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LIFEGUARD+

County of Santa Cruz -
Santa Cruz, CA

Job Details

Qualifications

Cardiac arrest emergency response
Patient resuscitation
Lifeguard Training
Swimming
First Aid Certification
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidance

Full Job Description

County of S anta Cruz
INVITES YOU TO APPLY FOR:

LIFEGUARD
Extra Help

Supplemental Questionnaire Required

Open and Promotional
Job # 26-GK1-EE

Salary: $20.44 – 21.55 / Hour*
** September 2026 – 3.5% increase to base pay

Includes $2.00 / Hour Extra Help Differential

Swim Lesson Instructors (Lifeguard Instructors)
receive a differential of $1.25 / Hour

Closing Date: Friday, June 26, 2026

County Equity Statement

Equity in action in Santa Cruz County is a transformative process that embraces individuals of every
status, providing unwavering support, dignity, and compassion.

Through this commitment, the County ensures intentional opportunities and access, fostering an
environment where everyone can thrive and belong.

THE JOB: Under supervision, perform lifeguard duties; provide swimming instruction and assistance at a
swimming facility; maintain close surveillance over swimming activities; enforce water safety rules and
regulations; perform rescues; perform first aid and resuscitation; maintain pool deck and adjacent areas
such as locker rooms; notify supervisor of emergencies, disturbances or problems; prepare routine records
and reports; instructor assist in instruction of recreational aquatics classes; set up and tear down
accommodations for special events, programs, and facility rentals; required to open and close swimming
facilities; provide customer service; cashier; and perform other related duties as required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: For Lifeguards and Instructors: Possession of a valid American Red Cross
Lifeguard Training Certificate (LGT) AND a valid CPR Certificate* Proof of certification must be submitted
prior to performance assessment.

Acceptable Lifeguard and CPR Certifications include:

American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED
OR

American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid
WITH

Human Resources Department, 701 Ocean Street, Suite 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Apply online at: www.santacruzcountyjobs.com

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer.
OR

The American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare provider.
OR

The American Red Cross CPR – AED for Lifeguards

Post-employment certifications required within six months of hire:

1. Santa Cruz County Instructor Training Program;
OR
American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
AND

2. Attain one of the following:

First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22)
ARC Emergency Responder
First Responder or
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

You must submit a copy of each certificate you possess with your application in one of the following
ways: e-mail ([email protected]) / fax (831-454-2240) / or bring the copies
to the Human Resources Department.

IF HIRED, APPLICANTS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE MUST SUBMIT A WORK PERMIT. STUDENTS CAN OBTAIN
WORK PERMITS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE AT THEIR SCHOOL.

Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required for persons 18 and older. Minors will be fingerprinted
with parental/guardian consent.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Exposure to variable temperatures and weather conditions; strong and
unpleasant odors and fumes such as chlorine; noise from children; allergens such as poison oak, pollen,
and bee stings; pool chemical fluctuations which might cause irritation to eyes and skin; and the possibility
of administering first aid and resultant exposure to infections which could cause chronic disease or death.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of swimming hazards; lifeguard training techniques; first aid and cardio-
pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Some knowledge of the techniques and principles of swimming instruction
is required for some positions.

Ability to: Plan, Remain vigilant and act quickly in making rescues and rendering aid; perform rescues under
difficult conditions; enforce water safety standards and departmental regulations; work and lifeguard all
swimming programs and events; maintain effective relations with the public and staff; communicate
effectively with public and staff; maintain records and prepare periodic reports; perform simple arithmetic
calculations to make change and record hours worked; maintain a clean and safe work area; accept
constructive criticism and direction from supervisors; effectively deal with stressful and emergency
situations; swim 300 yards continuously; maintain knowledge and skills required to pass the lifeguard
training course; administer first aid; perform tasks requiring physical strength and stamina to effectively
rescue victims, administer first aid and CPR; perform work which involves frequent lifting, pushing and pulling

of heavy objects; hear and distinguish a variety of sounds in a noisy environment such as participants in
need of assistance, whistles, or co-workers requesting assistance in a rescue effort; see program
participants in need of assistance within their zone of responsibility; speak loudly to warn program
participants of impending danger; and successfully complete all training provided by the department.

THE EXAMINATION: Candidates meeting minimum requirements will be forwarded to the Parks and
Recreation Department for a performance assessment of lifeguard skills covered in the American Red
Cross Lifeguard Training Course and a determination of employment duties (pass/fail). Candidates must
have the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and CPR Courses completed by the date of the
performance assessment. Eligibility will be valid for up to one year.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply online at www.santacruzcountyjobs.com or mail/bring an application and
supplemental questionnaire to: Santa Cruz County Human Resources Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room
510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For information, call (831) 454-2600. Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711. Applications
will meet the final filing date if received: 1) in the Human Resources Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final
filing date, 2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date.

Women, people of color and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability
that requires test accommodation, please call (831) 454-2600.

To comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Santa Cruz County verifies that all new
employees are either U.S. citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S.

Some positions may require fingerprinting and/or background investigation.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: This recruitment is for extra-help (temporary) employment that is of limited
duration. Extra-help employees are used for employment on short-term projects; on a seasonal basis to
meet recurrent work peaks; employment on an as-needed basis to meet peak workload, emergency, or
other unusual situations. Extra-help employees cannot work more than 999 hours in a fiscal year and are
covered by Social Security.

1CalPERS retirees are not eligible for $2 Extra Help Differential due to CalPERS rule.

Note: Provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

County of Santa Cruz
www.santacruzcountyjobs.com

LIVE Here WORK Here PLAY Here

MY 05/26

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