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Head Lifeguard Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Head Lifeguard The Head Lifeguard oversees the safe operation of county pool facilities and safety of all individuals using the county pool facilities. Monitor facilities and activities in swimming ...

New

Head Lifeguard

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17.41 - $22.40/hr

Head Lifeguard Department: Parks and Recreation Location: 2312 Arenal SW Pay Range: $17.41 - $22.40 Close Date: September 7, 2026 Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each ...

New

HEAD LIFEGUARD

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$18.17 - $20.44/hr

Fills in for lifeguards as necessary. * Orients new lifeguards to job duties and responsibilities. Ensures that all lifeguards are current on their training and certifications. * Assists with the ...

HEAD LIFEGUARD

Bernalillo, NM · On-site

$18.17 - $20.44/hr

Fills in for lifeguards as necessary. * Orients new lifeguards to job duties and responsibilities. Ensures that all lifeguards are current on their training and certifications. * Assists with the ...

Head Lifeguard information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$8

$22

$62

How much do head lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for head lifeguard in Rio Rancho, NM is $22.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.09 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a head lifeguard?

Head Lifeguards are experienced lifeguards who supervise other lifeguards and ensure the safety of swimmers at pools, beaches, or aquatic facilities. They oversee daily operations, enforce safety rules, conduct training sessions, and respond to emergencies. Additionally, Head Lifeguards may assist with scheduling, maintenance checks, and communication with facility management. Their leadership is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient aquatic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head lifeguard, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Lifeguard, you need strong swimming skills, advanced lifesaving knowledge, and certifications such as Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid. Familiarity with pool safety systems, rescue equipment, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Leadership, clear communication, and quick decision-making are vital soft skills for guiding staff and ensuring patron safety. These abilities are crucial for preventing accidents, managing emergencies, and maintaining a safe aquatic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by head lifeguards, and how are they typically addressed?

Head Lifeguards often face challenges such as managing a diverse team, ensuring consistent enforcement of safety protocols, and responding to emergencies efficiently. Balancing administrative duties—like scheduling and training—with active supervision on the pool deck can also be demanding. These challenges are typically addressed through strong communication, regular staff training, and fostering a supportive team environment where all lifeguards feel empowered to raise concerns or suggest improvements.

What is the difference between Head Lifeguard vs Lifeguard?

AspectHead LifeguardLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, AEDCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, AED
Work EnvironmentSupervises lifeguards, manages safety protocols, oversees pool areaPerforms water rescues, monitors swimmers, enforces rules
ResponsibilitiesLeadership, training, emergency response coordinationMonitoring, rescue, enforcing safety rules

The main difference between a Head Lifeguard and a Lifeguard is that the Head Lifeguard has additional leadership and supervisory responsibilities, overseeing other lifeguards and managing safety procedures. Both roles require similar certifications and work in aquatic environments, but the Head Lifeguard plays a key role in team management and emergency coordination.

How do you become a head lifeguard?

To become a head lifeguard, you typically need to have prior experience as a lifeguard, hold current certifications such as Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid, and demonstrate leadership skills. Many employers require candidates to pass a skills assessment and have a good safety record before advancing to a supervisory role.

What does a head lifeguard do?

A head lifeguard oversees the safety of swimmers and enforces pool or beach rules. They supervise other lifeguards, respond to emergencies, and ensure that safety protocols are followed. Certification in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid is typically required for this role.

Where do head lifeguards make the most money?

Head lifeguards tend to earn higher salaries at large aquatic facilities, water parks, and private clubs, especially in regions with higher living costs. Experience, certifications such as CPR and first aid, and the size of the facility can also influence pay rates.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lifeguard jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Lifeguard jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Lifeguard jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Head Lifeguard jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Head Lifeguard jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Head Lifeguard job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Lifeguard job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,410 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Head Lifeguard

Bernalillo County

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Bernalillo County rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

518th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Head Lifeguard

The Head Lifeguard oversees the safe operation of county pool facilities and safety of all individuals using the county pool facilities. Monitor facilities and activities in swimming areas to prevent accidents and injuries. Maintain order and assist in the rescue of swimmers in danger of drowning. Administer CPR and/or first aid as necessary. Notify appropriate authorities in the event of emergencies. Assist with the collection, delivery and transfer of monies collected at the pools to the County's assigned bank. Provide lead supervision for Lifeguards, monitor activities at pool, and functions as a Lifeguard. Participates in the selection, schedules, and assignment of Lifeguard duties. Provide instructions with pool operating procedures, rules, safety practices, maintenance, and related matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the regular monitoring of pool water chemicals and make required chemical adjustments to maintain safe balance in water.
  • Assist with the collection, delivery and transfer of monies collected at the pools to the County's assigned bank.
  • Drain, clean, and refill filter pit, adjust valves and perform other weekly equipment maintenance to ensure cleanliness and safety of pool water and surrounding facilities.
  • Assist with the supervision of lifeguards, monitor activities in swimming areas to prevent accidents, and maintain order; rescue swimmers in danger of drowning and administer first aid.
  • Inspect facility and equipment for cleanliness daily; may clean and refill pool.
  • Assist with the coordination, planning and instruction of county sponsored swim programs.
  • Perform other related duties as required.
  • Maintain accurate precise, operating and pool chemical logs.
  • May handle sensitive and/or confidential records, plans, documents or decisions that require maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • One (1) year of work experience as a Lifeguard in a recreational setting.
  • Requires Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Supplemental Information:

Screening and Compliance: The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Employee must successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination, including a color acuity test. (Cannot be colorblind.)
  • This position is safety sensitive. Employment is subject to a pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state rules and regulations regarding alcohol and/or drug testing.
  • Must complete a background investigation.
  • Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
  • Employee must complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned to position.

Working Conditions:

  • Employee is outdoors 75% of time when assigned to outdoor pool; is outdoors 25% of time when assigned to inside pool.
  • Indoor duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment; however, worker is exposed to wet cement and mat surfaces while working. Outdoor surfaces include: concrete, asphalt, ramps, stairs, wood decks, and ladder chairs.
  • Work hazards or potential work hazards include the exposure to dangerous emergency situations involving rescue, hazardous chemicals, and possible exposure to bodily fluids from persons with life-threatening diseases.
  • Flexible work hours may be required.

Equipment, Tools, and Materials:

  • Employee handles writing utensils, various paperwork, files and reports in the documentation of statistical reports, daily pool chemistry logs, daily bank deposits, and ordinary office record keeping.
  • Employee handles hazardous materials (possible cancer-causing particles), to include chlorine gas, chlorine bleach, hydrochloric acid, sodium bisulfate, sodium thiosulfate, carbon dioxide gas, sodium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, muriatic acid, calcium hypochlorite, and other such pool chemicals.
  • Employee utilizes a filter mask when handling some hazardous chemicals.

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