Head Guard Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $18.50 - $21.31 Hourly
Location : 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 general supervision for aquatic guarding and instruction. This position supports the needs of the aquatic facility in lifeguarding and providing swim lesson instruction, as well as assisting in the development of assigned aquatic and recreation classes and activities. Key elements in this job class include providing lifeguard and swim lesson services, preparation, and training to respond to emergency situations, supervise and perform general housekeeping duties, and assisting at the front desk with schedules, registration, program descriptions, and other general information over the phone and in person.
Supervision Received and Exercised
This position receives supervision from the Aquatics and Recreation Manager and may exercise in leading direction over assigned part-time staff.
Shifts:
Summer Shifts:
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 2pm-9pm or
Tuesdays and Thursdays 2pm-9pm and/or
Saturdays 9:00am-2:00pm or 11am-8:30pm
Fall Shifts:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 4pm-9pm
Saturdays 7:00am-12:30pm and 12:30pm-8:00pm
Sundays 9:00am-6:00pm
Examples of Duties

• Provide Lifeguarding services. Respond to emergency situations and if necessary, administer first aid and CPR. Prepare and submit accident/incident reports.
• Coordinates, organizes, and directs the operation of aquatic facility and administers diversified aquatic sports, fitness classes, and swim lessons.
• Supervises and ensures proper financial processes in collection of aquatic fees, revenue reporting and revenue deposits.
• Provide excellent internal and external customer service. Create a positive experience for customers through professional and courteous behavior. Provides information for registration and program descriptions for the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Investigates and responds to calls, requests, and complaints from citizens, ensuring proper incident reporting procedures.
• Assists in the operating of the office equipment, technology, security systems, apps, and learns to operate new technologies as they are developed and implemented.
• Effectively mentors and leads staff members of all experience levels.
• Provide oversight for the performance of general housekeeping duties in and around the aquatic facility i.e., hosing decks, vacuuming, picking up litter, etc.
• Prepares work orders for special maintenance needs and purchase orders for supplies.
• Participate in in-service training, orientations and staff meetings as requested.
• Participates in and contributes to staff meetings, trainings, and team building.
• Complete applicable reports and records. Assures testing of water chemistry is done.
• Must report to work on a regular and timely basis.
• Perform other work as necessary and or as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Knowledge and Skills:
Head Guards must have knowledge of safe aquatic practices. Head Guards must have knowledge of swim lessons programs and effective ways to provide swim lessons. Head Guards must know principles and practices of leadership. Head Guards must have knowledge for planning, organizing, and implementing aquatic programs. Requires knowledge for group dynamics and interactions.
Head Guards must have strong water skills for lifeguarding and water safety instruction certifications. Head guards must have skills for performing facility maintenance and water chemistry. Requires skills for activating emergency action plans and procedures, and accident site management. Head Guards must have skills in using tools, materials, and equipment needed to maintain a swimming pool.
Abilities:
Requires the ability to carry out essential accountability of the position. Requires the ability to interpret, explain, and follow safe water practices. Requires the ability to work with minimal supervision. Requires the maintenance of a neat, professional appearance. Requires the ability to identify hazards, implement solutions, maintain safe environments. Requires the ability to follow written and oral instructions; speak clearly and concisely in English. Assume a schedule of flexible working hours, including weekends and evenings. Ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including copy machine, phone system, computer, and point of sale. Requires the ability to communicate courteously and cooperatively with other staff and the public, on the telephone or in person, including handling difficult or irate people. Requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, other staff members, program participants and the public.
Licenses and Certifications:
Obtain and maintain current CPR, First Aid, AED, ARC Lifeguarding Certifications.
Bilingual Preferred
Must be 17 years of age or older
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions and Physical Abilities
Mostly working indoors in a pool environment and during hours of operation in an environment that is quite busy and noisy. The flow of the work and character of duties involve extreme care and concentration. Manual dexterity and coordination are required, making up more than 50% of the work period. Incumbents may be in the water for long periods of time and exposed to a variety of environmental elements, including dust, noise, pool chemicals and other irritants. Physical exertion required, including lifting, climbing, bending, squatting, reaching and safely walking on wet deck surfaces in a hot humid environment. Requires repetitive foot, arm, shoulder, hand, and back movements while performing swimming instruction. Occasional dealing with distraught or difficult people.
Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and experience is qualifying. 1 year of previous experience with lifeguarding and swim lesson instruction is required.
The City of Oregon City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal employment opportunity: People of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
These positions are not eligible for benefits.