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Waterfront Director Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Recreation Assistant Lifeguard

Great Lakes, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

... directed. * Documents marine life, water conditions and weather conditions. * Marks swim and surf areas with a flag system. (Waterfront Only) * Operates rescue vehicles (e.g., personal watercraft ...

Crystal Lake Parks

Head Lifeguard

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

Starguard Elite Lifeguard Certification with Waterfront * Ability to pass Head Lifeguard skills and knowledge assessments. * Ability to pass the Guard Vision Screening Test. * Strong knowledge of ...

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Waterfront Director information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$13.8K

$60.8K

$141.2K

How much do waterfront director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for waterfront director in Park Ridge, IL is $60,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,400.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a waterfront director, and how can they be effectively managed?

A common challenge for Waterfront Directors is ensuring the safety of all participants while managing a diverse team of lifeguards and instructors. This often requires balancing administrative responsibilities, such as scheduling and compliance with safety regulations, with hands-on supervision during busy activity periods. Effective communication, thorough staff training, and regular safety drills can help address these challenges. Building a culture of teamwork and proactive risk management also contributes greatly to a smooth and safe waterfront operation.

What does a waterfront director do?

Waterfront directors supervise water-based activities, including swimming, boating, canoeing, windsurfing, and waterskiing. As a waterfront director, you may plan events, train and schedule staff, monitor safety, care for equipment, and process registrations, such as licenses and boat permits. This position may be required to work extended hours over the summer. You maintain inventory and recommend when to repair or purchase new equipment. You are also in charge of set-up and tear down for the waterfront and may need to participate in other camp activities not related to your department.

What is a waterfront director?

A Waterfront Director is responsible for overseeing all aquatic activities and ensuring the safety of participants at a waterfront facility, such as a camp, lake, or beach. They supervise lifeguards and staff, manage equipment, enforce safety protocols, and often provide training in water safety. Waterfront Directors also create activity schedules, maintain water quality standards, and respond to emergencies when necessary. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, as well as certifications in lifeguarding and water safety management.

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

To thrive as a Waterfront Director, you need strong leadership, water safety expertise, and certifications such as Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid, often supported by experience in aquatic program management. Familiarity with watercraft, rescue equipment, and safety protocols, as well as management of scheduling and incident reporting systems, is essential. Outstanding communication, decision-making, and crisis management skills help build trust with staff and participants while maintaining a safe environment. These competencies are crucial to ensuring smooth operations, minimizing risk, and promoting safety and enjoyment at waterfront facilities.

What is the difference between Waterfront Director vs Lifeguard?

AspectWaterfront DirectorLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Waterfront Safety CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentOversees waterfront activities, manages staff, plans programsMonitors swimming areas, ensures safety, responds to emergencies
ResponsibilitiesProgram planning, staff supervision, safety enforcementRescue, monitor swimmers, enforce rules

The Waterfront Director and Lifeguard roles both require CPR and First Aid certifications and operate in aquatic environments. The Waterfront Director manages overall waterfront programs and staff, while the Lifeguard focuses on monitoring swimmers and ensuring safety. The roles are complementary but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Waterfront Director jobs
What are popular job titles related to Waterfront Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL? For Waterfront Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Waterfront Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Waterfront Director jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Waterfront Director jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Waterfront Director job openings:
Waterfront Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Waterfront Director job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,776 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Recreation Assistant Lifeguard

US Navy

Great Lakes, IL • On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

Lifeguard Duties

Pool and/or waterfront lifeguard duties comprise 60% of incumbent's time and include but are not limited to:

  • Performs all pool and/or waterfront lifeguard responsibilities (e.g., supervising swimmers/patrons and their activities, monitoring all natural water activities, applying first aid, enforcing safety rules, reporting safety hazards to supervisor, performing water rescues as necessary, etc.).
  • Observes conditions of area assigned (e.g., possible hazards, water/chemical conditions, wind and weather, etc.) to ensure a safe environment, removing hazardous materials when necessary (e.g. floating debris, glass, etc.).
  • Performs rescue work, promptly renders cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or emergency first aid, and calls for medical assistance as necessary.
  • Conducts and documents pool chemical testing results. Checks chlorine and pH levels on a scheduled basis; notifies Certified Pool Operator or supervisor of chemical imbalances; adjusts chemicals as directed.
  • Documents marine life, water conditions and weather conditions.
  • Marks swim and surf areas with a flag system. (Waterfront Only)
  • Operates rescue vehicles (e.g., personal watercraft (PWC) rescue craft, patrol boats, automobiles, etc.), as needed. (Waterfront Only)

General duties comprise 40% of incumbent's time and include but are not limited to:

  • Administers aquatic assessment testing and certification in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD). Department of the Navy (DON) and CNIC policy.
  • Provides introductory equipment orientations, as needed.
  • Checks identification cards for authorized patrons and collects usage fees, if applicable.
  • Serves as the primary liaison between the activity, security, medical departments, and Aquatics Coordinator during emergency situations.
  • Performs cleaning duties (e.g., basic janitorial services, vacuuming, skimming, etc.) and routine facility-maintenance as assigned by Aquatics Coordinator.
  • Inspects stands, boards, ropes, safety gear and condition of the dressing rooms, ensuring they are within the condition required by environmental health standards. Informs supervisor of deficiencies.
  • Uses and maintains care of emergency equipment (e.g., specialized kits and bags, backboards, suction devices, splints, stretchers, monitoring equipment, etc.).
  • Enforces applicable policies and procedures of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) regarding the use of Aquatic facilities and waterfront operations.
  • Prepares accident/incident reports during emergency situations. Notifies management of all emergencies immediately.
  • Works with hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning agents, pool chemicals, etc.).

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National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

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Washington, DC, US

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