Recreation Specialist III- Water Safety Instructor
Listed on 2026-03-01
-
Sports/Fitness/Wellness
Health / Fitness / Gym / Pilates, Recreation & Leisure
* Part-Time Seasonal Temporary Job*
Recreation Specialist III – Starting Salary: $20.89 per hour.
The City of El Cajon is seeking individuals to work on a "seasonal / part‑time" basis as Lifeguard / Water Safety Instructor from approximately June 1 through October 30.
The position involves leading aquatics programs, ensuring safety, and providing instruction in accordance with the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program. Work is performed independently under the guidance of the Recreation Supervisor.
PositionAs a Water Safety Instructor, you will perform a full range of duties, exercise independent judgment, adjust to new situations, and lead a class independently. Experience in related water‑safety roles is required.
Typical Duties- Direct and supervise participants of aquatics programs.
- Perform lifeguard duties; prevent accidents; enforce rules and regulations.
- Supervise pool and locker room.
- Teach swimming lessons under the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program for Parent‑Tot, Tiny Tot, and Learn to Swim Levels I‑IV.
- Ensure the health, welfare, and safety of program participants.
- Collaborate with the Recreation Supervisor on program preparation, execution, and evaluation.
- Perform cashiering duties when assigned.
- Perform light maintenance.
- Establish and maintain relationships with parents, community center staff, and other key individuals.
- Maintain a fun and positive attitude daily to create a happy environment for participants.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Current American Red Cross certificates in Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Training, and First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22). Photocopies of both sides of certifications must accompany the application.
- Pass a physical exam (including alcohol & drug screening) before appointment.
Qualified candidates will be evaluated based on a written exam and a physical performance test. The written exam covers first aid, CPR, and lifeguard training skills. The performance test may include a 100‑yard swim under 2:00, a 2‑minute tread water, and a rescue demonstration of submerged or active/passive victims. An oral interview will be used to rank applicants for final selection.
Special Requirements- May need to commute between work sites, possibly using a personal vehicle.
- Must possess or obtain a valid Class C California driver’s license with a safe driving record prior to employment.
- Ability to lift and move up to 20 lbs.
Location:
200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, California (619) 441‑1754. Part‑time/seasonal/temporary employees receive participation in the appropriate retirement plan:
Nationwide or CalPERS. El Cajon is not a member of the Social Security System, but 1.45% of salary is contributed to Medicare.
Nationwide Retirement Plan:
The City contributes 7.5% of employee salary to the Nationwide retirement plan in lieu of social security. Employees who qualify will also be enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Effective January 2013, the employee will pay the full required contribution.
The City of El Cajon does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or handicap status in employment or the provision of services.
To apply, view the full job description on our website:
Recreation Specialist III.
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).