What are the responsibilities and job description for the LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL) position at Department of Parks & Recreation?
Job Posting: LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)
Department of Parks & Recreation
LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)
$20.69 - $22.97 per Hour
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 8/8/2026
Job Description and Duties
“Priority consideration will be given to any person receiving State public assistance under the CalWORKs program. Applicants who receive State public assistance need to identify their status as a CalWORKs recipient in the comments area on the application. Applicants must submit a verification of their CalWORKs eligibility status, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing TANF eligibility or a copy of your last aid check stub. If verification is not submitted with the application, the application will not be processed. (Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program).”
The seasonal Lifeguard I works under the immediate supervision of the State Park Peace Officer Supervisor (Lifeguard) and under the direction of the seasonal Lifeguard II, or on-duty State Park Peace Officer. Seasonal Lifeguard duties include detecting and performing aquatic rescues, assisting persons and vessels in distress, performing medical aides and resuscitation measures per DPR protocols and procedures, and preventing aquatic emergencies by making safety contacts and identifying hazards. Seasonal lifeguards may take incident command during aquatic emergencies, notify peace officers of observed criminal activity, notify supervisors of park incidents, prepare reports, contact visitors, communicate rules and regulations, and provide education and interpretation. The seasonal lifeguard may also operate the patrol truck, patrol vessel and personal watercraft.
This position may work up to 1500 hours within 12 consecutive months. This position is designated as not telework eligible. Schedules are written monthly, and hours vary based on operational need.
The selected candidate is required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.
This position requires a valid Class C driver’s license. You must answer the questions addressing your driver’s license on your application. Ensure you provide your driver’s license number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions on your application.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
The seasonal Lifeguard I duty locations are the Lifeguard Towers/Vehicles/Vessels/Dispatch and any other area in or about the Angeles District as assigned by the lead person or supervisor. The seasonal Lifeguard I may work under adverse weather not limited to extreme heat/cold, wind, rain, lightning, and dynamic aquatic conditions. The seasonal Lifeguard I may be required to respond to environmental emergencies outside their normal working environment. The seasonal Lifeguard I must be willing to work within crowded conditions during hours/days of high park visitation.
Position Details
Department Information
The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
Ability to read and write English. Physical strength necessary to rescue a struggling victim in the water. Must possess the visual and hearing acuity necessary to detect and rescue a struggling victim in the water. Must pass open water swim and run, and 80-hour lifeguard training program. Must pass a criminal background check.
DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/8/2026Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Benefits
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
David C. Wilson
(818) 403-8256
David.c.wilson@parks.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Sharon Comas - EEO Office
(916) 653-9990
sharon.comas@parks.ca.gov
Additional Instructions
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Salary : $21 - $23