Head Lifeguard (Internal & External)

The Town of Taos is seeking qualified applicants for the following full-time positions which includes an excellent benefit package; 100% major medical premium paid for employee with a choice of State of New Mexico Blue Cross Blue Shield, Gold HMO & PPO, Presbyterian, Gold HMO & PPO, Untied Health Care, Gold HMO & PPO. State of New Mexico Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) Retirement, personal leave and holiday pay, employee development and training programs and much more!

VA#26-27-08

Job Title: Head Lifeguard

Parks & Recreation Department

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Hourly: $19.45

Opening Date: September 9, 2026

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of managerial, supervisory, administrative and technical duties related to coordinating the day-to-day operations of the Swimming Pools including facilities and grounds.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under general supervision of the Aquatics Supervisor and the Recreation Services Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides close to general supervision to recreation personnel, i.e., Lifeguard(s) III, II and I.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Under direction, assists with the following: supervision of employees at the municipal swimming pool, maintenance of specialized equipment; customer relations; assists with the administration of pool programs and assists in overall administrative planning.

Manages and or completes the following:

Assists and supervises the daily work processes and schedules of the Swimming Pools; monitors worker schedules and attendance, implements work projects and delegates assignments to subordinates; provides quality assurance review of work in progress; assures that services delivered by division staff meet quality and timeliness standards; assists with general fiscal management, recommends budgetary items and document expenditures.

Participates in various personnel management processes; may conduct and assist with recruitment interviews; assists with employee evaluations and makes recommendations affecting employee status, i.e., retention, and advancement; has general responsibility for work quality, efficiency and effectiveness.

Performs general customer services and problem solving, answer phones; educates patrons and citizens regarding operations, programs, policies, procedures, etc.; provides assistance to patrons; operates handicap lift to provide pool access for patrons with ADA requirements; makes recommendations related to media efforts, promotions and advertising campaigns; may deliver presentations to school groups to promote upcoming activities and events; responds to citizen requests, books facilities and schedules activities; operates cash register to accept fees and payments.

Monitors and enforces patron and employee compliance with established operating rules, regulations, and safety practices and procedures; prevents food and drink from being consumed in pool area; assures clean and attractive environs.

Performs as a Certified Pool Operator (CPO); performs as a first line Lifeguard, must maintain complete awareness of surroundings keeping track of patrons and their position in the swimming pools and performing potentially life saving rescues when the situation arises; conducts and participates in regularly scheduled in-service trainings and periodic conditioning exercises; protects swimmers and saves lives; performs First Aid, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and utilizes Automatics Electronic Defibrillator (AED) as required; performs as a Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) and Water Safety Instructor (WSI), if so certified, teaching and certifying lifeguard staff as needed; trains subordinates in pool operations and water treatment; monitors chlorine and pH levels of pool to ensure a safe swimming environment; performs water treatment; orders chemicals, supplies, uniforms and equipment; maintains first-aid equipment; coordinates and performs general custodial, landscaping and janitorial duties throughout facilities, grounds and restrooms including maintenance, repairs, cleaning and disinfecting for bacteria, viruses, mold and fungi; may be required to handle hazardous chemicals and materials related to pools, grounds and facilities environments; prepares major project work orders.

Removes bio-hazard materials (vomit, fecal matter, mucus, other bodily wastes, etc.) for the safety and well being of the public. Follows protocol for dealing with bodily waste in the swimming pools, facilities and grounds.

Documents revenues; opens and closes cash register.

Teaches all levels of swimming and lifesaving skills, following established Red Cross or other nationally accepted lesson plans, to children, youth, and adults; tests program participants for swimming skill levels, and prepares periodic reports for the Red Cross; reviews and implements lesson plans; monitors activities during recreational swimming to ensure that safety rules are followed.

Assists with the maintenance of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals; creation and updating of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) books for the Swimming Pools and facilities; helps train staff on SDS procedures; helps maintain the inventory of recreation supplies and equipment related to given facility.

Performs all other duties as directed and required, including those at other facilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Graduation from high school or GED; plus, two (2) years of specialized training provided through college courses, professional workshops, seminars or on-the-job training related to above duties; AND Two (2) years of experience in recreation facility management or recreation program operations, one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of rules, regulation, policies, and procedures typical of a government agency or municipal swimming pools; general facilities and grounds maintenance; interpersonal communication skills; public relations; chlorine and pH levels required to maintain a safe swimming pool environment; methods and techniques of developing and operating city recreation and community education programs; general principles and practices of program development and evaluation; specific water safety principles and practices; fiscal management and budget development; Red Cross swimming/lifesaving lesson plans for all skill levels of students; Red Cross record keeping/reporting requirements; all pertinent legislation, regulation, codes of practice, standards of design and operation and guidelines as applicable to facility; consults industry publications for current information; requirements of proper chemical storage, usage and handling; principles of management, supervision and employee motivation; legal environment related to safety and risk management practices and principles.

Skill in teaching swimming/lifesaving skills to employees and students of all age and skill levels; in monitoring activities and enforcing safety rules to maintain a safe swimming environment; maintaining records and preparing reports the use of office equipment, i.e., personal computer, phone, fax, cash register, adding machine, passenger van, scanner, digital camera, etc.; various hand