Description

Position Summary
This position is responsible for assisting and providing support to the Recreation Coordinator and Leader by administering and implementing aquatic operations related to staffing, lifeguard techniques, facility usage and rules, chemical testing, and aquatics programming. The head guard interfaces directly with patrons to answer questions about all aquatic operations and provide excellent customer service. The Head Guard will also be involved in enforcing facility rules and regulations and maintaining a safe and clean environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following are examples of primary duties assigned to this position. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Assists the recreation coordinator / recreation leader in managing aquatic facilities and programs.
• Ensures a safe environment and quality programming for employees, participants, and the public.
• Enforces all aquatic facilities’ policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Serves as the Lead Lifeguard on duty.
• Performs regular safety checks and keeps first aid supplies stocked.
• Accurately completes daily operation forms including maintenance request forms, attendance, chemical testing, cleaning checklists, and operation reports.
• Maintains records and adequate copies of Lifeguard forms including, training logs, testing, certifications and renewal timeline for certifications.
• Conducts regular spot evaluations and uniform enforcement of part-time employees.
• Makes recommendations to Coordinator and/or Leader regarding staff follow-up and disciplinary notices/counseling.
• Compiles monthly forms and attendance reports.
• Leads and/or assists aquatic employee’s in-service training.
• Performs cleaning and minor maintenance duties as needed.
• Recommends updates to Aquatic Facilities Manuals and Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
• Assists in planning, coordinating and leading aquatic special events and programs.
• Responds to any problems, developments, conditions, or accidents/incidents that require action and ensures communication to the Coordinator and Leader.

Work Environment

• Primarily indoor aquatics setting, with outdoor aquatic setting during summer months, which includes travel between facilities. Exposure to weather elements, chemicals, high-pressure situations, and extensive public contact.
• Typical working hours may consist of evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts depending on facility hours, scheduling needs, and seasonal variations.

Physical demands

• The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job's duties, the employee must have swimming proficiency, which includes the ability to swim long distances quickly, often in rescue situations. Skill in various swimming techniques, including freestyle, backstroke, and possibly underwater swimming. Physical strength and agility to perform rescues, including lifting and carrying individuals out of the water. Ability to stand, walk, and move around the pool area for prolonged periods. Capacity to remain alert and focused for extended periods. Ability to handle and work around pool chemicals safely, which may require wearing protective gear. Capability to perform physical tasks related to cleaning and maintaining the facility, including bending, lifting, and scrubbing.

Requirements

Travel required

• While performing the duties of the job, the employee may be required to attend a variety of meetings, activities, and events held at all MRD locations, as well as check in or follow up with aquatics staff and duties at all MRD facilities. Efficient and adequate transportation to and from all MRD facilities is required. 

Required education and experience 

• A minimum of one (1) year of aquatics programming experience and lifeguarding experience.
• A minimum of one (1) year in a supervisory role.
• Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to motivate and direct a team. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. 

License and Certification

• Preferred or ability to obtain in 6 weeks of hire date:
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification or equivalent.
• Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification. 

Benefits Included

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. PERA employer and 401K contribution options. Paid time off (PTO) in addition to 10 paid holidays, and a family membership to the Community Recreation Center.

Entire Salary Range: $18.05/hr - $27.08/hr
Hiring Range:  $18.05/hr  - $23.69/hr

Why do I see two salary ranges?
In compliance with Colorado state law, the Montrose Recreation District includes a salary range for all positions posted.  This law is intended to improve wage transparency.  In support of wage transparency the Montrose Recreation District posts both the full salary range for each position (what you might anticipate your earnings could be if you work for the MRD for some time), as well as the anticipated hiring range (the range within which the MRD anticipates making an offer).  The actual offer extended will be based on your years of relevant experience, education, certifications, and potentially other factors.