• Apply appropriate rescue, lifesaving and first aid techniques.
• Identify and utilize basic communications systems including cellular phones, two-way radios, hand signals, whistles, megaphones and signage.
• Utilize different methods of lifting and removing a victim from the water.
• Explains rules and regulations to patrons, ensuring compliance with municipal codes, rules, and policies. 
• Maintains pool safety and facility cleanliness by enforcing the County laws. 
• Picks up trash and debris to maintain pool area in clean, healthy and/or safe manner.
• Maintains lifeguard equipment to include inspection of lifesaving equipment and apparatus.
• May assist with Swim Lessons, Aqua Aerobics or other programming; occasionally work directly with children and program participants, create lesson plans, assist with activities, and demonstrate rescue or competition techniques. 
• Perform other duties as directed or assigned.

• You must be at least 16 years of age by June 30, 2025, and possess the ability to swim at the time of application.

SELECTION PROCESS:
If you have completed the required tryout in the last twelve months, have worked as an Open Water or Pool Lifeguard in the last twelve months, or possess valid certifications see TRYOUT AND CERTIFICATION EQUIVALENCY INFORMATION below.

1. Application Review.  Review applications to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
   1. Age 16-17: Applicants that meet these standards will receive an email notification of next steps. 
   2. Age 18 and older: Applicants that meet the employment standards will receive the Community Services Background Questionnaire.
2. Community Services Background Questionnaire: All candidates that are 18 years or older are required to complete a questionnaire.  An email will be sent with detailed information and a deadline.  If you complete the questionnaire and successfully pass, you will be invited to the next step. 

3. Lifeguard Tryouts and Interviews:  All applicants that qualify will receive an email to confirm you have been invited to the tryouts and interview.  Candidates who successfully pass the tryout swim will be invited to an interview.  

Pool Lifeguard Tryouts include the following:

1. Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

• Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.)
• Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
• Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or combination of both.

2. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.)
• Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface.
• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

If you pass the swim and interview, you will be contacted regarding a Conditional Job offer, and reference checks will be completed.  Part of the conditional job offer includes completing required training for the position.  

TRYOUT AND CERTIFICATION EQUIVALENCY INFORMATION:

• Tryouts - Tryouts will be weekends in April; please contact Erik Pederson via email at:  epederson@countyofsb.org to schedule.  Training opportunities with Centeno guards may be available on April weekends.  
• Trainings & Certifications - A candidate must be certified in: 
  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification
  • CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and/or a Department of Transportation First Aid or greater. 

Opportunities to obtain certificates will be late April and free of charge.  We will try to work with qualified candidates to schedule the best time for the potential new hires.

Note: A candidate can provide proof of required certifications to satisfy some training requirements.  Certifications must be valid through October 1, 2025, and must be included as an attachment in the candidate's application.  This includes certifications in American Red Cross Lifeguarding or equivalent certification.  The certification must have taken place within twelve months prior to the application closing date.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process.  Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing:  This position may be subject to State Health Officer Orders (SHOOs) or County policy regarding vaccine verification and/or testing.  Please contact the hiring department for more information.

Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization.  The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems.  The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.  We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation.  We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve.  We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances. 

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future."   Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members. 

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people.  We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity. 

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE:  Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 4:59pm PST, postmarks not accepted.  Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

For more information contact:  Chanel Turner, Talent Acquisition Analyst at cturner@countyofsb.org, or Erik Pederson, Aquatics Supervisor at epederson@countyofsb.org.