Lifeguard

PT LIFEGUARD & SWIM INSTRUCTOR

HIRING RANGE: $17.00 PER HOUR

About the Position: 
Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Lifeguards are an elite group of highly trained aquatic safety professionals. Our lifeguards provide proactive swimmer surveillance by anticipating, recognizing, and effectively managing a variety of aquatic emergencies. GJPR Lifeguards provide safe, clean, and fun aquatic recreation opportunities for the Grand Valley. Drowning prevention is a key component of our safety philosophy, and teaching swimming lessons is a crucial step in keeping everyone safe around the water.

Aquatic position hours vary and may include mornings, nights, holidays, and weekends. These positions are year-round at the Community Recreation Center and at the Orchard Mesa Community Center Pool. We have seasonal positions at the Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool and Palisade Community Pool. 

About the Aquatics Division: 
Make a difference in your community by working in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Our aquatics team provides aquatic safety for four of the Grand Junction area’s premier aquatic facilities (Community Recreation Center, Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool, Orchard Mesa Pool, and Palisade Community Pool). Join our aquatics team and turn your "day-to-day" into "saved the day"!

What You'll Do:

• Work independently and as part of the lifeguard team to ensure swimmer and facility safety. 

• Anticipate, recognize, and manage aquatic emergencies. 

• Communicate pool rules and policies in a professional and courteous manner to guests. 

• Maintain rescue-readiness and skill competency at or above industry standards. 

• Communicate effectively with guests, guest service representatives, other lifeguards, and the management team. 

• Dress in the required GJPR staff uniform while on duty. 

• Be punctual. 

• Attend mandatory staff meetings and relevant in-service trainings. 

• Provide excellent guest relations and interaction. 

• Provide a clean and safe recreation experience for guests by performing routine upkeep and cleaning of pool areas. 

• Provide swimming instruction as part of the Learn to Swim program.

• Perform related work as required.

This position is a safety-sensitive position, which means you will be subject to random drug screens due to the nature of the work performed.

What We're Looking For:

• Must be 15 years of age or older

• Applicants must be able to successfully pass a drug screen, background check, and, if required for the specific position, a physical examination

• Must have or be willing to obtain a valid Ellis & Assoc. International Lifeguard Training Program certification

• Minimum of 20/25 corrected vision

• Ability to work independently, be a team player, take initiative, and have a positive work ethic

• Must have general computer skills and strong verbal communication skills

• Work well with people, treating everyone with respect

• Always puts safety first

• Must be able to work flexible work hours and schedules where shifts may be assigned opening, closing, or weekends, depending on the needs of the facility

• Comfortable in all depths of water, strong swimming skills are preferred

Lifeguards can expect to work 20-35 hours per week.

Most lifeguards will be trained to teach "Learn to Swim" lessons. Ellis & Assoc. International Lifeguard Training Program courses are offered through the Parks and Recreation Department at no charge to accepted applicants. Selected applicants must be available for in-person training and complete online training prior to course start dates.

Additional information on course requirements, dates, and times will be made available during the interview process.

Notice to Applicants: 
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, we kindly request that you do not include the dates of your education to include years of attendance or graduation on your application, resume or attachments.

Explore the Area: 
Grand Junction, Colorado, is the key access point to the mountains and canyonlands of western Colorado and eastern Utah. Centrally located between Denver, CO (250 miles east) and Salt Lake City, UT (270 miles west), Grand Junction was named for the convergence of the Gunnison River and Colorado River. Over 1.5 million acres of public lands connect the area’s alpine terrain with the dramatic high desert, nourished by powerful rivers that sustain the vibrant agriculture industry. Opportunities for outdoor adventures are abundant in every season due to the year-round temperate climate. Home to “Nature’s Trifecta,” Grand Junction is surrounded by the Colorado National Monument – a mini-Grand Canyon, Rattlesnake Arches – the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the world, and the Grand Mesa – the largest flat-top mountain in the world. Agritourism, art and history, boutique shopping, and trendy restaurants complement the outdoor recreation scene. With a population over 160,000 in Mesa County (over 70,000 within the City limits), Grand Junction has all the city amenities you expect with a hometown atmosphere that is friendly and comfortable. See Visit Grand Junction for more information.  

At the City of Grand Junction, we proudly operate as an Equal Opportunity Employer, purposely building an inclusive workforce representative of various cultures, perspectives, and experiences. We believe in respect for all and do not discriminate based on hair, race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. 

If you have any questions or need assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please contact our Human Resources office at 970.244.1512.

What We Offer: At the City of Grand Junction, we value the contributions of our seasonal employees and recognize the importance of work-life balance. While seasonal positions are temporary, employees accrue Healthy Accruals—earned time off to use as needed. 

Working with the City provides a great opportunity to gain experience, contribute to the community, and be part of a dedicated team. 

The Parks and Recreation Department enhances the quality of life in Grand Junction by maintaining and developing vibrant recreational spaces and facilities for residents and visitors. The department manages 45 parks, 25 playgrounds, 24 park shelters, 5 indoor recreation facilities including the Orchard Mesa Pool, Lincoln Park Hospitality Suite, the Bookcliff Activity Center, Lincoln Park Barn, and the Senior Recreation Center, and a multitude of outdoor facilities which include the Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool, 2 City Cemeteries, Amphitheater at Las Colonias and the Lincoln Park Stadium Sports Complex.