Parks Associate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

PT LIFEGUARD & SWIM INSTRUCTOR - COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER 

HIRING RANGE: $17.00 PER HOUR

**Applications are currently being accepted, and conditional job offers may be made at this time. However, employment will not begin until August (subject to change depending on construction timelines). Applicants should apply only if they are willing and able to wait until the anticipated start date.**

About the Position:
Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Lifeguards are an elite group of highly trained aquatic safety professionals. Our lifeguards provide proactive swimmer surveillance by anticipating, recognizing, and effectively managing a variety of aquatic emergencies. GJPR Lifeguards provide safe, clean, and fun aquatic recreation opportunities for the Grand Valley. Drowning prevention is a key component of our safety philosophy, and teaching swimming lessons is a crucial step in keeping everyone safe around the water.
Aquatic position hours vary and may include mornings, nights, holidays, and weekends. These positions are year-round at the Community Recreation Center and at the Orchard Mesa Community Center Pool. We have seasonal positions at the Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool and Palisade Community Pool. 
Contact Molly at 970-254-3802 or molly.bethe@gjcity.org for all questions related to the aquatic positions at the Community Rec Center. 

About the City of Grand Junction Community Recreation Center:
This recruitment is happening at a very exciting time, as the City of Grand Junction completed our Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan in January of 2021. This led to an election on April 6, 2021, where dedicated funding was secured on taxation from sales of cannabis. The PROS Plan is the blueprint for the future of the parks and recreation system, and a dedicated source of funding for implementation is now in place. The number one item on the PROS Plan is a community recreation center (CRC). Through the summer and fall of 2022, a CRC feasibility study planning process was led by the council-appointed Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB). This robust community input process was conducted to develop recommendations about the new CRC to include the location, funding sources, and the size of the facility as well as the amenities. On April 4, 2023, the citizens of Grand Junction voted to approve the ballot question to build a new Community Recreation Center (CRC). Over the next few years, design and construction work will commence with an anticipated opening date of late-2026. The selected candidate will be a member of a team that is excited to continue to maximize the quality and quantity of services for the citizens and visitors of Grand Junction, to build the community and improve the quality of life on the Western Slope.

What You'll Do:

• Work independently and as part of the lifeguard team to ensure swimmer and facility safety. 
• Anticipate, recognize, and manage aquatic emergencies. 
• Communicate pool rules and policies in a professional and courteous manner to guests. 
• Maintain rescue-readiness and skill competency at or above industry standards. 
• Communicate effectively with guests, guest service representatives, other lifeguards, and the management team. 
• Dress in the required GJPR staff uniform while on duty. 
• Be punctual. 
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and relevant in-service trainings. 
• Provide excellent guest relations and interaction. 
• Provide a clean and safe recreation experience for guests by performing routine upkeep and cleaning of pool areas. 
• Provide swimming instruction as part of the Learn to Swim program.
• Perform related work as required. 

This position is a safety-sensitive position, which means you will be subject to random drug screens due to the nature of the work performed. 

What We're Looking For:

• Must be 16 years of age or older
• Applicants must be able to successfully pass a drug screen, background check, and, if required for the specific position, a physical examination
• Must have or be willing to obtain a valid Ellis & Assoc. International Lifeguard Training Program certification
• Minimum of 20/25 corrected vision
• Ability to work independently, be a team player, take initiative, and have a positive work ethic
• Must have general computer skills and strong verbal communication skills
• Work well with people, treating everyone with respect
• Always puts safety first
• Must be able to work flexible work hours and schedules where shifts may be assigned opening, closing, or weekends, depending on the needs of the facility

• Comfortable in all depths of water, strong swimming skills are preferred

Lifeguards can expect to work 20-35 hours per week.

Most lifeguards will be trained to teach "Learn to Swim" lessons. Ellis & Assoc. International Lifeguard Training Program courses are offered through the Parks and Recreation Department at no charge to accepted applicants. Selected applicants must be available for in-person training and complete online training prior to course start dates.

• Course runs July 15-18.

Additional information on course requirements, dates, and times will be made available during the interview process.

Notice to Applicants:
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, we kindly request that you do not include the dates of your education to include years of attendance or graduation on your application, resume or attachments.

Explore the Area: 
Grand Junction, Colorado is the gateway to the mountains and canyonlands of western Colorado and eastern Utah. Centrally located between Denver, CO (250 miles east) and Salt Lake City, UT (270 miles west), Grand Junction is surrounded by 1.2 million acres of public land. Residents enjoy world-class whitewater rafting on the Colorado and Green Rivers, golfing, fishing, skiing and snowboarding, and exploring mountain bike and hiking trails through the Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa National Forest. Grand Junction has a robust downtown and hosts multiple art, music, food, and market events annually. With a population of over 150,000 in Mesa County (65,000 within the City limits) we have many of the big town amenities without the big town stresses such as traffic and trail congestion. With an average of 245 days of sunshine, Grand Junction is the perfect place to work and play. 

Learn more about our area on Visit Grand Junction's website and Instagram!

At the City of Grand Junction, we proudly operate as an Equal Opportunity Employer, purposely building an inclusive workforce representative of various cultures, perspectives, and experiences. We believe in respect for all and do not discriminate based on hair, race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

If you have any questions or need assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please contact our Human Resources office at 970.244.1512.

What We Offer: At the City of Grand Junction, we value the contributions of our seasonal employees and recognize the importance of work-life balance. While seasonal positions are temporary, employees accrue Healthy Accruals-earned time off to use as needed. 

The Parks and Recreation Department enhances the quality of life in Grand Junction by maintaining and developing vibrant recreational spaces and facilities for residents and visitors. The department manages 45 parks, 25 playgrounds, 24 park shelters, 5 indoor recreation facilities including the Orchard Mesa Pool, Lincoln Park Hospitality Suite, the Bookcliff Activity Center, Lincoln Park Barn, and the Senior Recreation Center, and a multitude of outdoor facilities which include the Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool, 2 City Cemeteries, Amphitheater at Las Colonias and the Lincoln Park Stadium Sports Complex.