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Head Guard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Montrose Recreation District

Head Guard

Montrose, CO · On-site

$18.05 - $27.08/hr

The head guard interfaces directly with patrons to answer questions about all aquatic operations and provide excellent customer service. The Head Guard will also be involved in enforcing facility ...

Montrose Recreation District

Head Guard

Montrose, CO · On-site

$18.05 - $27.08/hr

The head guard interfaces directly with patrons to answer questions about all aquatic operations and provide excellent customer service. The Head Guard will also be involved in enforcing facility ...

Montrose Recreation District

Head Guard

Montrose, CO · On-site

$18.05 - $27.08/hr

The head guard interfaces directly with patrons to answer questions about all aquatic operations and provide excellent customer service. The Head Guard will also be involved in enforcing facility ...

City of Bellevue, NE

HEAD GUARD

Bellevue, NE · On-site

$15.53 - $19.80/hr

HEAD LIFEGUARDS: (4) Duties: Work as assigned (lifeguard and on occasion assumes the pool manager's responsibilities). Must meet state requirements. Teach swimming lessons to children of different ...

City of Bellevue

HEAD GUARD

Bellevue, NE · On-site

$15.53 - $19.80/hr

HEAD LIFEGUARDS: (4) Duties: Work as assigned (lifeguard and on occasion assumes the pool manager's responsibilities). Must meet state requirements. Teach swimming lessons to children of different ...

City of Bellevue, NE

HEAD GUARD

Bellevue, NE

$15.53 - $19.80/hr

HEAD LIFEGUARDS: (4) Duties: Work as assigned (lifeguard and on occasion assumes the pool manager's responsibilities). Must meet state requirements. Teach swimming lessons to children of different ...

Herschend

Water Country - Head Guard

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

Head Guards are responsible for the care and safety all guests and employees in the park. Leads will oversee the day-to-day operation in their assigned area as well as assist with administrative ...

Wave Aquatics

Head Lifeguard

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

A Wave Aquatics Head Guard is responsible for overseeing the safety and well-being of pool patrons and staff. While on shift, Head Guards act as the lead guard on duty, supporting daily operations ...

Wave Aquatics

Head Lifeguard

Kirkland, WA

$20 - $23/hr

A Wave Aquatics Head Guard is responsible for overseeing the safety and well-being of pool patrons and staff. While on shift, Head Guards act as the lead guard on duty, supporting daily operations ...

Herschend Corp.

Splish Splash Head Guard

Calverton, NY · On-site

$20.50/hr

Head Guards are responsible for the care and safety of all guests and employees in the park. Leads will oversee the day-to-day operation in their assigned area as well as assist with administrative ...

City of Oregon City, OR

Head Lifeguard 2026

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$18.50 - $21.31/hr

Oregon City, OR Job Type: Part-Time Job Number: 2026-19 Pool Head Life Guard Department: Pool Opening Date: 05/29/2026 Closing Date: 10/30/2026 5:00 PM Pacific Description The Head Guard provides ...

City of Oregon City

Head Lifeguard 2026

Oregon City, OR · On-site

$18.50 - $21.31/hr

Description The Head Guard provides general supervision for aquatic guarding and instruction. This position supports the needs of the aquatic facility in lifeguarding and providing swim lesson ...

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Head Guard information

See salary details

$139.5K

$160K

$178K

How much do head guard jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for head guard in the United States is $159,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,000.00 and $170,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a head guard?

Head Guards are senior security professionals responsible for overseeing the safety and security of a facility or organization. They supervise a team of security guards, coordinate their activities, respond to emergencies, and ensure that security protocols are followed. Head Guards may also be involved in training new security personnel, reporting incidents, and liaising with law enforcement if necessary. Their leadership is vital for maintaining a secure environment and preventing unauthorized access or incidents.

How does a head guard balance leadership responsibilities with hands-on security duties?

As a Head Guard, you will often need to balance overseeing your team's performance with actively participating in daily security operations. This means you'll supervise scheduling, conduct training, and ensure protocols are followed, but you'll also respond directly to incidents and support team members on the ground. Effective communication and time management are essential, as you'll be expected to coordinate with management, law enforcement, and other departments to maintain a safe environment. This dual role provides valuable leadership experience while keeping you closely connected to the core security tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head guard?

To excel as a Head Guard, strong leadership abilities, security expertise, and experience in risk assessment are essential, often supported by relevant security certifications and supervisory experience. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting tools, and emergency response protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, decisiveness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are key soft skills for this role. These skills ensure effective team management, the safety of personnel and property, and swift, appropriate responses to security threats.

What is the difference between Head Guard vs Lifeguard?

AspectHead GuardLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, sometimes AEDCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, AED
Work EnvironmentSupervises lifeguards, enforces safety rules, manages pool safetyMonitors swimmers, enforces rules, rescues when needed
ResponsibilitiesOversees team, handles safety protocols, reports incidentsPerforms rescues, enforces rules, assists swimmers

The main difference between a Head Guard and a Lifeguard is that the Head Guard has additional supervisory responsibilities, overseeing the lifeguard team and managing safety protocols, while a Lifeguard primarily focuses on monitoring swimmers and performing rescues. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Head Guard's role includes leadership and administrative duties within the pool environment.

What cities are hiring for Head Guard jobs?

Cities with the most Head Guard job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Guard jobs?

The most popular types of Guard jobs are:

What states have the most Head Guard jobs?

States with the most job openings for Head Guard jobs include:

Head Guard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Guard job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,999 per year, or $76.9 per hour.

Head Guard

Montrose Recreation District

Montrose, CO • On-site

$18.05 - $27.08/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • MRD Membership for self and family
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule

Position Summary
This position is responsible for assisting and providing support to the Recreation Coordinator and Leader by administering and implementing aquatic operations related to staffing, lifeguard techniques, facility usage and rules, chemical testing, and aquatics programming. The head guard interfaces directly with patrons to answer questions about all aquatic operations and provide excellent customer service. The Head Guard will also be involved in enforcing facility rules and regulations and maintaining a safe and clean environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following are examples of primary duties assigned to this position. Other related duties may be assigned.
  • Assists the recreation coordinator / recreation leader in managing aquatic facilities and programs. 
  • Ensures a safe environment and quality programming for employees, participants, and the public. 
  • Enforces all aquatic facilities’ policies, procedures, and regulations. 
  • Serves as the Lead Lifeguard on duty. 
  • Performs regular safety checks and keeps first aid supplies stocked.
  • Accurately completes daily operation forms including maintenance request forms, attendance, chemical testing, cleaning checklists, and operation reports. 
  • Maintains records and adequate copies of Lifeguard forms including, training logs, testing, certifications and renewal timeline for certifications. 
  • Conducts regular spot evaluations and uniform enforcement of part-time employees.
  • Makes recommendations to Coordinator and/or Leader regarding staff follow-up and disciplinary notices/counseling. 
  • Compiles monthly forms and attendance reports. 
  • Leads and/or assists aquatic employee’s in-service training. 
  • Performs cleaning and minor maintenance duties as needed.
  • Recommends updates to Aquatic Facilities Manuals and Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
  • Assists in planning, coordinating and leading aquatic special events and programs. 
  • Responds to any problems, developments, conditions, or accidents/incidents that require action and ensures communication to the Coordinator and Leader.
Work Environment
  • Primarily indoor aquatics setting, with outdoor aquatic setting during summer months, which includes travel between facilities. Exposure to weather elements, chemicals, high-pressure situations, and extensive public contact. 
  • Typical working hours may consist of evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts depending on facility hours, scheduling needs, and seasonal variations.
Physical demands
  • The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job's duties, the employee must have swimming proficiency, which includes the ability to swim long distances quickly, often in rescue situations. Skill in various swimming techniques, including freestyle, backstroke, and possibly underwater swimming. Physical strength and agility to perform rescues, including lifting and carrying individuals out of the water. Ability to stand, walk, and move around the pool area for prolonged periods. Capacity to remain alert and focused for extended periods. Ability to handle and work around pool chemicals safely, which may require wearing protective gear. Capability to perform physical tasks related to cleaning and maintaining the facility, including bending, lifting, and scrubbing.
Travel required
  • While performing the duties of the job, the employee may be required to attend a variety of meetings, activities, and events held at all MRD locations, as well as check in or follow up with aquatics staff and duties at all MRD facilities. Efficient and adequate transportation to and from all MRD facilities is required. 
Required education and experience 
  • A minimum of one (1) year of aquatics programming experience and lifeguarding experience.
  • A minimum of one (1) year in a supervisory role.
  • Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to motivate and direct a team. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. 
License and Certification
Preferred or ability to obtain in 6 weeks of hire date: 
  • Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification or equivalent.
  • Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification. 
Benefits Included
  • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. PERA employer and 401K contribution options. Paid time off (PTO) in addition to 10 paid holidays, and a family membership to the Community Recreation Center.

Entire Salary Range: $18.05/hr - $27.08/hr
Hiring Range:  $18.05/hr  - $23.69/hr

Why do I see two salary ranges?
In compliance with Colorado state law, the Montrose Recreation District includes a salary range for all positions posted.  This law is intended to improve wage transparency.  In support of wage transparency the Montrose Recreation District posts both the full salary range for each position (what you might anticipate your earnings could be if you work for the MRD for some time), as well as the anticipated hiring range (the range within which the MRD anticipates making an offer).  The actual offer extended will be based on your years of relevant experience, education, certifications, and potentially other factors.