Lifeguard

Full Job Description

Maintains constant surveillance of the patrons in and around the pool area: prevents injuries and accidents by enforcing all rules and regulations; responds to emergencies and provides care as needed/required; teaches aquatic programs and maintains the cleanliness of the facility.

Department: Parks & Recreation

Position Type: Announcement

Salary: $18.00 - 20.76 per hour

Union: None, this is a non-union position.

Civil Service Classification: Exempt, Non-Career.

Requirements

GENERAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

You must submit or show proof of all the following at the time of application (unless otherwise indicated below), or your application will be disqualified. Disqualifications based on any of these General Application Requirements are not subject to a Civil Service appeal.

• A completed online City of Pittsburgh Employment Application, including your online Employment Profile Data. (Education and Work Experience).
• Applicants must be City of Pittsburgh residents at the time of application and must remain a resident throughout employment.
  • Click here to view a map of City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
• Applicants must be at least fifteen (15) years of age by June 6, 2026. Applicants eighteen (18) years of age and under, who do not possess a High School Diploma or GED, must present a current, valid work permit prior to appointment.
• Pennsylvania Act 153 Clearance and Cogent Fingerprints through the Department of Human Services.

Applicants must possess current, valid (good through September 7, 2026) Lifeguard, First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates.

Certificates may be presented at the time of filing the application but must be presented at the time of testing.

• The City will offer training to obtain the required certificates through the Citiparks Aquatics Office. Training will start in April. Call (412) 323-7928 for more information.

NOTE: The City of Pittsburgh, as a matter of policy, conducts pre-employment and promotional background investigations on all candidates being considered for positions.

The background investigation includes, but is not limited to, criminal background, driver's license, and City of Pittsburgh real estate tax payments.

Candidates may be disqualified from consideration based on the results of their background investigation, as it relates to the job for which the applicant is being considered.

QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS:

Your work experience and education/training will be evaluated to determine if you meet the qualifying eligibility requirements listed below for this position. You will receive notice of your eligibility status via email.

• WORK EXPERIENCE: None required for this position.
• EDUCATION/TRAINING: None required for this position.
• EQUIVALENCY: None required for this position.

Qualifications

If you meet the qualifying requirements listed above, you will be sent a letter of admission (when applicable) for the following examination(s).

You must pass the written and/or performance examination(s) in order to have your name placed on the official Civil Service eligibility list for this position.

Candidates who receive job offers must pass a medical examination (when applicable) prior to start date.

• Written: None required for this position.
• Performance: All applicants must successfully complete the Citiparks Lifeguard Performance Examination for the season. 
  • Contact the Citiparks Aquatics office, (412) 323-7928, for test dates, times and locations.
  • Applicants must provide their own swimsuits and towels. Late arrivals will be rescheduled for the next available examination.
• Medical: Required.

Additional Information

• Maintains constant surveillance of patrons in and around the pool area.
• Works as a team to identify potential hazards and prevents injuries and accidents both in and out of the water; responds quickly, decisively, and appropriately to emergencies. 
• Uses proper scanning techniques in the chair and while roving to maintain order among patrons and enforce pool rules and regulations. 
• Rescues swimmers in distress and administers First Aid, respiratory assistance or CPR as needed/required. 
• Attends in-service training regularly to review skills and emergency action plans.
• Performs opening/closing procedures; identifies unsafe conditions and reports to supervisor.
• Assists with the planning, teaching, and implementation of all Aquatic Programs for infants through adults.
• Is knowledgeable of all City policies and procedures (Employee Manual, Operations Manual) and programming/events at facility. 
• Provides excellent customer service to patrons by answering questions, complaints and concerns with a positive and professional attitude; refers to Head Lifeguard with any conflicts or unresolved issues. 
• Takes direction from Head Lifeguard in regards to daily duties; inspects pool conditions and maintains the cleanliness of the entire facility, including the pool (sweeping, skimming, scrubbing gutters), deck/grass area, restrooms, changing areas, etc.
• Tests water for proper chlorine and pH levels and alerts Head Lifeguard of any problems or concerns. 
• Completes all necessary reports as needed or required to include but not limited to: time sheets, daily attendance, incident/accident reports, program registration forms, etc. 
• Keeps attendance records, registers patrons for Aquatics Programs, and checks pool passes and daily admissions; sells passes and admissions as needed.
• Maintains effective, positive relationships with entire Aquatic Team.
• Must be in uniform at all times.
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

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