Full-time Head Lifeguard Position

Full-Time Head Lifeguard
Recreation Services

“Preserving the Past, while Innovating our Future”

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter square miles in the city have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our RECREATION LEADER III: FULL TIME HEAD LIFEGUARD position. 

A Message from the Director

Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all.

As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it.

Hashim T. Taylor, Director, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

About You

You are service-minded, dependable, and take pride in your work. You bring energy, professionalism, and a sense of purpose to every task, whether maintaining a park, supporting a program, or greeting visitors.

By joining RPCA, you become part of a team that takes pride in serving Alexandria and shaping experiences that last a lifetime.

As part of RPCA, you will be expected to:

• Serve with purpose and approach each day with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence
• Embody accountability and curiosity by taking initiative, asking questions, and seeking solutions
• Demonstrate teamwork and respect, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive, inclusive environment
• Stay responsive and reliable by being attentive, dependable, and engaged with the community
• Reflect our values through transparency, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to service

The Opportunity

As a Recreation Leader III, you will have the opportunity to work independently and report to a full-time Recreation Coordinator or Recreation Manager. Your primary responsibilities will involve supervising Lifeguards, Pool Operators, and Instructors during assigned shifts. This position will be based at the Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility, and may assist with operations at other City aquatics facilities and special events. You will share the responsibility of being a designated manager on duty for the recreation or aquatics facility along with other full time head lifeguards and aquatics managers.

Major areas of responsibility include;

• Facility Supervision: Ensure the safety, cleanliness, and compliance of the aquatic facility while maintaining necessary documentation.

• Staff Supervision: Provide supervision, guidance, training, and support to lifeguards, pool operators, and instructors during shifts, fostering a positive work environment.
• Safety/Training: Administer first aid, respond to emergencies, and ensure staff members are trained in lifeguarding and pool operation protocols, and facilitate lifeguard certification classes and in-services.
• Customer Service: Deliver exceptional service, address customer concerns, and create a welcoming atmosphere for facility users.
• Operations: Maintain proper pool chemistry, trouble shoot pool and pump room issues, work collaboratively with other head guards and recreation managers to fix issues, lifeguard in rotation 80% of work week.

What You Should Bring 

The Head Lifeguard is a supervisory position that provides staff leadership, enforces pool rules and regulations, and oversees the safe enjoyment of public swimming pools. You should possess leadership skills and experience, knowledge of water safety along with experience operating active public swimming pools with multiple user groups and activities. You will be responsible for maintaining a safe and clean swimming pool environment. You should lead by example, demonstrate a commitment to excellence, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and be available for flexible work assignments in the early morning, evenings and/or weekends.  

About the Department

The mission of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is to enrich the City of Alexandria by creating meaningful experiences through public spaces, cultural activities, and programming. The Department’s vision is to improve the well-being of every person in our community by connecting them to each other and their environment.  The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities received national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to meet 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations.

Lifeguard, CPR/AED and First AID certified from American Red Cross or other nationally recognized certification provider. Nationally-recognized pool operation certification. At least 1 year experience in a supervisory role. Ability to acquire Lifeguard Instructor certified from American Red Cross within 6 months of hire date (Prerequisites for Lifeguard Instructor certification: 1. Minimum age: 17 years 2. Possess a current Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid 3. Ability to successfully demonstrate all Lifeguarding and CPR skills including a pre-course assessment to perform a water rescue (submerged drowning) extrication single rescuer CPR for 3 minutes.). 

Aquatic Facility Operator from NRPA and Certified Service Technician for Pools & Spa’s. Two years of progressively responsible experience in aquatics, including some experience at the level of Recreation Leader II (Pool Operator) or equivalent. Customer focused and proven ability to work successfully with others. 

Salary : $41,147 - $72,411