Job Description

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

August 9, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range16.82 - 21.65Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a part-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

10

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Confirm with the Hiring Manager

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of the swimming pool environment and must closely monitor and potentially rescue swimmers. They provide customer service to visiting patrons and exercise mature judgment and decision-making skills while on-duty.

The Parks and Recreation department is seeking Lifeguards to work in Ongoing/Varied and Seasonal roles for our indoor and outdoor pools. We will be hiring multiple employees based on our programs and hours of operation. Please keep in mind that the city’s benefit package offer will differ based upon work hours and the duration of the assignment you accept.

• Ongoing/Varied: Work less than 20 hours/week with no planned end date to work. No medical, dental, or vision insurance is available, but employees receive benefits including sick time-off, wellness program, EcoPass for transit, recreation pass, and retirement plans.

• Seasonal Max: March – September. Work six (6) to 11 months, averaging more than 30 hours/week. Medical insurance is offered, but not dental or vision insurance. Other benefits received include sick time-off, wellness program, EcoPass for transit, recreation pass, and retirement plans.

• Seasonal Traditional: May – September. Work less than six (6) months, averaging more than 30 hours/week. No medical, dental, or vision insurance is available, but employees receive benefits including sick time-off, wellness program, EcoPass for transit, recreation pass, and retirement plans.

• Seasonal Limited Hours: March – September. Work less than 11 months, averaging less than 30 hours/week. No medical, dental, or vision insurance is offered, but employees receive benefits including sick time-off, wellness program, EcoPass for transit, recreation pass, and retirement plans.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as a lifeguard as primary responsibility.

• Monitors activities of patrons in the water and on deck to minimize the possibility of patron injury.

• Acts as a dispatcher at the top of elevated waterslides for patrons riding these amenities as needed.

• Educates, explains and enforces facility regulations, policies, and procedures to patrons.

• Prevents accidents; remains calm in emergency situations; works with little or no supervision.

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and facility guests.

• Administers emergency care to patrons in need of assistance in and out of the water.

• Demonstrates a proactive approach toward facility cleanliness and maintenance.

• Performs basic front office and customer service duties.

• Attends all mandatory pre-season and monthly in-service trainings. ​

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to swim 300 yards, retrieve a 10lb brick from the bottom in 10 feet, and tread water for two minutes with no hands.

• Ability to demonstrate life-saving skills and water competency prior to employment. Lifeguards may be tested at any time during their employment

• Skills in strong communication.

• Must be at least 16 years of age as is the requirement to dispatch water slides.

• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Administering Emergency Oxygen certification (or equivalent training),

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Current American Red Cross certifications (or equivalent) in Lifeguarding, or successful completion prior to starting employment.

• Current American Red Cross certifications (or equivalent) in First Aid, or successful completion prior to starting employment.

• Current American Red Cross certifications (or equivalent) in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, or successful completion prior to starting employment.  

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received Water Safety Supervisor

Supervision Exercised None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to perform a wide range of strenuous physical and manual tasks in an aquatics environment. Physical ability to stand, walk, and kneel; hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment; vision for reading, recording and interpreting information; speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and the public.

• Work Environment: Works in both indoor and outdoor environments that are oftentimes impacted by chemical odors, weather and at times, unpredictable conditions.

• Machines and Equipment Used: Uses various aquatics supplies and equipment, filtration systems, standard office equipment including personal computers, calculators and copy/fax machines daily. Ability to lift to a maximum of 50 lbs.

As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.