Candidates interested in this opportunity can expect to work 35-40 hours per week with a rotating schedule (including weekend shifts), April through September. Most work hours will be during the pool season, between May and September, but will include hours for training and assistance with pool preparations prior to opening for the summer season and assisting with closing the facility through mid-September. This position will also assist with staff in-service training events and participate during weekly shift leader meetings (tentatively Fridays, 9am-11am).

Under the general supervision of the Aquatics Manager, the Shift Leader position provides general supervision for the aquatic staff at the Furman Aquatic Center. The Shift Leader is directly accountable to the Recreation Assistant and the Aquatics Manager, and adjunctly accountable to the Parks & Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks & Recreation.

• Oversee aquatic staffing plan (e.g. shift meeting, rotations and assignments, rescue equipment, etc.).
• Oversee patron surveillance (i.e. lifeguard alertness and vigilance, consistent rule enforcement, etc.).
• Oversee enacting of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) as needed.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Perform opening and closing procedures (unlocking/locking, lights/features, cleaning etc.) as outlined.
• Perform daily operations (e.g. chemical testing, announcements, deep water test, etc.) as outlined.
• Complete required paperwork for record keeping (e.g. incident reports, water testing, etc.) as outlined.
• Assist the Aquatics Manager with lifeguard orientation and in-service training.
• Assist the Aquatics Manager with formal and informal staff recognition and evaluation.
• Assist the Aquatics Manager with live action drills and performance checks.
• Supervise internal and external groups and activities (swim team, swim lessons, aqua classes, rentals, etc.).
• Other assigned duties as assigned by the Aquatics Manager.

Distributed Responsibilities:

• Prepare work schedules and payroll.
• Perform daily facility safety checks and follow through on required action.
• Communicate with aquatic staff through various media (e.g. scheduling app, email, social media, etc.).
• Maintain current inventory of supplies and notify the Recreation Assistant and/or Aquatics Manager of items needed.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary contact/person in charge during evening and weekend hours, as assigned.
• Assist the Recreation Assistant and/or Aquatics Manager with hiring and training of aquatic staff.
• Mentor, coach, and develop all staff members.
• Oversee staff during in-service training events.
• Prepare work schedules and payroll for deck staff and supervises their activities.
• Delegate facility specific tasks to aquatic staff.
• Ensure proper staffing levels by calling in additional staff or cutting staff, dependent on the situation.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws including, but not limited to, child labor laws.
• Maintain constant monitoring for accidents or potential accidents.
• Enforce rules governing the conduct of persons at the swimming pool and warns patrons of hazardous practices.
• Recognize emergency situations and react appropriately in a quick and calm manner.
• Assist persons in distress by applying safety techniques, CPR, first aid, and water rescues as needed, within the scope of their training.

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; committing to diversity, equity and inclusion; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma, G.E.D. or HiSet.
• Minimum of one year lifeguarding experience is required. Leadership experience in pool operation and management is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications: 

• American Red Cross Lifeguard, First Aid and AED/CPR certification required.
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and/or Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification required.

Candidates not possessing these certifications may still apply but the WSI and LGI certifications must be obtained within the first month of employment. Certification will be provided by the City, free of charge.

Please attach your American Red Cross Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR/AED certifications or other related certifications to your application!

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of lifeguarding principles and water safety best practices.
• Knowledge of pool water quality control, mechanical functions of pool equipment and general facility safety.
• Demonstrate sufficient physical fitness, communication skills, initiative, dependability, organization, enthusiasm, leadership, and a desire to serve the public.
• Ability to maintain an exceptional level of safety and sanitation of the pool facility.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor (calm and courteous) at all times while on site.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance (staff shirt w/ guard suit, khaki or red shorts) at all times while on site.
• Ability to understand, appreciate and embody the City of Ames Core Values.

NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.

The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.

E-Verify Process:
The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.