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Head Guard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Head Lifeguard

Arvada, CO · On-site

$20.25 - $21/hr

The Head Guard will be responsible for assisting the Aquatic Manager/Director with daily operations of the aquatic department along with guarding the pool and assuring a safe and clean aquatic ...

Head Guard (Lifeguard III)

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$21 - $23.28/hr

Salary: $21.00 - $23.28 Hourly Location : Various Parks Tacoma locations, WA Job Type: Part-time, 29 hrs per week or less Department: Parks and Recreation Opening Date: 07/24/2026 Closing Date: 10/23 ...

Head Guard (Lifeguard III)

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$21 - $23.28/hr

Based on our internal equity review process, the starting salary for this position will be $21.00. The current full hourly range for this position is $21.00 - $23.28. Be part of our amazing aquatic ...

Head Lifeguard

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$18.75/hr

The Head Lifeguard is also responsible to open the pool and life guard as required. The position is responsible for demonstrating YMCA leadership competencies to ensure the mission, purpose, image ...

The Head Lifeguard is also responsible to open the pool and life guard as required. The position is responsible for demonstrating YMCA leadership competencies to ensure the mission, purpose, image ...

Head Lifeguard

Penfield, NY · On-site

$18.75/hr

The Head Lifeguard is also responsible to open the pool and life guard as required. The position is responsible for demonstrating YMCA leadership competencies to ensure the mission, purpose, image ...

Showing results 21-40

Head Guard information

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$139.5K

$160K

$178K

How much do head guard jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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:

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 Lifeguard - Rollingwood YMCA

YMCA of Superior California

Fair Oaks, CA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview
Under the direction of the Pool Manager and the Aquatics Director, the Head Guard will assist with day-to-day operation of the aquatics operations and programs. The Head Guard will assist in the supervision and training of lifeguards, act as the lead lifeguard on shift, and respond in a professional and prudent manner during emergency situations. Their focus is on providing a safe and clean atmosphere for pool patrons and ensuring operations of their facility run smoothly while on shift.
This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.
Responsibilities
  • Oversee lifeguard operations while on-shift. Ensure expectations of management are being met in their absence.
  • Responsible for daily open/close of site in collaboration with Pool Manager.
  • Oversees the chemical levels of the pool while on-shift and makes necessary adjustments as trained.
  • Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, on deck and surrounding areas, using American Red Cross and State and local guidelines as reference.
  • Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within their area of responsibility.
  • In collaboration with the Pool Manager, will monitor daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local and YMCA health and safety regulations and conducts and ensures proper maintenance of pools. Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance, and have knowledge of all safety and emergency procedure
  • In collaboration with the Pool Manager will maintain discipline of staff at the swimming pool facility and supervise all staff enforcing pool rules.
  • Maintains a clean facility; including but not limited to, bathrooms, trash pick-up, and biohazard material disposal.
  • Completes incident and accident reports as required.
  • Attends all required staff meetings and training as scheduled.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor(s).

Qualifications
  • High school graduate or equivalent.
  • Prior experience in aquatics teaching children and adults.
  • prior experience in supervision.
  • Current certification in Standard First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Lifeguarding.
  • Completion of the YMCA of Superior California Pre and Post-Employment Checklist.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities.
Benefits
  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive health benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision for full-time employees - 60% YMCA covered medical benefits for full-time employees and their families
  • Retirement benefits - 10% employer contribution after completion of eligibility requirements
  • Employee Assistance Program for all employees that is available to help employees overcome emotional, family, or other personal problems; offers guidance on financial and legal issues; improves health and wellness, and much more.
  • CPR/First Aid Certification provided by YMCA
  • Use of YMCA of Superior California Fitness facilities, camps, and rental facilities
  • Paid time off benefits for part-time and full-time employees upon completion of eligibility requirements
  • Training and staff development for all employees

Posted Salary Range
USD $18.00 - USD $20.00 /Hr.