Head Guard Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Swim Director, the Head Lifeguard is responsible for overseeing lifeguards, swim instructors, and general pool operations. This role ensures a safe, high-quality experience for members, class participants, and guests. Key responsibilities include supervising staff, supporting scheduling, ensuring program quality, and communicating with members and parents.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide leadership and supervision of lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic programs.

• Assist with scheduling and evaluating staff to maintain quality service and safety.

• Monitor pool safety and enforce YMCA policies, guidelines, and best practices.

• Communicate effectively with members, participants, and parents to ensure positive experiences.

• Respond professionally to conflicts, safety concerns, or unusual situations and escalate issues as needed.

• Maintain accurate rosters, enrollment records, and complete required paperwork.

• Ensure all programs follow YMCA standards and best practices.

• Support and lead in-service trainings and staff development sessions.

• Serve as a role model in member engagement and delivering exceptional service.

• Support the coordination and use of pool space and resources for programs and events.

• Promote aquatic programs in coordination with center and association marketing efforts.

• Participate in the center’s annual support campaign and encourage associate involvement.

• Perform duties of lifeguard or swim instructor when necessary.

• Complete all other duties as assigned.
  

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Build relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of the team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Head Lifeguard will meet the qualifications set forth by the Y in Central Maryland. Associates shall be of good character and reputation; capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities; capable of accepting training and supervision; and capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility.  Minimum qualifications include:

• Must meet the qualifications of the positions being supervised (e.g., Lifeguard and/or Swim Instructor).

• Current Lifeguard and CPR/AED/Oxygen/First Aid certifications (O2 within 30 days of hire).

• Current Lifeguard Instructor certification (or within 60 days of hire).

• Current Pool Operator certification.

• Successful completion of the Y in Central Maryland swim test.

• At least 2 years of YMCA or relevant program experience, preferred.

• Prior supervisory experience, preferred.

• Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.

• Strong communication and computer skills.

• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Completion of new associate training (including Child Abuse Prevention) prior to first shift.
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds.

2. While performing duties the employee may occasionally work in the outside weather conditions, and is exposed to wet, cold and /or humid conditions.

3. Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking.

4. Will be exposed to cleaning supplies.

5. Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time.

6. Must be physically able to successfully complete required certifications.

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements for the position.  They may include a background check, drug test, driver’s license record, CPS, and/or Criminal Background check.   

Additional driver’s license check, CPS, Criminal Background check, alcohol and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and maintain the minimum requirements of this position.