Lifeguard; Temporary​/Part-Time - Seasonal

NOTE:

This recruitment is open until the needs of the Department are met and may close without prior notice. Applications received by 05:30 p.m., February 13, 2026, will be reviewed to be considered for an interview at the City of Downey's Job Fair on March 7, 2026. Applications received after 05:30 p.m., February 13, 2026, will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted as needed.

Under general supervision, monitor the use of the swimming pool, observe swimmers and pool area from an assigned station, respond to unsafe conditions or potential hazards, and enforce safety rules. This position is for the summer season only. Summer season is anticipated to be held June 5th - August 7th only.

Working Hours:

Work hours are flexible for approximately 20 - 25 hours per week. Scheduled working hours may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call status. The pool will be open five (5) days a week beginning June 15, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Pool closed on Saturday and Sunday. The position requires availability to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Mandatory Training for all selected applicants will be held, June 8th - 12th.

Temporary/Part-time employment does not include City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system; however, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Temporary / Part-Time employment may not exceed 999 hours in a fiscal year from July 1st through June 30th.

Note:

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.

• Enforce facility regulations, policies and procedures.
• Observes swimmers and pool area from assigned station.
• Performs rescues in the pool area; and administers CPR and first aid as needed.
• Administer first aid as needed.
• Monitor activities in swimming areas to prevent accidents.
• Perform routine swimming pool and aquatics equipment maintenance work on or around the swimming pool.
• Maintain records and prepare accurate written reports and may assist cashier.
• Performs appropriate rescues when necessary as well as First Aid when required

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education: Junior class standing in High School or above required.*

Experience: Equivalent to one (1) year of experience as a pool or beach lifeguard. Two (2) years in a Swim team and or water polo experience is equivalent to one (1) year experience.

Knowledge of: Swimming and lifesaving techniques, principles, and practices; first-aid principles and practices; methods, materials, and equipment involved in the maintenance and operation of swimming pools.

Ability to: Maintain accurate records; perform maintenance and cleaning of pool and other assigned areas; maintain and work safely with a variety of equipment and chemicals used in pool activities; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective relationship with those contacted in the course of work.

The following current certifications are required:

• American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Training/First Aid

The City of Downey offers a lifeguarding certification course in accordance to the Red Cross. If you are interested in enrolling, please log on to our website:
Lifeguard Certification. Class will be held the week of April 6th.

NOTE
:
Applicants must provide copies of current certifications or provide documentation that he/she is currently enrolled in a Lifeguard Training Course when requested by the department. Failure to provide required documentation may result in disqualification from further consideration.

The majority of work is performed outdoors in a swimming pool. An incumbent sits, stands, walks and runs on slippery and uneven surfaces, kneels, crouches, twists, climbs ladders and inclines, swims, reaches, bends, crawls, and pushes, pulls, drags, grasps and lifts pool/community center equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, an incumbent physically must be able to react quickly to lifesaving emergencies and will perform strenuous physical activity requiring physical strength and endurance when performing water rescues.

During the course of some rescue and first aid tasks, an incumbent may be…