What are the responsibilities and job description for the OCEAN LIFEGUARD II (Full-Time) position at City of Imperial Beach?
Ocean Lifeguard II
Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity
Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity
The salary above does not reflect a 2% cost of living increase that will take effect on July 1, 2026.
All new hires will begin at Step 1 ($27.41 per hour). Employees receive an annual 5% step increase until reaching the top step of $36.73 per hour, contingent upon satisfactory performance.
Recruitment is open on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. Recruitment may close without prior notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general direction, to coordinate and supervise lifeguard and ocean operations; to handle various special projects and administrative tasks; guard the City's beach in the protection of life, prevention of accidents, and enforcement of City ordinances; performs aquatic and medical rescues; and performs other related work as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Works under general direction of the Marine Safety Chief, Lieutenant, and Sergeant. Exercises direct supervision over all activities of Ocean Lifeguard I's, volunteers and interns assigned to the department.
- Plan, assign and supervise the daily activities of subordinate lifeguards within the Marine Safety Department.
- Handle special administrative projects as assigned.
- Oversee all major beach and ocean related rescue operations until relieved by a supervisor.
- Inspect and supervise the maintenance of safety equipment, facilities, and supplies within the Marine Safety Department.
- Recommend, assure all lifeguarding services and administrative policies and procedures are instituted as methods of operation.
- Review and evaluate equipment and material needs.
- Review the work of and evaluate the performance of subordinates
- Coordinate and lead training on lifesaving and emergency medical techniques, procedures, and drills.
- Coordinate lifeguard services with the activities of other governmental and public safety agencies.
- Maintain discipline of all Ocean Lifeguard I's; write, review and maintain necessary records, reports, logs and performance reviews.
- Perform the full range of duties of a lifeguard.
- Perform rescues and administer medical aid as needed.
- Patrol and take preventative actions and safety interventions.
- Operate specialized lifesaving equipment.
- Enforce and issue citations for City municipal codes.
- Subject to twenty four hour (24) emergency call including weekends and holidays.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- May be assigned to support, instruct, or coordinate the Junior Lifeguard Program.
- Perform the duties of subordinate lifeguard personnel as needed.
- Represent the Marine Safety Department at various lifesaving, medical aid, and water safety programs.
- Interpret and explain applicable codes, ordinances, regulation, policies and procedures to the public.
- Testify in court regarding matters of enforcement and litigation.
- May represent the Marine Safety Department as a media spokesperson with consultation of the Marine Safety Chief.
- Observe activities in assigned area on foot, in vehicle, or from tower or headquarters building with binoculars to detect hazardous conditions, such as swimmers in distress, disturbances, or safety infractions.
- Caution people against use of unsafe beach areas or illegal conduct, such as drinking
- Present professional appearance and attitude at all times, and maintains a high standard of customer service.
- May lead tours, or provide public education on the total scope of lifeguarding and related areas.
- Attend classes, conferences, and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the lifesaving field.
- Coordinate activities with other supervisors of other City departments and exchange information with officers in other public safety agencies.
Knowledge of:
Knowledge of: principals of organization and management including personnel, records and reports, and public relations; all functions and duties performed by the department; modern principles, practices, and concepts of modern lifesaving techniques, boating safety, and equipment used; advanced medical aid and resuscitation methods and equipment operations; emergency medical system; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes; ocean conditions and patterns; beach, surf, and ocean hazards; safe driving principles and practices; occupational hazards and safety practices necessary in the area of work assigned; principles and practices of underwater search and recovery techniques and basic diving physics; and advance principles of supervision and training.
Ability to:
Ability to: plan, organize, direct, and supervise the activities of Marine Safety Department employees performing a variety of functions; interpret, explain, and enforce relative laws, ordinances, regulations, and basic law enforcement practices dealing with the laws of arrest, and search and seizures; prepare, review, maintain accurate and complete records; prepare clear and concise reports; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing before large public groups; represent the department on behalf of governing body in matters pertaining to ocean and beach development and operation; establish and maintain effective relationships with persons and agencies concerned with the division; maintain discipline and evaluate the performance of subordinate personnel; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; size up emergency situations and adopt quick, effective courses of action; swim and/or operate water craft in adverse weather and surf conditions for extended periods of time; and meet department health and physical standards.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEKnowledge of: principals of organization and management including personnel, records and reports, and public relations; all functions and duties performed by the department; modern principles, practices, and concepts of modern lifesaving techniques, boating safety, and equipment used; advanced medical aid and resuscitation methods and equipment operations; emergency medical system; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes; ocean conditions and patterns; beach, surf, and ocean hazards; safe driving principles and practices; occupational hazards and safety practices necessary in the area of work assigned; principles and practices of underwater search and recovery techniques and basic diving physics; and advance principles of supervision and training.
Ability to:
Ability to: plan, organize, direct, and supervise the activities of Marine Safety Department employees performing a variety of functions; interpret, explain, and enforce relative laws, ordinances, regulations, and basic law enforcement practices dealing with the laws of arrest, and search and seizures; prepare, review, maintain accurate and complete records; prepare clear and concise reports; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing before large public groups; represent the department on behalf of governing body in matters pertaining to ocean and beach development and operation; establish and maintain effective relationships with persons and agencies concerned with the division; maintain discipline and evaluate the performance of subordinate personnel; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; size up emergency situations and adopt quick, effective courses of action; swim and/or operate water craft in adverse weather and surf conditions for extended periods of time; and meet department health and physical standards.
High school graduation or G.E.D. equivalent. Minimum of one (1) year full-time-equivalent progressively responsible experience as an ocean lifeguard in water safety involving rescue, first aid, and lifesaving techniques for people using an ocean water, or any combination of training and/or experience that could likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities.
LICENSING & CERTIFICATES
Possession of the following certificates will be required at time of application: (must attach certificates to application)
Completion of the following FEMA online courses and certificates are highly desirable at the time of application, if not available at the time of the application, the courses must be completed and obtain certifications six (6) months after appointment to the position.
Within one (1) year after hire, employees must satisfactorily complete the course and obtain certification in:
Employees must re-qualify for these certificates as required to retain employment.- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) American Red Cross for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Providers or American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers
- San Diego County Emergency Medical Technician I
- SCUBA - PADI Open Water Diver or NAUI Scuba Diver
- Miramar College Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operations
Completion of the following FEMA online courses and certificates are highly desirable at the time of application, if not available at the time of the application, the courses must be completed and obtain certifications six (6) months after appointment to the position.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), online Independent Study Program – IS 100, IS 200, IS 700, and IS 800
Within one (1) year after hire, employees must satisfactorily complete the course and obtain certification in:
- Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) - PC832 course on powers and procedures of arrest
- Swift Water Rescue Technician I
- San Diego Regional Training Center - Supervisory Academy
- Possession of or ability to obtain, prior to employment, a valid Class "C" California driver's license with a safe, satisfactory driving record and able to maintain through the course of employment
Applicants must successfully complete the following processes prior to starting employment:
- Interview Process
- Live Scan
- Pre-employment Physical Examination Including a Drug Screen
- Professional Reference Check
For a complete job description for the position, visit our website here.
Salary : $27 - $37