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California, United States
Onsite
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:
recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov
(805) 654-7802
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 654-7853, e-mail: recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!