Lifeguard Officer (Seasonal)
The St. James – Springfield, Virginia
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.
The Lifeguard Officer is a seasonal supervisory leadership role within the Department of Safety & Rescue. This position ensures operational consistency, disciplined supervision, and effective emergency response at a high-traffic community aquatic facility. Lifeguard Officers are active leaders responsible for readiness, accountability, and professional standards on every shift. Decisions made in this role directly impact patron safety, staff performance, and public confidence.
Integrated Safety Model: Operate within a structured Department of Safety & Rescue—not a standalone lifeguard staff.
Leadership Continuity: Aquatic operations run on rotating supervision shifts led by assigned Lifeguard Officers, ensuring consistent standards, smooth handoffs, and unified supervision throughout the day.
Professional Safety Culture: Emphasis on readiness, accountability, and clearly enforceable operational standards.
Leadership Pipeline Role: Designed for individuals ready to advance beyond frontline lifeguarding into formal supervisory leadership.
Operational Relevance: Direct oversight of personnel, risk management, and real-time operational decision-making.
Supervise lifeguard operations during assigned seasonal shifts, ensuring effective surveillance and zone protection
Serve as the on-site supervisory leader during routine operations and emergency incidents
Maintain post assignments, surveillance compliance, and rotation discipline
Reinforce vigilance standards, professional conduct, and departmental expectations
Provide real-time coaching, corrective guidance, and performance feedback
Assist with onboarding, in-service training, drills, and readiness evaluations
Ensure rescue equipment, safety systems, and aquatic facilities remain inspection-ready
Complete incident documentation, shift reports, and operational communications
Lead patron education and community water safety engagement
Coordinate with fellow Officers to maintain supervision continuity and operational consistency
Minimum age of eighteen (18) at time of hire
One season or year of lifeguard, aquatics, or team leadership experience preferred
Demonstrated ability to act decisively, remain composed, and lead peers
Strong communication skills and professional judgment
Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and uphold departmental standards
Physical capability to perform water rescues and meet departmental fitness requirements
Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification (or ability to obtain prior to assignment)
This role serves as an entry point into formal aquatic leadership. Lifeguard Officers gain direct supervisory experience, strengthen operational judgment, and contribute meaningfully to a professional safety culture. For individuals pursuing long-term growth in aquatics, safety services, or emergency response leadership, this position provides practical responsibility and a strong foundation for advancement.
Email your resume and written statement 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.
