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Lifeguard/Swim Instructor (Hourly)

City of Modesto
Modesto, CA Other
POSTED ON 4/13/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/13/2026


This is an hourly position, limited to working approximately 29 hours per week up to 1,000 hours annually or working approximately 40 hours per week up to 6 months and no more than 1,000 hours annually. This position is non-benefited and is designated as a non-classified, at-will position.  


The City of Modesto is currently recruiting for Lifeguards to join our team. This position will be responsible for enforcing swimming pool regulations, organizing and teaching swim lessons, and promoting safety and health regulations.
We are looking for someone who can react quickly, likes being outside and has a passion for giving back to their community. The Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department works closely with the community providing programming to youth, seniors and all citizens. As a department, we strive to foster a collaborative and collegial atmosphere among staff while providing high quality programs, activities and events to the community and neighborhoods. We take pride in offering excellent community service while remaining adaptable and responsive to our residents' needs and expectations.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the works "SEE RESUME".
All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications of the position will be placed on an eligible list and invited to a selection interview with the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department.

Human Resources reserves the right to revise the selection process to best meet the needs of the City. The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Essential and other important responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:


Essential Functions:


Maintain constant surveillance of patrons in the facility, act immediately and appropriately to secure safety of patrons in the event of emergency.


Organize and lead various water activities, including swimming lessons. 


Assist opening and securing various facilities as assigned.


Guide individuals and/or groups in proper swimming techniques and water safety. 


Provide reliable customer service while promoting facility programs.

 

Maintain and submit reports and records as required. 

 

Attend staff meetings and training sessions as required. 


Maintain cleanliness and safety for the pool and the area inside the pool enclosure, including the men's and women's restrooms. 


Operate and perform basic maintenance to pool filtering system. 


Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service. 


Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

 

Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.


Marginal Functions:


Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:


Practices and techniques for favorable public relations, group cooperation and programming for participants.


Principles and practices of lifeguarding and water safety instruction. 


First Aid, CPR, and emergency medical methods and procedures. 


Proper pool supervision techniques.


Light pool maintenance and pool water chemistry. 


Light custodial maintenance techniques. 


Ability to:


Swim 300 yards consecutively. 


Perform water rescue if necessary.


Develop favorable public relations and maintain an appearance that projects a positive image.


Think and react clearly, quickly, and accurately in emergencies. 


Work various shifts including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned. 


Prepare reports and records. 


Lift and carry heavy objects. 


Run forward, backward, and laterally. 


Perform light custodial maintenance tasks. 


Travel from worksite to worksite as needed. 


Read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance, including the ability to follow and to interpret written instructions and to perform basic arithmetic.


Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.


Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:


Experience:

Lifeguard and/or Swim Instructor experience is desired, not required. 


Training:

Formal or informal education or training that ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for acceptable job performance, including the ability to follow and to interpret written instructions and to perform basic arithmetic.


License or Certificate:

Possession of the below certificates are required to be obtained within 30 days of appointment in order to be scheduled and must be maintained for continued employment.

American Red Cross First Aid Certificate

American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Certificate

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate

American Red Cross Title 22 – First Aid for Public Safety Personnel Certificate


*Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination. 


NOTE: Based on department approval, equivalent certifications may be accepted.


Additional Requirements:


NOTE:  If hired, you will be required to be fingerprinted at time of appointment, in compliance with Section 10911-5 of the Education Code and Section 5164 of the Public Resources Code. In addition, it is the City’s policy to not hire individuals convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, including, but not limited to:

An offense involving conduct requiring registration pursuant to Penal Code Section 290 (sex offender); an offense involving sexual misconduct with children; an offense involving prostitution (including solicitation) or an offense involving conduct requiring registration pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 11590 (controlled substance offenders) or any felony offense involving drugs (including possession, sale, distribution, transporting or conspiracy) or a felony offense involving the use of force and violence upon a person or another, or a misdemeanor offense for same within the last five (5) years.

Mobility: frequent standing or sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise. 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

 

Conditions will vary depending on assignment. Work may also be performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis subject to street or field noise and year-round weather conditions. Duties may include some recreation-related field noise. Work often occurs at remote locations. Position may require occasional overtime, holiday, evening, or weekend work and travel is rare. 

Salary : $19 - $23

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