Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard)

About the Role

This position is assigned to the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Fitness, Sports, and Deployed Support Branch; Fleet Readiness; Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). The incumbent provides lifeguard duties, safeguards the lives of persons at the assigned work area, and assists with aquatic training, education, and general support at the installation in Great Lakes, IL.

Responsibilities

Pool and/or Waterfront Lifeguard duties comprise 60% of the incumbent's time and include but are not limited to:

• Performs all pool and/or waterfront lifeguard responsibilities (e.g., supervising swimmers/patrons, monitoring natural water activities, applying first aid, enforcing safety rules, reporting safety hazards, performing water rescues).
• Observes conditions of the assigned area (e.g., possible hazards, water/chemical conditions, wind, and weather) to ensure a safe environment; removes hazardous materials when necessary (e.g., floating debris, glass).
• Performs rescue work, promptly renders cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or emergency first aid, and calls for medical assistance as necessary.
• Conducts and documents pool chemical testing results; checks chlorine and pH levels on a scheduled basis; notifies Certified Pool Operator or supervisor of chemical imbalances; adjusts chemicals as directed.
• Documents marine life, water conditions, and weather conditions; marks swim and surf areas with a flag system (Waterfront Only).
• Operates rescue vehicles (e.g., personal watercraft (PWC) rescue craft, patrol boats, automobiles) as needed (Waterfront Only).

General duties comprise 40% of the incumbent's time and include but are not limited to:

• Administers aquatic assessment testing and certification in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD), Department of the Navy (DON), and CNIC policy.
• Provides introductory equipment orientations as needed.
• Checks identification cards for authorized patrons and collects usage fees, if applicable.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the activity, security, medical departments, and Aquatics Coordinator during emergency situations.
• Performs cleaning duties (e.g., basic janitorial services, vacuuming, skimming) and routine facility maintenance as assigned by the Aquatics Coordinator.
• Inspects stands, boards, ropes, safety gear, and the condition of dressing rooms to ensure they meet environmental health standards; informs supervisor of deficiencies.
• Uses and maintains care of emergency equipment (e.g., specialized kits and bags, backboards, suction devices, splints, stretchers, monitoring equipment).
• Enforces applicable policies and procedures of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) regarding the use of aquatic facilities and waterfront operations.
• Prepares accident/incident reports during emergency situations; notifies management of all emergencies immediately.
• Works with hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning agents, pool chemicals).

Requirements

• Must pass all applicable records and background checks.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check; any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Must be able to work varied work schedules to include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to work with hazardous and biohazardous materials (e.g., cleaning agents, pool chemicals, blood).
• Must satisfactorily complete a background investigation - National Agency Check with Written Inquiries (NACI), upon hiring and renew every 5 years.
• Must pass an initial and recurrent physical agility test.
• Must complete an ocean run-swim-run event (1/4 mile run, 500-meter swim, 1/4 mile run) (Waterfront Only).
• Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations.
• Must possess and maintain the following certifications: Lifeguard Training Certification; CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Providers; First Aid to include Automated External Defibrillator Certification; and Blood Borne Pathogens.

Qualifications

Resumes must include information demonstrating experience and knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.

A qualified candidate must possess:

• Knowledge of pool and waterfront safety rules.
• Knowledge of the beach environment, marine life, and beach and water hazards (Waterfront Only).
• Knowledge of DoD, DON, and CNIC policies and procedures governing aquatic assessment testing and certifications.
• Knowledge of applicable policies and procedures of MWR regarding the use of aquatic facilities and waterfront operations.
• Knowledge of cash handling procedures.
• Ability to appropriately identify hazards or hazardous situations and identify a patron's need for assistance immediately.
• Ability to tactfully, but forcefully, provide instruction on water safety, facility rules and regulations, and enforce them.
• Ability to conduct routine safety inspections of the facility and pool area to ensure they meet environmental health standards.
• Knowledge of and ability to conduct pool chemical testing, document the results, and adjust chemical imbalances as directed.
• Skill or proficiency in surf lifesaving techniques and radio communications to perform safe and efficient rescue operations.
• Ability to exercise control over a large group of people.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career rewarding.

• Competitive pay
• Free trainings, certifications, and professional development opportunities
• Flexible hours
• Advancement opportunities
• Eligibility for overtime
• Free fitness center membership
• Onsite childcare options (with reduced rates)
• Tax-free shopping at the Navy Exchange
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (complimentary access to health, financial, social, and legal services)
• Access to American Forces Travel (discounted leisure travel, entertainment, concert, and attraction tickets)
• Access to on-base entertainment and events
• Access to recreation centers (reduced rates for movies, bowling, party/picnic gear rental, golf) and more

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.