Posting number: FY 23-00042
Department: Recreation and Parks
Division: Rec & Parks - Paul Nelson Pool
Job classification: Lifeguard
Posting type: Open
Categories: Recreation
CLOSING DATE: Continuous
This recruitment is for a Lifeguard assigned to safeguard swimmers at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center and local high school swimming pools, following the American Red Cross (ARC) Lifeguard Training manual.
The Lifeguard position is an individual contributor role that provides services that enable Santa Maria residents to enjoy a safe swimming environment.
The City of Santa Maria is a full-service city with a Council/Manager form of government with over 700 employees and serves approximately 108,000 constituents. The City is located on the beautiful central coast of California and covers over 23 square miles. The community is a harmonious balance of coastal and agricultural lands while promoting business. Santa Maria has been recognized nationally as an All-America City by the National Civic League and offers reasonably priced housing, community festivals, quality schools, cultural arts, a local airport, wineries, and higher education institutions and is near locally accessible beaches.
The Department of Recreation and Parks' mission is to enrich the lives of the residents of Santa Maria through quality recreation programs and services; and to provide safe and well-maintained facilities and parks, while anticipating the changing needs of the community. The department operates 234 acres of developed parkland in 28 neighborhood and community parks, part of the 1,774-acre Los Flores Ranch Park property, the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, and other community centers. The department provides programs in aquatics, youth and adult sports. It also manages the City's Urban Forest Program.
The following duties are typical of this classification and are intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed, the level of technical complexity of the assignment(s), and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the concept of the classification, or is similar or closely related to another duty statement to address business needs and changing business practices.
Under supervision, safeguards swimmers and enforces pool safety rules and regulations while lifeguarding during activities such as public swim and aquatic instruction. Prepares written information relating to registrations, incidents/accidents, and assists Recreation staff as needed. Position is also required to assist with general facility maintenance and perform other duties as assigned. Weekend, holiday, and split shift work will be required.
Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance:
The ideal candidate will be reliable, courteous, energetic and friendly; possess: effective communications skills; the ability to take direction and work independently; demonstrate an ability to provide exemplary customer service and perform other duties as assigned in a professional manner while presenting a positive public image.
Must be at least 16 years of age, in good health, and possess appropriate physical strength to perform duties as a lifeguard. Applicant must work well with the general public, including infants, youth, adults, and those with special needs and have the ability to interact positively with staff.
A complete application is required.
The most qualified candidates will be selected to appear before a panel for an oral interview. Those applicants invited to interview will be notified electronically at the e-mail address provided by each candidate through the application process. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to allow their inbox to receive emails in regard to this recruitment.
Selected candidates must complete a background investigation and live scan to the satisfaction of the City, as well as present a negative TB test prior to the final offer being made.
If you have job-related questions, please contact staff in the Human Resources Division at 805-925-0951 x2203. If you are experiencing any technical (computer-related) difficulties, please call the NEOGOV help line for technical assistance at 1-855-524-5627.

Located along California’s beautiful Central Coast, the City of Santa Maria is the largest and most populous city in the County of Santa Barbara with more than 100,000 residents. Located 70 miles north of Santa Barbara and 30 miles south of San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria is known for its world famous Santa Maria style tri-trip barbecue, succulent strawberries and world-class wine country.
The word has gotten out - Santa Maria is a great place to live. To meet the needs of our growing community, our evolving Smart City, Safe City initiative pairs technology and data together with safety and security. Learn more at www.cityofsantamaria.org/smartcity
Although agriculture remains a major industry with many sophisticated infrastructure expansions, Santa Maria enjoys an expanding economy based on a healthy combination of commercial and manufacturing development, education, oil production, the local public airport, and nearby Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Santa Maria’s General Plan focuses on the jobs-housing balance and economic diversity, while continuing to accommodate dynamic change. Santa Maria each year hosts the famous Elks Rodeo and Parade, welcomes thousands of people to the Santa Barbara County Fair, and entertains families at summer concerts in the park and at Downtown Fridays.
We have baseball fields, numerous parks and playgrounds, a popular community youth center with an outdoor swimming pool, and year-round theater at the PCPA Theaterfest.
To apply, please visit our job openings page at www.cityofsantamaria.org/hr