What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Surf-Lifeguard (Recreational Aid and Assistant) position at Fire Island National Seashore?
The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Fire Island National Seashore is April - Sept, but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April - May 2026
NOTE: OPM has identified this position as eligible for an exception to the typical 1039 hour season. This exception allows up to 1560 hours which may extend the season dates noted above. See additional information section for details.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40 hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.
GS-3 LEVEL:
EXPERIENCE: At least six months of general experience. General experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Examples include working as at the YMCA, at a summer camp, Boy Scout/Girl Scout clubs, customer service.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one year above high school. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above.
GS-4 LEVEL:
EXPERIENCE: At least Six months of general experience as described above AND six months of specialized experience. Specialized experience is experience which is in the occupation of the position to be filled, in a related occupation, or in one of the specialized areas within that occupation, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position specialized experience is defined as experience assisting in the organization and administration of recreation activities; and providing observational surveillance of visitor activities within protected swim or beach area.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least two years above high school with some courses in recreation or physical education. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above.
GS-5 LEVEL:
EXPERIENCE: At least One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level. Specialized experience is experience which is in the occupation of the position to be filled, in a related occupation, or in one of the specialized areas within that occupation, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position specialized experience is defined as experience assisting in the organization and administration of recreation activities; and providing observational surveillance of visitor activities within protected swim or beach area.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of four years above high school, leading to a bachelor's degree, in any field with at least 24 semester hours in courses related to recreation or physical education. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
NOTE: OPM has identified this position as eligible for an exception to the typical 1039 hour season. This exception allows up to 1560 hours which may extend the season dates noted above. See additional information section for details.
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-07/13/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40 hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.
GS-3 LEVEL:
EXPERIENCE: At least six months of general experience. General experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Examples include working as at the YMCA, at a summer camp, Boy Scout/Girl Scout clubs, customer service.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one year above high school. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above.
GS-4 LEVEL:
EXPERIENCE: At least Six months of general experience as described above AND six months of specialized experience. Specialized experience is experience which is in the occupation of the position to be filled, in a related occupation, or in one of the specialized areas within that occupation, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position specialized experience is defined as experience assisting in the organization and administration of recreation activities; and providing observational surveillance of visitor activities within protected swim or beach area.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least two years above high school with some courses in recreation or physical education. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above.
GS-5 LEVEL:
EXPERIENCE: At least One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level. Specialized experience is experience which is in the occupation of the position to be filled, in a related occupation, or in one of the specialized areas within that occupation, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position specialized experience is defined as experience assisting in the organization and administration of recreation activities; and providing observational surveillance of visitor activities within protected swim or beach area.
-OR-
EDUCATION: Successful completion of four years above high school, leading to a bachelor's degree, in any field with at least 24 semester hours in courses related to recreation or physical education. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Responsibilities:
This is an open continuous announcement. Applicants will be referred throughout the announcement period. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions are filled or announcement reaches the closing date. The first cut-off date is 11:59 pm (EST), March 2, 2026.- Provides observational surveillance of visitor activities within protected swim beach area.
- Responds to emergency water related calls.
- Ensures compliance with all rules and regulations governing use of the beach swimming area and natural resources of the area.
- Operates conventional 4-wheel drive and off-road vehicles (UTVs/ATVs)
- Maintains self and equipment in a state of readiness at all times.
Salary : $18