Water Safety Officer I - SR-15

Duties Summary

To fill anticipated vacancies in 2026.

Attends training classes and receives instruction in the theories, techniques, methods, and procedures used in making ocean rescues and administering emergency life support measures under immediate supervision, performs ocean rescues and emergency lifesaving tasks, and performs other related duties as required.

Special Working Conditions

• Irregular work schedule, including shift, rotation, weekend, and/or holiday work;
• Exposure to hazardous conditions.

Examples of Duties

• Attends training classes to learn general principles of water safety work, methods, and techniques of ocean rescue and emergency life support, including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and application of first aid.
• Keeps surfboard, field glasses, radio-communications unit, and other equipment in working order.
• Logs estimated number of beach patrons.
• Under direct supervision, may maintain surveillance from a lifeguard tower or patrol a given beach area, make ocean rescues, administer emergency life support measures and first aid, and advise patrons of local ordinances, rules, and regulations governing beach activities and conditions peculiar to different locales.
• Under direct supervision, may write and submit reports describing rescues, accidents, and emergency measures taken.
• Under direct supervision, may perform work as a Crew person (Grabber) on a Rescue Water Craft.
• May participate in water safety education programs.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Training and Experience: A Combination Of Education And Experience Substantially Equivalent To graduation from high school.
• Licenses/Certifications: possession of a valid State of Hawai'i Driver License (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver license at time of filing.
• Prior To Completion Of Probation, Must Possess a current Hawai'i Fire Department Aquatics Competency Certificate (ACC)/United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Open Water Lifesaving Certificate, anda current First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Certificate, anda current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider Certificate (CPR).
• In addition to the above license/certificate requirements, possession of a current Rescue watercraft Crewperson Certificate issued by the Hawai'i Fire Department for assignment to the Rescue Water Craft (RWC) as a Crewperson (Grabber).

Knowledge and Abilities

• Principles and practices of modern lifesaving techniques, and equipment, techniques and methods of ocean rescue, emergency life support, and first aid/basic medical care application, ordinances and regulations governing park, beach, shoreline, and ocean usage; and ocean and shoreline conditions.
• Swim long distances and conduct water rescues, learn and administer first aid, medical care, and emergency life support, deal tactfully and effectively with the public, prepare concise, complete, and accurate reports; read and follow written instructions, make sound operational decisions, learn and master water safety methods, techniques, and use of lifesaving equipment, and maintain minimum swimming requirements in accordance with Hawai'i Fire Department Aquatics Competency Certificate (ACC)/Untied States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Open Water Lifesaving Certificate.

Physical Requirements

• Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Special Benefits of County Employment

• The County of Hawai‘i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours. (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.)
• Vacation: Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
• Sick Leave: Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
• Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
• Training and Development: The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
• County Tuition Reimbursement Program: This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service.
• Retirement Plan: The Employees’ Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan that provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries.
• Deferred Compensation: Save additional money for retirement - this voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions.
• Flexible Spending Plan: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums.
• Health Benefit Plans: The County of Hawai‘i offers a variety of health benefit plans for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): This voluntary assistance program provides employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.
• Group Life Insurance: Free life insurance policy for active employees.
• Credit Union Membership
• Other Leaves: You may be eligible for other leaves, including Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Donor Leave, Victims Protection Leave, as well as leave for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, and Jury Duty.