality. We seek individuals who are committed to personal and organizational excellence, who are proactive and action-oriented, and who thrive in a collaborative team environment. If you have a passion for service and a dedication to continuous growth, we want you to be part of our team.
Why This Role Matters
The Lifeguard Sergeant is a critical front-line leadership role within the Department of Safety & Rescue. This position exists to ensure operational consistency, disciplined supervision, and decisive emergency response during daily aquatic operations. Lifeguard Sergeants are not passive overseers—they are active leaders responsible for readiness, accountability, and maintaining professional standards on every shift. Your decisions directly impact swimmer safety, staff performance, and the credibility of the department.
What Sets Us Apart
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High-Complexity Environment: A 700,000-gallon, 50-meter competition pool and 6,000 sq. ft. indoor water park operating year-round.
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Integrated Safety Model: Work within a structured Safety & Rescue Department alongside Officers, EMTs, and medical staff.
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Clear Chain of Command: Defined authority, expectations, and escalation pathways—no ambiguity.
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Leadership-Driven Culture: Accountability, preparedness, and professionalism are non-negotiable.
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Deliberate Shift Design: A structured 1 day on / 2 days off rotational schedule designed to sustain alertness, support professional growth, and allow balance with education, family, or other commitments.
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Operational Impact: You lead people, manage risk, and set the tone for each shift.
Key Responsibilities
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Supervise lifeguard operations during assigned shifts, ensuring effective surveillance, rotations, and zone coverage
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Serve as the on-duty operational leader during aquatic incidents and emergencies until relieved by higher command
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Assign posts and rotations based on staffing levels, environmental conditions, and risk assessment
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Provide direct coaching, corrective feedback, and performance input for lifeguards
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Enforce department policies, vigilance standards, and professional conduct expectations
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Assist with onboarding, in-service training, drills, and skill evaluations
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Ensure rescue equipment, facilities, and safety systems are inspected and operational
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Complete incident reports, shift documentation, and operational communications
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Support public education programs and certification courses as assigned
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Actively contribute to departmental policy execution and continuous improvement
What You Bring
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Minimum 2 years in a supervisory or lead lifeguard role at a year-round aquatic facility or 4 seasons in a supervisory role with a seasonal lifeguard provider
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Associate’s Degree (AA/AS) or 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor’s degree
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Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification (or equivalent)
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CPO or AFO certification
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Lifeguard Instructor certification or ability to obtain within 6 months
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EMT-B (VA/NREMT) certification preferred or ability to obtain within one year
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Demonstrated ability to lead under pressure, enforce standards, and make sound operational decisions
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Strong communication skills and professional judgment
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Physically capable of performing water rescues and meeting departmental fitness standards
The Opportunity
This role is a proving ground for aquatic leaders. As a Lifeguard Sergeant, you will directly influence operational discipline, staff development, and emergency readiness at one of the region’s premier facilities. If you value structure, accountability, and decisive leadership—and want to be part of a professional first-responder culture—this role offers real responsibility and real impact.
Apply Today
Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
or apply at thestjames.com/careers
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
