Lead Surf Rescue Specialist

Job Details

• Grade: B80-6
• Job Class: Supervisory
• Work Comp: 9015
• EEO Class/Code: 3/Technician
• Tier Status: 2

This is a skilled and technical non-fire officer position within the firefighting and emergency medical series. This position is responsible for water safety of the County public beaches, supervising daily surf rescue operations, scheduling shifts, payroll duties, and training/certification of Surf Rescue employees. Work is performed under the general direction and supervision of the Beach & Surf Rescue Captain. The work schedule includes holidays, weekends, weekdays, and may include duty lengths in excess of twenty-four hours.

This position involves the responsibility for safe operation of emergency apparatus and watercraft and responsibilities as the assisting in the administration of emergency scene operations.

• Assists the Parks & Rec Assist Div. Manager in managing the lifeguard program by coordinating and performing lifeguard training, certifications standards, and beach patrol functions.
• Assumes responsibility for various accounting duties and responsibilities including payroll, performance evaluations, conducts interviews, hiring and disciplinary actions.
• Schedules shifts and daily training activities, arranges coverages for unscheduled absences and events for lifeguards.
• Interfaces with the media on Lifeguard issues, serves as County interface with public officials.
• Serves as liaison for first responders with EMS, Beach Safety, and other responding agencies.
• Inventories, orders, and maintains necessary supply inventory and makes purchases as needed.
• Prepares, receives, processes and tracks all paperwork associated with the Lifeguard Program to ensure compliance with all County policies.
• Consults with Division Manager and other members of the management team to review operations/activities, review/resolve problems, receive advice/direction and provide recommendations.
• Researches, tests and maintains new safety equipment.
• Performs emergency medical responder (EMR) functions to the sick and injured until EMS arrives and assumes patient care, which includes patient assessment, vital signs, effective CPR, and other operations to treat sick or injured patients at the EMR level.
• Participates and supervises beach cleanliness and pier underwater inspections and clean-up.
• Inspects and maintains watercraft, trucks, and all-terrain vehicles to ensure proper working conditions for lifeguard use.
• Monitors changes in surf conditions.
• Educates the public about the flag warning system for rip currents or hazardous marine life.
• Cautions swimmers regarding unsafe areas or conditions.
• Performs professional open water rescues and assisting with distressed swimmers.
• Administers basic and advanced life support care and treatment of sick and injured persons.
• Assists in the maintenance needs at Bay County Parks, County Pier, Beach Recreational Facilities, and/or Beach Accesses when needed.
• Assists with the maintenance of the Beach Warning Flags system.
• Assists with Lifeguard division budget planning and monitoring.
• Completes a variety of required reports.
• The employer may add to or change duties at any time and as determined by the County and its leaders to best ensure that the public is served through the work of the Department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent; AND
• Two (2) years’ open-water experience which includes one (1) year supervisor experience; AND
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides knowledge, skills and abilities of a supervisor.

• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver license upon offer of employment with a driving record acceptable to the County Driving Policy and insurance program.
• Must be a certified USLA instructor and possess all required certifications needed to maintain the USLA instructor certification.
• Employment will be contingent upon the applicant obtaining the below required certifications within one (1) month of hire as a condition of employment:
  • Must meet the standards of the (USLA) United States Lifesaving Association’s Open Water Lifeguard Training;
  • Possession of an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Certificate.
  • American Red Cross (CPR) Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation for Professional Rescuer or American Heart Association Health Care Provider certification;
  • Must possess 40 hours of First Aid and Medical Safety Training from American Red Cross or another acceptable agency;
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification.
  • Swim test (500 meter/550 yards swim in under 10 minutes), physical, and drug screening.
  • Must pass physical exam conducted by qualified MD or DO stating applicant is able to perform duties of an open water lifeguard on rescues.
  • HIS/EMR Instructor Certification.

• Knowledge of training techniques of lifeguarding skills/competencies, with minimum of two years ocean/gulf…