Lifeguard Sergeant/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Galveston Island Beach Patrol, overseen by the Park Board of Trustees, is seeking a year-round Lifeguard Sergeant/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Galveston, TX.

About the role

The Park Board of Trustees, established in 1963 by Galveston citizens, oversees tourism, the Galveston Island Beach Patrol (GIPB), and Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Funded primarily through Hotel Occupancy Tax and beach user fees, the Park Board is dedicated to promoting tourism and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors. This mission is supported by a nine-member volunteer board with diverse business backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate lifeguards, including scheduling staff, organizing daily workouts, and monitoring readiness (e.g., equipment maintenance, alertness).
• Conduct water safety talks in the community.
• Coordinate and communicate with emergency response personnel (e.g., Law Enforcement, EMS, Coast Guard, Fire Department, Public Works, Homeland Security, Animal Control) during emergencies.
• Guard the beach from a patrol vehicle, lifeguard tower, or dispatch, monitoring activity and warning the public of dangerous conditions.
• Respond to emergencies in the water and on land, administering emergency medical care, first aid, CPR, and using rescue equipment.
• Act as a first responder in search and rescue operations and hazardous material removal.
• Lead during major emergencies until relieved by a higher-ranking employee.
• Operate radio equipment for emergency communications and carry an "on-call phone" for after-hours emergencies.
• Enforce beach ordinances while adhering to Galveston Beach Patrol policies and procedures.
• Investigate water-related accidents, submit incident and medical reports, and maintain emergency equipment, supplies, and vehicles.
• Document issues and perform computer operations as needed.

Ideal Candidate

• Reliable: punctual and consistent in attending scheduled shifts.
• Communicative: responsive and clear when interacting with visitors.
• Team-player: collaborates well with others.
• Responsible: completes tasks with minimal supervision.
• Flexible: balances multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• At least 21 years of age.
• High school graduate or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Cumulative 2,500 hours or more as an open-water lifeguard.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification.
• Red Cross or American Heart Association Professional CPR certification.
• PWC certification at the "operator" level.
• Successful completion of Galveston Island Beach Patrol’s Lifeguard Academy, Supervisor Training, and Dispatch Training courses.
• Pass a pre-placement physical test and urine drug screen.
• Annual swim qualification: 500m in 9 minutes or less.
• Complete a run/swim/run/swim/run test (not timed).
• Meet standard physical requirements per the United States Lifesaving Association.
• Pass vision and hearing screenings.
• Fluency in English (verbal and written).

Schedule

• Shifts vary from 8–10 hours depending on the time of year.
• Daily one-hour workout required.
• Work all major holidays as scheduled.

Pay

$32.45/hour.