SEAS LIFEGUARD AND SWIM INSTRUCTOR

SEASONAL LIFEGUARD AND SWIM INSTRUCTOR:

HIRING RANGE: $17.00 PER HOUR:

About the Position:

Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Lifeguards are an elite group of highly trained aquatic safety professionals. With the premier lifeguard certification in the world, our lifeguards provide proactive swimmer surveillance by anticipating, recognizing, and effectively managing a variety of aquatic emergencies. GJPR Lifeguards provide safe, clean, and fun aquatic recreation opportunities for the Grand Valley. Drowning prevention is a key component of our safety philosophy, and teaching swimming lessons is a crucial step in keeping everyone safe around the water. Lifeguards interested in teaching our Learn to Swim curriculum will be trained prior to summer classes starting.

Aquatic position hours vary and may include mornings, nights, holidays, and weekends. These positions are year-round at Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool, Orchard Mesa Pool, and Palisade Community Pool.

Contact Toby at 970-254-3869 or toby.janda@gjcity.org for all questions related to aquatic positions.

What You'll Do:

Work independently and as part of the lifeguard team to ensure swimmer and facility safety. Anticipate, recognize, and manage aquatic emergencies.

• Communicate pool rules and policies in a professional and courteous manner to guests.
• Maintain rescue-readiness and skill competency at or above industry standards.
• Communicate effectively with guests, guest service representatives, other lifeguards, and the management team.

Dress in the required GJPR staff uniform while on duty. Be punctual. Attend mandatory staff meetings and relevant in-service trainings.

• Provide excellent guest relations and interaction.
• Provide a clean and safe recreation experience for guests by performing routine upkeep and cleaning of pool areas.
• Provide swimming instruction as part of the Learn to Swim program.
• Perform related work as required.

This position is a safety-sensitive position, which means you will be subject to random drug screens due to the nature of the work performed.

What We're Looking For:

Must be 15 years of age or older. Applicants must be able to successfully pass a drug screen, background check, and, if required for the specific position, a physical examination. Must have or be willing to obtain a valid Ellis & Assoc. International Lifeguard Training Program certification. Minimum of 20/25 or 20/25 corrected vision.

Ability to work independently, be a team player, take initiative, and have a positive work ethic. Must have general computer skills and strong verbal communication skills. Work well with people, treating everyone with respect. Always puts safety first. Must be able to work flexible work hours and schedules where shifts may be assigned opening, closing, or weekends, depending on the needs of the facility.

Comfortable in all depths of water, strong swimming skills are preferred. Lifeguards can expect to work 20-40 hours/week during the summer season and, if selected, may work 15–20 hours/week during the fall and winter. Most lifeguards will be trained to teach "Learn to Swim" lessons. Ellis & Assoc. International Lifeguard Training Program courses are offered through the Parks and Recreation Department at no charge to accepted applicants. Selected applicants must be available for in-person training and complete online training prior to course start dates.

Recertification only course: February 28, 2026 Course #1: March 16 - 20, 2026 - Spring Break Course #2: March 27 - 29, 2026 Course #3: April 10 - 12, 2026 Additional information on course requirements, dates, and times will be made available during the interview process.

Notice to Applicants:

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, we kindly request that you do not include the dates of your education to include years of attendance or graduation on your application, resume or attachments.

Explore the Area:

Grand Junction, Colorado is the gateway to the mountains and canyonlands of western Colorado and eastern Utah. Centrally located between Denver, CO (250 miles east) and Salt Lake City, UT (270 miles west), Grand Junction is surrounded by 1.2 million acres of public land. Residents enjoy world-class whitewater rafting on the Colorado and Green Rivers, golfing, fishing, skiing and snowboarding, and exploring mountain bike and hiking trails through the Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa National Forest. Grand Junction has a robust downtown and hosts multiple art, music, food, and market events annually. With a population of over 150,000 in Mesa County (65,000 within the City limits) we have many of the big town amenities without the big town stresses such as traffic and trail congestion. With an average of 245 days of sunshine, Grand Junction is the perfect place to work and play.

Learn more about our area on Visit Grand Junction's website and Instagram! At the City of Grand Junction, we proudly operate as an Equal Opportunity Employer, purposely building an inclusive workforce representative of various cultures, perspectives, and experiences. We believe in respect for all and do not discriminate based on hair, race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

If you have any questions or need assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please contact our Human Resources office at 970.244.1512.