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Lifeguard Jobs in Springfield, OR (NOW HIRING)

Swim Instructor

Eugene, OR · On-site

$17/hr

Lifeguard certification is a plus. * Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with children and adults in a positive and engaging manner. * Excellent communication skills to provide ...

Lifeguard information

See Springfield, OR salary details

$9

$17

$38

How much do lifeguard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lifeguard in Springfield, OR is $17.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lifeguard?

Lifeguards are trained professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of people in and around aquatic environments like pools, beaches, and water parks. Their primary duties include monitoring swimmers, preventing accidents, providing first aid, and performing rescues when necessary. Lifeguards must maintain vigilance, possess strong swimming skills, and often hold certifications in lifesaving techniques and CPR. They also enforce rules to prevent dangerous behavior and educate the public about water safety.

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

To thrive as a Lifeguard, you need strong swimming ability, first aid and CPR certification, and keen observation skills. Familiarity with rescue equipment, communication radios, and emergency response protocols is typically required. Alertness, quick decision-making, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring safety and responding appropriately to emergencies. These skills and qualities are essential for preventing accidents, providing immediate assistance, and maintaining a safe environment for all patrons.

What does a lifeguard do?

A lifeguard monitors swimmers at the beach or in a pool, watches for hazards, and strives to maintain safety. As a lifeguard, your responsibilities include supervising swimmers and enforcing safety rules. Your job duties can also include organizing group activities, maintaining equipment, cleaning pools, and teaching swimming lessons to swimmers of all ages. You can find lifeguard jobs at public and private beaches, lakes, public swimming pools, hotel or community swimming pools, and public and private schools from grade school to university level.

How does a lifeguard typically collaborate with other staff members during busy periods at a pool or beach?

During peak times, lifeguards work closely with other lifeguards, pool managers, and facility staff to maintain safety and efficient operations. They often rotate surveillance zones to stay alert, communicate via radios or hand signals, and coordinate responses to emergencies. Effective teamwork ensures that all areas are monitored without gaps and that assistance is immediately available if an incident occurs. Collaboration also extends to enforcing rules, providing customer service, and participating in routine safety drills.

What is the difference between Lifeguard vs Swim Instructor?

AspectLifeguardSwim Instructor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Swim Instructor Certification
Work EnvironmentPools, beaches, water parksPools, swim schools, community centers
Primary ResponsibilitiesEnsure safety, prevent drowning, rescueTeach swimming skills, improve technique

While both roles require CPR and First Aid certifications and are based in aquatic environments, lifeguards focus on safety and rescue, whereas swim instructors concentrate on teaching swimming skills. The roles often overlap but serve different primary purposes within aquatic facilities.

Where do lifeguards make the most money?

Lifeguards tend to earn higher wages in regions with a high cost of living, popular tourist destinations, or private clubs. Factors such as experience, certifications, and the type of facility also influence earning potential, with some private or exclusive pools offering better pay than public beaches or community pools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lifeguard jobs in Springfield, OR?

The most popular types of Lifeguard jobs in Springfield, OR are:

What cities near Springfield, OR are hiring for Lifeguard jobs?

Cities near Springfield, OR with the most Lifeguard job openings:

Infographic showing various Lifeguard job openings in Springfield, OR as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 30% Full Time, 65% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,027 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Recreation: Temporary Staff - All Programs

Eugene, OR • On-site

City of Eugene, OR
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$26.54 - $39.71/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


City Of Eugene rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Eugene, OR
Job Type: Part-Time Temporary
Job Number: 04108
Department: Library, Recreation & Cultural Services
Division: Recreation Division
Opening Date: 03/17/2025
General Statement of Duties
**** Posting updated 6/25/2026 to reflect new pay rate. ****
City of Eugene Recreation is hiring for all temporary positions!
(Picture of kids dance class, group hike, and City of Eugene lifeguards)
Want to provide accessible recreation opportunities for all ages in a fun, safe and positive environment? Eugene Recreation employs more than 300 temporary employees year-round and we are always looking for enthusiastic, safety and service-minded people to join our team.
The following temporary positions will be filled from this job posting. What jobs fit your interests?
Ballfield Maintenance: $19.24 - $27.72 hourly*
Site Coordinator: $17.61 - $24.35 hourly*
General Clerk: $15.64 - $22.92 hourly*
Senior Clerk: $19.24 - $27.72 hourly*
Lifeguard: $15.92 - $21.19 hourly*
Head Lifeguard: $17.61 - $24.35 hourly*
Recreation Coordinator: $19.24 - $27.72 hourly*
Recreation Leader: $15.92 - $21.19 hourly*
Recreation Instructor (General / Intermediate / Advanced): General: $15.92 - $21.19 hourly*, Intermediate: $19.24 - $27.72 hourly*, Advanced: $26.54- $39.71 hourly*
*Please note, these hourly rates of pay reflect the cost-of-living increase that is scheduled for July 1, 2026.
Accepting Online Applications Only
Information on How to Apply
Applications are reviewed weekly and will remain active for four months
from the date received
The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the
Department/Division: Library, Recreation and Cultural Services / Recreation
Position Information:Non-Represented, Temporary
Work Location: The Recreation division operates multiple facilities in Eugene. Work location will depend on position and assignment. For a complete list of facilities, see our Recreation facilities listing.
Schedule: 6 - 40 hours per week, per business need, role and season.
Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our
Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following
Ballfield Maintenance
Duties
The Ballfield Maintenance position performs skilled and semi-skilled labor in the various aspects of Athletic Field Maintenance Program for the City's sports fields and parks. Directly participates in the daily maintenance and preparation of all playing surfaces, follow operational procedures to optimally maintain the playing surface of the field.
Qualifications
  • 2 years of experience as a participant in league sports or 2 years working independently.
  • Current First Aid and CPR certificates or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
  • Performs related and other duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification:
Site Coordinator
Duties
The Site Coordinator over sees events and activities which take place at our recreation centers, pools, and sports fields. This includes public and private rentals, sports leagues, and other recreation activities. This role includes interaction with the public, problem-solving, performing minor custodial duties and providing basic administrative support.
Qualifications
  • One year of experience independently facilitating or overseeing activities and events at a facility, park or recreation site.
  • Current First Aid and CPR certificates or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
  • Performs related and other duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification:
General Clerk / Senior Clerk
Duties
Clerks perform a variety of clerical duties to support the day-to-day activities of a recreation or aquatics facility during open hours, including responding to patron requests in person or over the phone, program registrations and payments, daily account balances and data entry. The General Clerk assists with multiple basic front desk tasks while the Senior Clerk assists with basic and advanced tasks and long-term activities.
Qualifications
  • Experience in cash handling, customer service, and data entry desirable but not required
  • Current First Aid and CPR certificates or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
  • Performs related and other duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: ,
Lifeguard
Duties
Responsible for the safety and enjoyment of patrons and staff; provides aquatics recreation classes; enforces safety rules, maintains facilities, and supports aquatics recreation management with effectively managing the daily facility operations and activities.
Qualifications
  • Must possess American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and First Aid Certification, American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer Certification, American Red Cross Automated External Defibrillation Certification, American Red Cross Oxygen Administration for the Professional Rescuer Certification and Preventing Disease Transmission Certification (or equivalent Blood Borne Pathogens certification).
  • Performs related and other duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification:
Head Lifeguard
Duties
The Head Lifeguard functions as on-going lead worker for the City's recreation aquatics facilities and responsible for the safety and enjoyment of patrons and staff; teaches recreation activities; enforces safety rules, maintains facilities, and assists aquatics recreation management with the planning, implementation and evaluation of daily aquatics recreation activities.
Qualifications
  • At least one year of experience in an aquatic facility.
  • Must possess American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and First Aid Certification, American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer Certification, American Red Cross Automated External Defibrillation Certification, American Red Cross Oxygen Administration for the Professional Rescuer Certification and Preventing Disease Transmission Certification (or equivalent Blood Borne Pathogens certification).
  • Performs related and other duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification:
Recreation Coordinator
Duties
Assists with the implementation of recreation programs at the community center, school, aquatic facility or other program sites; coordinates and teaches daily recreation activities to youth. Functions as on-going lead worker requiring a thorough understanding of programs, processes, and procedures. Coordinates teams that can include recreation leaders, lifeguards, and/or volunteers.
Qualifications
  • Highschool diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
  • At least 1 year (full-time equivalency) experience of recreation program planning and or coordination in a certified childcare facility, youth center, or recreation agency or organization.
  • Current First Aid and CPR certificates or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
  • Performs related and other duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification:
Recreation Leader
Duties
Assists with implementation of recreation programs; coordinates and teaches day-to-day activities; provides a safe environment and promotes and encourages inclusion and provides a positive experience for patrons.
Qualifications
  • At least three months of verifiable experience (full-time equivalent) working, volunteering or training in one of the areas listed below:
    1. Work/volunteer experience in a Recreation setting
    2. Childcare or babysitting experience
    3. Customer service experience
    4. Camp leader
    5. Educational classes
    6. Community service
    7. Teaching and/or Teaching Assistant
  • Current First Aid and CPR certificates or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
  • Performs related and other duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification:
Recreation Instructor
(General/ Intermediate/ Advanced)
Duties
Instructors with Eugene Recreation plan, lead, and oversee recreational classes or activities designed for a specific target audience. They create course outlines, provide instruction and group facilitation. Classes are attended by the community members of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and interests. Instructors must possess the willingness and ability to support the needs of individuals as well as manage group dynamics. Instructors lead courses in aquatics, general fitness, music, arts, martial arts, gymnastics, dance, science, cuisine, educational workshops, wellness, gardening, computers, consumer issues, outdoor activities and perform related and other duties as assigned.
Included in this role are the following instructor types:
Inclusion Specialists: Provide individualized support to youth who may have disabilities, mental health support needs, or challenging behavior. Inclusion Specialists support Recreation program staff by modeling best practices in behavior management, providing accommodations, modifying activities, and implementing inclusions support plans
Adaptive Instructor: Works directly with adults and youth with developmental, intellectual, cognitive, and physical disabilities. Preferred experience and/or education in therapeutic, adaptive, or community-based programming for people with disabilities.
Aquatics Instructor: Responsible for maintaining safe practices and conditions in an aquatic environment and for the supervision of aquatic activities and the participants involved. Aquatics Instructors include, swim instructors, aquatic youth program instructors, and fitness instructors.
Outdoor Instructor: Must have personal experience and/or education in outdoor recreation or community-based programming.
Educational Disciplines include:
  • Challenge Course Facilitation.
  • Paddle/Watersports: Kayak (Flat, Sea, Whitewater), Raft, SUP, Canoe, Surf, Snorkeling, Swimming.
  • Climbing: Rock Climbing, Tree Climbing, Mountaineering.
  • Sailing: Small Boat (i.e. Feva), Keel Boat.
  • Cycling: Road, Mountain, Bikepacking.
  • Bushcraft: Archery, Fishing, Outdoor Survival Skills.
  • Winter: Avalanche Awareness, Cross Country Ski, Snowshoe.
  • Other: Camping, Hiking, Orienteering, Skateboarding, Bike and Pedestrian Safety Education, Environmental Science.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: , ,
Recreation Guide
Qualifications
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.
Background
Must pass a background check.
Supplemental Information
Eligibility List
This posting may also be used to establish an eligibility list of applicants for future vacancies. Candidates that are placed on the eligibility list will be notified via email which will include the duration of the list and how notification of call up will occur.
What to Expect from our Selection Process
Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies accord

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