Salary: $24.24 Hourly
Location : PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Number: 16828
Department: (H420)Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
Opening Date: 01/02/2026
Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM Arizona
Description/Duties
This classification has been designated as a non-benefited, non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position.
The City of Mesa is currently recruiting Head Lifeguards for the Summer Season as well as year-round opportunities. The Season runs from April 2026 through August 2026. Applicants from this recruitment may also be considered for year-round positions.
A Head Lifeguard is responsible for participating in and providing supervision of Lifeguards; monitoring activities at a City-operated swimming pool, including functioning as a Lifeguard in maintaining order; preventing accidents; rescuing swimmers in distress; and providing swimming instruction. Incumbents in this class participate in scheduling of personnel; assigning Lifeguards to duty stations; and giving instructions in pool operating procedures, rules, safety practices, maintenance, and related matters. Duties include: conducting reviews of Lifeguard activity; correcting of improper practices; checking the pool, decking, diving boards, locker rooms, and pool equipment for possible safety hazards or needed repairs; and coordinating the maintenance and repair of pool facilities. An incumbent in this class checks the chemical content of pool water and makes or requests changes in chemical additives and supervises the cleaning of the pool and surrounding areas. Other duties include planning, organizing, and running events, games, and activities at the facility. Works with Aquatics Programmer to promote and lead event activities at the pool and assumes administrative responsibilities in the absence of the Assistant Pool Manager and Pool Manager. This class performs related duties as required.
Qualified applicants must successfully complete one skills testing. The first Skills Test will be offered on
Saturday, March 21, 2026, and remaining staffing needs will be filled at a second Skills Test
Saturday, April 4, 2026. Skills testing will include an assessment of various lifeguard skills, fitness level, as well as a verbal interview. In order to attend either skills test, applications must be received online by 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, 2026, and you must receive an email invitation with details of the skills testing event. Applications received after April 1st will be considered on an as-needed basis.
Additional Information: Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor certification classes are offered by the City of Mesa beginning in February. A skills test review is offered the
Friday before each scheduled Skills Test. See the Mesa's Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities website for class times, locations, and registration fee information: For general registration and class information, call 480-644-7529 (PLAY).
All staff will be provided black swimsuit/shorts uniform, two lifeguard t-shirts, and a Fox 40 whistle. Visible tattoos with inappropriate lettering or images such as nudity or offensive language must be covered. Visible body piercings must be appropriate and professional.
Aquatics Incentive Information: The City of Mesa is offering reimbursement for the cost of obtaining a Water Safety Instructor Certification (up to $229 each) through the City of Mesa. Details for the specific eligibility requirements will be provided upon employment offer and must be met to receive reimbursements.
Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.
Qualifications & Requirements
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Minimum Qualifications Required. Some (3 - 6 months) experience as a Lifeguard.
Special Requirements. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date
(by assignment). Valid Lifeguard Certification, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional Rescuer Certification, and a Swim Lesson Instructor (SLI) Certification or Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or equivalent certification by hire date.
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Graduation from high school or GED is preferred. Bilingual in Spanish desirable.
Link to Job Description
A is linked here.
01
Are you able to work and attend trainings, starting April 2026 through August 2026?
02
How many hours per week will you be available to work between April 2026 and August 2026?
- 0 - 10 hours
- 10 - 20 hours
- 20 - 30 hours
- 30 - 40 hours
03
How many months have you worked as a Lifeguard? Please detail this experience on your application.
- None
- Some but less than 3 months
- 3 months or more but less than 6 months
- More than 6 months
04
Please select the response below that best describes the status of your CPR certification:
- Current CPR certification obtained with Lifeguard Certification (see question #5)
- American Heart CPR certification
- Expired CPR certification
- Enrolled in a CPR Course
- No CPR certification and/or not enrolled in CPR class
05
Please select the response below that best describes the status of your Lifeguard Certification:
- Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification (Includes Red Cross CPR Certification)
- Current Star Guard certification (includes ASHI Starguard CPR Certification)
- Current Ellis Lifeguard certification
- Expired Lifeguard Training certification
- Enrolled in a Lifeguard Training class
- No Lifeguard Training certification and/or not enrolled in Lifeguard Training
06
Please select the response below that best describes the status of your Swim Lesson Instructor or Water Safety Instructor certification:
- Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification
- Current American Swim School Instructor certificate
- Current Starfish Instructor certificate
- Expired American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification
- Enrolled in a Water Safety Instructor class
- No American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification and/or not enrolled in Water Safety Instructor class
07
Do you have a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License, or can you obtain one by hire or promotion date?
08
Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?
09
Are you bilingual (Spanish/English)?
10
If selected for the position, you will be required to attend mandatory training classes/meetings on the following dates: Monday, April 6th 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Saturday, April 25th 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Saturday, May 2nd 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Saturday, May 9th 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. andSaturday, May 16th 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Do you agree to be available for all of these dates?
11
Were you referred by a City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities staff member? If yes, please provide their full name below. If not, please type N/A.
Required Question