What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lifeguard/Instructor (Temporary, Year-Round) position at City of La Mesa?
Position Summary
Recruitment Extended
The City of La Mesa has an openings for Lifeguard/Instructor. This is a part-time, temporary position working approximately 20-25 hours per week, Monday through Sunday. Hours will vary pending the assigned shift.
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
To assist in conducting recreational activities in connection with the programs of an aquatic facility; to observe and supervise the activities of patrons in the pool and surrounding area; to prepare lesson plans and instruct students in swimming and water safety activities; to protect life, prevent accidents and enforce pool regulations; to rescue swimmers in emergency situations; and to assist in the maintenance of facilities and equipment.
Key Responsibilities
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training
Formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.
Experience
One year of swimming instruction experience is preferred.
License Or Certificate
Applicants must be 16 years of age or older by date of hire. If applicant is still in high school, must provide California Worker's Permit.
Possession of a Lifeguard Training Certificate or equivalent is preferred. Lifeguard Training Certification can be provided by City of La Mesa staff once hired, however, continued employment will be contingent upon successful completion of lifeguard training certification requirements.
Possession of a Water Safety Instructor's Certificate is desirable.
Must complete California Title 22 requirement within six months of appointment.
Examination Process
Interested applicants must submit an online and supplemental questionnaire. Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline of 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Only those candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in a skills screening and oral interview. The skills screening will consist of basic swimming skills, treading water, and retrieving a 10 lb. brick off the bottom of the pool at 10 feet deep. Submission of an application does not guarantee participation in the testing and interview process. Eligible candidates will be notified when dates have been established.
NOTE: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment medical evaluation, including alcohol/drug screen, and background investigation.
Recruitment Extended
The City of La Mesa has an openings for Lifeguard/Instructor. This is a part-time, temporary position working approximately 20-25 hours per week, Monday through Sunday. Hours will vary pending the assigned shift.
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
To assist in conducting recreational activities in connection with the programs of an aquatic facility; to observe and supervise the activities of patrons in the pool and surrounding area; to prepare lesson plans and instruct students in swimming and water safety activities; to protect life, prevent accidents and enforce pool regulations; to rescue swimmers in emergency situations; and to assist in the maintenance of facilities and equipment.
Key Responsibilities
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Serve as lifeguard during pool hours and at all events held at the pool; observe and supervise activities of swimmers in the pool and the surrounding area; enforce applicable pool rules and regulations.
- Prepare lesson plans and conduct swimming classes for beginners through advanced levels; instruct students in proper swimming techniques and various water safety measures.
- Review swimming techniques of students; provide additional training as necessary; ensure adherence to proper safety precautions.
- Rescue persons in distress or in danger of drowning; provide emergency response as necessary including providing first aid and CPR.
- Participate in facilities clean-up and maintenance; remove and replace pool covers; test and monitor water chemistry and temperature; adjust as appropriate; monitor operation of pumps, filters and chlorinators.
- Respond to questions and inquiries from the public regarding pool regulations, use of facilities and various aquatic programs offered.
- Open and close pool and related facilities.
- Register the public for swim classes; maintain a variety of records and reports.
- Perform basic cashiering and other office work as assigned.
- Perform related duties as required.
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training
Formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.
Experience
One year of swimming instruction experience is preferred.
License Or Certificate
Applicants must be 16 years of age or older by date of hire. If applicant is still in high school, must provide California Worker's Permit.
Possession of a Lifeguard Training Certificate or equivalent is preferred. Lifeguard Training Certification can be provided by City of La Mesa staff once hired, however, continued employment will be contingent upon successful completion of lifeguard training certification requirements.
Possession of a Water Safety Instructor's Certificate is desirable.
Must complete California Title 22 requirement within six months of appointment.
Examination Process
Interested applicants must submit an online and supplemental questionnaire. Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline of 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Only those candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in a skills screening and oral interview. The skills screening will consist of basic swimming skills, treading water, and retrieving a 10 lb. brick off the bottom of the pool at 10 feet deep. Submission of an application does not guarantee participation in the testing and interview process. Eligible candidates will be notified when dates have been established.
NOTE: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment medical evaluation, including alcohol/drug screen, and background investigation.