Beach Lieutenant

Reports To: Fire Captain assigned to Marine Safety Division

Designation: Seasonal Temporary Position

Salary Range: $24.6452/hr.- $29.9564/hr.

Final Filing Date: Closed

Basic Function

Under supervision, this uniformed position assists the Fire Captain assigned to Marine Safety Division in supervising, planning, organizing and coordinating the daily activities and operation of the Marine Safety Division. Assignments include Duty Officer, headquarters/dispatch, vehicle and break shifts. The incumbent is required to possess EMT certification and will respond to medical emergencies in the beach area via Net-Com Dispatch. Provides information and assistance to the public. Performs other duties as required.

Primary Duties

  • Assists with supervising and training all lifeguard staff.
  • Renders assistance to persons and vessels in distress in the water.
  • Responds and provides emergency medical care (EMT BLS level) to injured or ill persons.
  • Dispatches lifeguard personnel and other allied agencies to aquatic and medical emergencies using radio and phone equipment.
  • Informs the public of safety hazards and ocean conditions and is proactive in preventing rescue situations.
  • Patrols City beaches and Municipal Wharf by vehicle, rescue boat, rescue board, or foot.
  • Interacts with the public by answering questions and assisting patrons with problems.
  • Enforces municipal ordinances as appropriate.
  • Assists with resource management by observing and reporting environmental hazards.
  • Performs search and rescue for lost or missing persons.
  • Incumbent works closely with other allied public safety agencies.
  • Leads, coaches, trains and directs the Beach Lifeguard I and II staff.
  • Advises and keeps the Fire Captain assigned to Marine Safety Division informed and aware of any problems or issues.
  • Incumbent must have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Responsible for the proper and timely completion of payroll documents, scheduling requests, incident reports, vehicle inspection logs, PWC logs, daily logs, and other related reports and paperwork.
  • Develops proficient communication skills in order to provide pertinent and useful information to the public.
  • A willingness to participate and develop skills in the maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities used by the Marine Safety Division. This includes but is not limited to day to day routine maintenance of patrol vehicles and other equipment assigned to the program.
  • Promotes workplace employee safety by adhering to established safety protocols and polices.
  • Identifies and corrects problems whenever possible and informs supervisor through the chain of command if unable to remedy.

Required Licenses and Certificates

  • Possession at time of application and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license.
  • Possession and required maintenance of Emergency Medical Technician, AED and CPR Pro-certifications.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school graduate, GED or equivalent.
  • Work Experience - Must have worked a minimum of no fewer than three seasons as a seasonal open water lifeguard or a full time open water lifeguard at a lifeguard agency which meets the standards of the USLA.
  • Must have worked a minimum of one season as a Santa Cruz Marine Safety Lifeguard II or equivalent at another agency as determined by the Marine Safety Captain
  • 18 years of age at time of hire.
  • The physical ability to meet and maintain a 1000m ocean swim time of under 20 minutes.
  • Vision 20/30 corrected.
  • Selected candidates will undergo fingerprint screening as part of the pre-employment process.
  • Candidates who are hired must be available for full-time employment (40 hours per week) for the summer season (May through September). This requirement may be waived for extenuating circumstances on a case-by case-basis.
  • Proof of negative tuberculosis test or clear chest X-ray must be presented within 14 days of hire - No exceptions.

Desirable Qualifications

  • PWC Operator within one year of promotion
  • Cumulative total of 1,000 hours of seasonal open water lifeguarding or full time open water lifeguard at a lifeguard agency which meets the standards of the USLA.

Abilities

  • Ability to effectively lead, train and supervise the activities of the Beach Lifeguard I and II staff.
  • Ability to maintain discipline and evaluate the performances of subordinate personnel.
  • Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and accept constructive criticism from supervisor.
  • Willingness to confront problems and take appropriate action.
  • Ability to effectively coach and council personnel.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and interact with the public in stressful situations.
  • Ability to pursue an effective and prudent course of action in emergency situation.
  • Willingness to work weekends and varying irregular shifts.

Selection Procedure

A City application is required. Mail or deliver to Lifeguard Headquarters, #1 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. All applications must include photocopies of driver's license and required certificates. Applicants with a corrective lens restriction must provide a physician's note (not more than 30 days old) to verify their current vision. Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience or skills relevant to this position. (Note: The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Chief of the Fire Department.) Those candidates who most closely meet the requirements of the position will be invited to an oral interview.

Beach Lieutenant Training

Successful promotional must attend mandatory training during the pre-season and be assigned a taskbook.

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