Lifeguard (Permanent Intermittent)
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: BS46
Class Code: 0985
Established: 12/04/2007
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
This specification describes a non-peace officer class in the Department of Parks and Recreation that is used to perform a variety of aquatic services at State ocean and inland beaches, underwater parks, and recreation areas on a permanent intermittent basis only.
Under general supervision, incumbents perform life-saving and technical duties involving public contact and beach and aquatic safety patrol, and assist with aquatic safety program operations. The Lifeguard (Permanent Intermittent) may act as a leadperson for seasonal lifeguard classifications, and receives direction and leadership from the permanent peace officer lifeguard and/or ranger classifications. Incumbents may lead Junior Lifeguard and volunteer programs.
Typical Tasks
Positions in this classification perform technical duties in State park units involving aquatic safety, patrol, emergency dispatch, interpretation, resource protection, and program operations, and may lead seasonal lifeguard staff.
Incumbents perform patrol duties by vehicle, boat, and foot patrol; detect and rescue persons or vessels in distress; provide emergency medical aid and resuscitation; notify headquarters of accidents and rescues; prepare reports; remove hazards; assist the public and advise visitors of rules and regulations; and take command in emergencies. Incumbents may also perform radio dispatching; operate, inspect, and perform maintenance on emergency rescue equipment, vehicles, and vessels; assist in the training of personnel in all phases of life-saving activities and operation and maintenance of emergency rescue equipment; and may do other related work.
Incumbents may perform ocean, surf, river, and lake rescue; scuba diving; off-road vehicle and All Terrain Vehicle patrol; and specialized assignments that include cliff rescue.
Incumbents may administer the Junior Lifeguard program; lead volunteer programs; provide dispatch services for aquatic operations; participate in the hiring and scheduling of seasonal lifeguard staff; plan work schedules and assignments; prepare public safety and statistical reports; and provide interpretive programs to the public and staff.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. (Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination, but they must produce evidence of the license before they can be considered eligible for appointment.) and Possession of (1) a current Department of Parks and Recreation Emergency Medical Responder certificate or equivalent; and (2) a current Department of Parks and Recreation Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Automated External Defibrillator (AED), American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, or equivalent certificate. A current Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate that is approved by the Department of Emergency Medical Services Authority may be substituted for both of the required certificates. Applicants who do not possess these certificates will be admitted to the examination, but they must produce evidence of the certificates before they can be considered eligible for an appointment. and Equivalent to six months of experience performing the duties of an open water lifeguard in other than swimming pools or water parks.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: First-aid procedures and resuscitation methods; surf, ocean, lake, and river swimming, bathing, and boating hazards; first- aid and rescue equipment use and maintenance; application of basic life-support to the level of Department Emergency Medical Responder/EMT for patient care; dispatching of lifeguard towers and operations; techniques and procedures of conducting search and rescue; basic principles of dealing with the public; basic mathematics as required in accounting for funds; basic grammar and spelling as required in preparing reports and records; general resource management and protection; and principal recreational areas of the State of California.
Ability to: Swim at a level sufficient to perform life-saving activities; perform duties that require physical strength and agility; learn and apply standard first-aid procedures and resuscitation methods; interpret and follow directions and instructions; remain alert; analyze situations accurately; think and act quickly and take command in emergencies; establish and maintain good working relations; communicate effectively in English at a level appropriate to the class; assist in leading and training seasonal lifeguard staff; plan work schedules and assignments; follow written and oral instructions; learn the principles and practices used in the conservation and interpretation of natural resources; learn to use tools and equipment used on the job; work safely; learn to deal tactfully with individuals and groups; apply theory to practical situations; and analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Age Requirement
Minimum age for appointment: 18 years.
Drug Testing Requirement
This classification has been designated as safety sensitive in accordance with Department of Personnel Administration Rule 599.961, whereby drug and alcohol affected performance could clearly endanger the health and safety of others. Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement.
Special Requirements
Possession of a current Department of Parks and Recreation Lifeguard Training Program Certificate, or successful completion of the Department's Lifeguard Training Program is required prior to appointment. The Department Lifeguard Training Program is to be specific for the job assignment: i.e., Inland Lifeguard Training for assignment to a reservoir or lake, or Ocean Lifeguard Training for assignment to a coastal beach or park. Annual renewal of the Lifeguard Training Program certificate is required.
In accordance with Penal Code 11105.3, a background investigation will be conducted prior to appointment. Persons unsuccessful in the investigation cannot be appointed in this classification. A candidate in this classification is to be fingerprinted for search of local, State, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal conviction unless otherwise provided by law.
A physical suitability examination by a licensed medical doctor is to be completed prior to appointment. Persons who are not successful in these examinations cannot be appointed in this classification.
Special Personal Characteristics
Willingness to work long and irregular hours, weekends, and holidays; tact and diplomacy; dependability; emotional maturity sufficient to assume the responsibility of protecting lives of others; and willingness to conform to prescribed uniform standards and personal appearance standards.
Special Physical Characteristics
Physical strength, endurance, and agility necessary to perform lifesaving activities; ability to swim at a level to perform lifesaving activities; mentally alert; hearing in each ear sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job; a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better in each eye; an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye; a peripheral visual field of at least 120 degrees horizontally and 100 degrees vertically in each eye; normal color vision, as determined by Ishihara or other color plate tests; pass a swimming/running performance test as determined by the Department prior to appointment and on an annual basis.
Additional Desirable Qualifications
Education equivalent to completion of the 12th grade.
