Lifeguard Supervisor, DCNR

Full Job Description

The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is looking for a dedicated and safety-focused Lifeguard Supervisor to join our team for the season.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in protecting visitors, supporting outdoor recreation, and helping maintain the high standards that make Pennsylvania’s State Parks such treasured destinations.

As a Lifeguard Supervisor, you will lead and mentor a team of lifeguards, oversee daily operations at the swimming area, and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for thousands of park guests throughout the season.

Your leadership will directly contribute to positive visitor experiences, smooth park operations, and a safe environment where families and individuals can enjoy Pennsylvania’s natural beauty.

If you are passionate about public safety, enjoy working outdoors, and thrive in a role where every day brings new challenges and rewards, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact.

Apply today and help us keep our State Parks safe, vibrant, and enjoyable for all who visit this season!

Requirements

In this role, you will provide leadership and hands-on support to ensure the safety, readiness, and smooth operation of the swimming area.

You will supervise lifeguards, enforce park rules, maintain safety equipment, and respond to emergencies with confidence and professionalism.

This position requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to public safety.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning, organizing, and assigning work to lifeguard staff
• Preparing and signing performance evaluations for subordinates
• Assessing training needs and arranging additional education or certifications
• Demonstrating proper lifesaving methods and techniques
• Meeting with staff to explain updates to rules, regulations, policies, and standards

Safety and emergency response duties:

• Supervising and participating in swimmer rescues
• Administering first aid and/or CPR to injured park visitors
• Remaining alert at all times and scanning the swimming area to prevent accidents
• Enforcing State Parks rules, regulations, policies, and procedures

Inspection and monitoring responsibilities:

• Inspecting swimming areas and safety equipment to ensure public safety
• Monitoring activities at the swimming pool from deck or nearby stations
• Ensuring compliance with Bureau of State Parks swimming rules
• Inspecting buoys, floats, ropes, first aid supplies, and other safety equipment
• Identifying unsafe conditions and taking corrective action

Operational and administrative tasks:

• Preparing and submitting written reports on swimming conditions, activities, and incidents
• Providing and participating in training sessions for lifeguards, including lifesaving, water safety, and CPR/first aid recertification
• Operating the swimming pool by taking water samples, reading meters, recording data, and reporting chemical needs or equipment malfunctions
• Performing or supervising incidental maintenance and custodial duties to keep the swimming area clean and safe

Additional responsibilities:

• Performing related work as required

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time seasonal employment. The season runs from May through September.
• Work hours are 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with a 30-minute lunch
• Workdays will vary. The employee will work five out of seven days each week, including weekends, holidays, and any shift as needed to support operational coverage.
• Telework: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
  
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two seasons of experience as a Lifeguard (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• All employees must obtain a valid Lifeguard Certification or Lifeguard Management Certification issued by the American Red Cross, YMCA, United States Lifesaving Association, or other authority recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Health within 14 days of employment.
• All employees must obtain valid certifications in standard first aid and adult, child, and infant CPR within 14 days of employment.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.

Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.