What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lifeguard/Swim Instructor position at City of Paso Robles?
Description
The City of Paso Robles is looking for enthusiastic Lifeguards and Swim Instructors to join our aquatics team for the upcoming season. In this role, you will help keep our pools safe, create a positive and fun environment, and teach swimmers of all ages to gain confidence in the water.
This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who enjoy teamwork, being active outdoors, and making a meaningful impact in the community. You will gain valuable experience in public service and aquatics programs while working in a supportive, team-oriented environment. Join us this season and make a splash while helping our community enjoy a safe and fun summer!
Tentative Interview Dates: Saturday, April 25, 2026 and Monday, April 27, 2026
Mandatory Orientation Date (New and Returning Staff): Monday, June 8, 2026
Mandatory In-Service Training Dates (New and Returning Staff): June 8-11, 2026
Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Required Prior to a Conditional Job Offer
The City of Paso Robles will be offering a Red Cross class March 27-29, 2026. If you are interested in obtaining your certification through the City, you must attend one free Lifeguard Prerequisite Training & Testing session before you can register for and attend the Red Cross class. The cost of registration for the class is $100. Training and testing sessions will be held March 16–19, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and March 21, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at the Municipal Pool located at 534 28th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
Pools are scheduled to be open Monday-Friday for lessons, lap swim, public swim, and aqua fit classes for 8 weeks from June 15, 2026 through August 7, 2026.
Typical Duties
The following duties are typical of this position. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional related duties to address City needs and changing business practices.
Employment Standards & Special Requirements
Knowledge Of
A typical way to obtain the required minimum qualifications would be:
Proof of current American Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification must be provided prior to a conditional job offer. If you are unable to attach documentation to your application, please e-mail certifications to Jobs@PRCity.com, or contact Human Resources at 805-237-3962.
Special Requirements
Must be at least 15 years of age on or before the last day of your Red Cross certification classes.
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; close vision and the ability to adjust focus; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Must possess the strength and stamina to perform lifeguarding duties, such as swim, tread water, and retrieve/lift heavy swimmers; stamina to sit and/or stand for long periods of time, exert moderate physical effort in maneuvering facility or aquatic equipment, typically involving some combination of running, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
Working Conditions
Incumbents are exposed to a variety of weather conditions and are required to tolerate very hot and very cold temperatures, work on uneven and/or slippery surfaces, exposed to the sun and water, and may be exposed to blood or bodily fluids while rendering first aid and CPR.
Selection Procedure & Application Process
All new and returning candidates must submit an application by Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Proof of current American Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification must be provided either with your application or prior to a conditional job offer. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, background, and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity and authorization to work in the United States. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at www.PRCity.com/HR).
The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 237-3962, or by email at Jobs@PRCity.com.
All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "Disaster Service Workers" as defined in the California Government Code Section 3100 and 3101.
The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.
Photos by @brittanyapp
Sick Leave: 40 hours (or five days, whichever is greater) of sick leave upon hire that can be used after 90 calendar days of employment
For additional details and information, please see the Unrepresented Part-Time/Temporary Wage and Benefit Summary located on our website here.
01
Please describe your personal swimming experience, including, but not limited to, any volunteer and swim team experience.
02
Do you have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification? If yes, you must attach a copy of your certification to your application.
If you do not have a current Lifeguard and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification, you must obtain it prior to a conditional job offer. Please state what date you are scheduled to attend the certification class.
04
Aquatics staff are required to attend a week of mandatory in-service training from June 8-11, 2026. Please confirm you are available during these dates.
Please list any restrictions in your availability to work from June 8 - August 7, 2026, Monday - Friday (i.e., employment, summer school) and provide dates/times. Type "N/A". if there are none.
06
While we cannot guarantee that all time off requests will be granted, our goal is to provide reasonable flexibility to our employees while still covering all shifts. Please list any prior commitments that may require time off with the reason for the request, including vacations, trips, competitions, Mid-State Fair animal programs, etc. Type "N/A" if there are none.
07
A separate application submission will be required for each position you are interested in. Are you aware that this application is only for the position of Lifeguard/Swim Instructor? If you are also interested in applying for Assistant Pool Manager and/or Aquatics Office Assistant, you must submit applications for those positions as well.
Did a city employee contact you about this position and encourage you to apply? If so, please insert their name otherwise type "N/A". Please note that only one name may be listed.
The City of Paso Robles is looking for enthusiastic Lifeguards and Swim Instructors to join our aquatics team for the upcoming season. In this role, you will help keep our pools safe, create a positive and fun environment, and teach swimmers of all ages to gain confidence in the water.
This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who enjoy teamwork, being active outdoors, and making a meaningful impact in the community. You will gain valuable experience in public service and aquatics programs while working in a supportive, team-oriented environment. Join us this season and make a splash while helping our community enjoy a safe and fun summer!
- Important Dates **
Tentative Interview Dates: Saturday, April 25, 2026 and Monday, April 27, 2026
Mandatory Orientation Date (New and Returning Staff): Monday, June 8, 2026
Mandatory In-Service Training Dates (New and Returning Staff): June 8-11, 2026
Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Required Prior to a Conditional Job Offer
The City of Paso Robles will be offering a Red Cross class March 27-29, 2026. If you are interested in obtaining your certification through the City, you must attend one free Lifeguard Prerequisite Training & Testing session before you can register for and attend the Red Cross class. The cost of registration for the class is $100. Training and testing sessions will be held March 16–19, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and March 21, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at the Municipal Pool located at 534 28th Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446.
Pools are scheduled to be open Monday-Friday for lessons, lap swim, public swim, and aqua fit classes for 8 weeks from June 15, 2026 through August 7, 2026.
Typical Duties
The following duties are typical of this position. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional related duties to address City needs and changing business practices.
- Maintain vigilant surveillance of the pool area to ensure patron safety at all times.
- Provide swimming instruction following City guidelines and best practices.
- Assist with daily operations and activities at City aquatics facilities.
- Respond to swimmers in distress, performing rescues and administering first aid or emergency care as needed.
- Accurately document lesson progress, registrations, incidents, and other reports.
- Deliver excellent customer service while fostering positive relationships with both the public and staff.
- Enforce facility rules professionally, including pool use, locker rooms, and general areas.
- Support general facility maintenance and cleanliness.
- Assist higher-level staff to ensure programs and operations run efficiently and safely.
Employment Standards & Special Requirements
Knowledge Of
- Lifeguarding safety policies, water hazards, lifesaving techniques, and first aid procedures.
- Aquatics instruction theory and practices, including swim lessons and children’s programs.
- Municipal pool policies, regulations, and operational procedures.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
- Materials, equipment, and supplies commonly used in aquatics programs.
- Safe work practices and safety regulations.
- Maintain positive relationships with the public and fellow employees.
- Learn and effectively conduct swimming classes for a variety of age groups.
- Recognize hazardous situations and respond appropriately.
- Follow and enforce safety rules, policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions accurately.
- Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Prioritize multiple tasks and follow direction on work activities.
- Assist in overseeing groups of program participants and facility users.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, patrons, and community members.
A typical way to obtain the required minimum qualifications would be:
- Enrollment in a post elementary education program leading to a high school diploma or equivalent.
Proof of current American Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification must be provided prior to a conditional job offer. If you are unable to attach documentation to your application, please e-mail certifications to Jobs@PRCity.com, or contact Human Resources at 805-237-3962.
Special Requirements
Must be at least 15 years of age on or before the last day of your Red Cross certification classes.
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; close vision and the ability to adjust focus; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Must possess the strength and stamina to perform lifeguarding duties, such as swim, tread water, and retrieve/lift heavy swimmers; stamina to sit and/or stand for long periods of time, exert moderate physical effort in maneuvering facility or aquatic equipment, typically involving some combination of running, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
Working Conditions
Incumbents are exposed to a variety of weather conditions and are required to tolerate very hot and very cold temperatures, work on uneven and/or slippery surfaces, exposed to the sun and water, and may be exposed to blood or bodily fluids while rendering first aid and CPR.
Selection Procedure & Application Process
All new and returning candidates must submit an application by Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Proof of current American Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification must be provided either with your application or prior to a conditional job offer. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment physical, background, and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity and authorization to work in the United States. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at www.PRCity.com/HR).
The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 237-3962, or by email at Jobs@PRCity.com.
All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "Disaster Service Workers" as defined in the California Government Code Section 3100 and 3101.
The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.
Photos by @brittanyapp
Sick Leave: 40 hours (or five days, whichever is greater) of sick leave upon hire that can be used after 90 calendar days of employment
For additional details and information, please see the Unrepresented Part-Time/Temporary Wage and Benefit Summary located on our website here.
01
Please describe your personal swimming experience, including, but not limited to, any volunteer and swim team experience.
02
Do you have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification? If yes, you must attach a copy of your certification to your application.
- Yes
- No
If you do not have a current Lifeguard and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification, you must obtain it prior to a conditional job offer. Please state what date you are scheduled to attend the certification class.
04
Aquatics staff are required to attend a week of mandatory in-service training from June 8-11, 2026. Please confirm you are available during these dates.
- Yes
- No
Please list any restrictions in your availability to work from June 8 - August 7, 2026, Monday - Friday (i.e., employment, summer school) and provide dates/times. Type "N/A". if there are none.
06
While we cannot guarantee that all time off requests will be granted, our goal is to provide reasonable flexibility to our employees while still covering all shifts. Please list any prior commitments that may require time off with the reason for the request, including vacations, trips, competitions, Mid-State Fair animal programs, etc. Type "N/A" if there are none.
07
A separate application submission will be required for each position you are interested in. Are you aware that this application is only for the position of Lifeguard/Swim Instructor? If you are also interested in applying for Assistant Pool Manager and/or Aquatics Office Assistant, you must submit applications for those positions as well.
- Yes
- No
Did a city employee contact you about this position and encourage you to apply? If so, please insert their name otherwise type "N/A". Please note that only one name may be listed.
- Required Question
Salary : $100