What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Lifeguard (Temporary/Part-Time) position at City of Downey?
About The Position
Under general supervision, assists with the coordination and implementation of the aquatics program, supervises lifeguard staff, and assists with the day-to-day operation of the aquatics program. The incumbent in this classification is primarily concerned with the supervision of the aquatic activities.
Working Hours: Work hours are flexible for approximately 20-25 hours per week. Scheduled working hours may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call status.
The pool will be open five (5) days a week beginning Monday June 15, 2026 through Friday, August 7, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., occasional after hours pool events extend past 8:00 p.m. The pool is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Training for all selected applicants will be conducted Monday, June 5 and June 8 - 12. Attendance is mandatory.
Temporary/Part-time employment status does not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings.
There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.
Part-Time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).
Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.
Examples Of Essential Functions
The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification:
Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:
Age: Must be 18 years of age.
Education: High School Graduate. An Associate's degree or equivalent college units are desirable.
Experience: Equivalent to two (2) years of experience as a Swim Instructor or Lifeguard.
Knowledge of: The operation and maintenance of a pool and aquatics program; techniques or supervision; swimming and lifesaving techniques; principles and practices of first aid; practices related to swimming and lifesaving classes.
Ability to: Supervise pool personnel in their duties; prepare and submit written reports; effectively analyze situations and make sound decisions without constant supervision; explain and enforce safety rules, practices and procedures; perform maintenance and cleaning services of pool and other assigned areas; establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in course of work.
License: Position requires access to reliable and efficient method of transportation as travel may be required by duties.
Certification: The following certifications are required:
NOTE: Applicants must provide copies of current certifications or provide documentation that he/she is currently enrolled in a Lifeguard Training Course.
Additional Information
Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: The majority of work is performed indoors in a swimming pool. An incumbent sits, stands, walks and runs on slippery and uneven surfaces, kneels, crouches, twists, climbs ladders and inclines, swims, reaches, bends, crawls, and pushes, pulls, drags, grasps and lifts pool/community center equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, an incumbent physically must be able to react quickly to lifesaving emergencies and will perform strenuous physical activity requiring physical strength and endurance when performing water rescues. During the course of some rescue and first aid tasks, an incumbent may be exposed to blood, other bodily fluids/products, communicable diseases and other related health hazards. An incumbent will have exposure to pool water and pool chemicals, cleaning solvents and disinfectants and electrical and mechanical hazards. An incumbent must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.
Application Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
Part I - Verification of all required certifications.
Part II - Appraisal (oral interview) examination weighted 100%. The appraisal (oral interview) examination will assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Part III - Written examination (Pass/Fail) which will cover the areas of the areas of injury prevention, lifeguarding skills, first aid skills, patron surveillance, water safety, CPR, First Aid/AED skills and the signs of heat exhaustion.
Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment. Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office by dialing (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.
Temporary/Part-Time Appointments: Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.
Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).
Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandates CalPERS employer contributions. Therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment.
The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner. Our values include Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.
01
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
Which of the following best describes your years of experience with Aquatics programming or as a Lifeguard?
At the time of appointment, will you be at least 18 years of age?
Do you have American Red Cross Lifeguard Training?
Do you have a current American Red Cross Standard First Aid?
Do you have a current American Red Cross C.P.R. for the Professional Rescuer?
Do you have a current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor?
Do you have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor?
As stated on the job flyer, the pool will be open five (5) days a week beginning June 15, 2026. For the following questions, please indicate the time of day you are available to work for each day. For example: Monday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you are not able to work on a certain day please indicate "N/A.".
10
Monday
11
Tuesday
12
Wednesday
13
Thursday
14
Friday
15
How long is the availability you have indicated above good until? (MM/DD/YR)
16
Are you currently or have you ever been a member of the California Public Employee's Retirement System (CalPERS)?
If "Yes," please indicate what agency(s) you were employed with and dates (MM/DD/YR) of employment under CalPERS.
18
Proof of certification documents requested as part of your application must be uploaded and attached to your online application. By selecting "Yes" to this question you are acknowledging that you are aware of this requirement and understand that failure to submit this required documentation may result in disqualification from further consideration.
Under general supervision, assists with the coordination and implementation of the aquatics program, supervises lifeguard staff, and assists with the day-to-day operation of the aquatics program. The incumbent in this classification is primarily concerned with the supervision of the aquatic activities.
Working Hours: Work hours are flexible for approximately 20-25 hours per week. Scheduled working hours may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call status.
The pool will be open five (5) days a week beginning Monday June 15, 2026 through Friday, August 7, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., occasional after hours pool events extend past 8:00 p.m. The pool is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Training for all selected applicants will be conducted Monday, June 5 and June 8 - 12. Attendance is mandatory.
Temporary/Part-time employment status does not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings.
There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.
Part-Time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).
Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.
Examples Of Essential Functions
The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification:
- Assist with the supervision and training of part-time aquatic employees.
- Participate in routine maintenance of pool, aquatics equipment, etc.
- Enforce facility regulations, policies and procedures.
- Perform lifeguard/swim instructor roles as needed.
- Maintain records and prepare reports.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:
Age: Must be 18 years of age.
Education: High School Graduate. An Associate's degree or equivalent college units are desirable.
Experience: Equivalent to two (2) years of experience as a Swim Instructor or Lifeguard.
Knowledge of: The operation and maintenance of a pool and aquatics program; techniques or supervision; swimming and lifesaving techniques; principles and practices of first aid; practices related to swimming and lifesaving classes.
Ability to: Supervise pool personnel in their duties; prepare and submit written reports; effectively analyze situations and make sound decisions without constant supervision; explain and enforce safety rules, practices and procedures; perform maintenance and cleaning services of pool and other assigned areas; establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in course of work.
License: Position requires access to reliable and efficient method of transportation as travel may be required by duties.
Certification: The following certifications are required:
- American Red Cross C.P.R. for the Professional Rescuer
- American Red Cross Standard First Aid
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
NOTE: Applicants must provide copies of current certifications or provide documentation that he/she is currently enrolled in a Lifeguard Training Course.
Additional Information
Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions: The majority of work is performed indoors in a swimming pool. An incumbent sits, stands, walks and runs on slippery and uneven surfaces, kneels, crouches, twists, climbs ladders and inclines, swims, reaches, bends, crawls, and pushes, pulls, drags, grasps and lifts pool/community center equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, an incumbent physically must be able to react quickly to lifesaving emergencies and will perform strenuous physical activity requiring physical strength and endurance when performing water rescues. During the course of some rescue and first aid tasks, an incumbent may be exposed to blood, other bodily fluids/products, communicable diseases and other related health hazards. An incumbent will have exposure to pool water and pool chemicals, cleaning solvents and disinfectants and electrical and mechanical hazards. An incumbent must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.
Application Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification. Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
Part I - Verification of all required certifications.
Part II - Appraisal (oral interview) examination weighted 100%. The appraisal (oral interview) examination will assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Part III - Written examination (Pass/Fail) which will cover the areas of the areas of injury prevention, lifeguarding skills, first aid skills, patron surveillance, water safety, CPR, First Aid/AED skills and the signs of heat exhaustion.
Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment. Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office by dialing (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.
Temporary/Part-Time Appointments: Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.
Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).
Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandates CalPERS employer contributions. Therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment.
The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner. Our values include Integrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.
01
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
- High School graduate or equivalent
- Some College
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
Which of the following best describes your years of experience with Aquatics programming or as a Lifeguard?
- One (1) year of experience.
- One (1) to two (2) years of experience.
- Two (2) years of experience.
- Two (2) or more years of experience.
At the time of appointment, will you be at least 18 years of age?
- Yes
- No
Do you have American Red Cross Lifeguard Training?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a current American Red Cross Standard First Aid?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a current American Red Cross C.P.R. for the Professional Rescuer?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor?
- Yes
- No
As stated on the job flyer, the pool will be open five (5) days a week beginning June 15, 2026. For the following questions, please indicate the time of day you are available to work for each day. For example: Monday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you are not able to work on a certain day please indicate "N/A.".
10
Monday
11
Tuesday
12
Wednesday
13
Thursday
14
Friday
15
How long is the availability you have indicated above good until? (MM/DD/YR)
16
Are you currently or have you ever been a member of the California Public Employee's Retirement System (CalPERS)?
- Yes
- No
If "Yes," please indicate what agency(s) you were employed with and dates (MM/DD/YR) of employment under CalPERS.
18
Proof of certification documents requested as part of your application must be uploaded and attached to your online application. By selecting "Yes" to this question you are acknowledging that you are aware of this requirement and understand that failure to submit this required documentation may result in disqualification from further consideration.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question