JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAMAt the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
Job Description:Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include but are not limited to:
- Responsible for the safety of pool patrons by preventing accidents and responding quickly to emergency situations.
- Must know and be able to perform all skills required for certifications.
- Must follow and enforce pool policies and rules at all times.
- Performs routine maintenance to pool area i.e. vacuum, pick up trash.
- Must be able to verbally communicate with the public and staff effectively.
- Plans and organizes recreational program activities.
- Maintains inventories and cares for City property and equipment.
- Keeps supervisor informed of materials and supplies necessary to conduct programs.
- Cleans program areas after completion of activities and at end of work day.
- Demonstrates cooperative behavior with team, supervisors, and the public.
- Leads, teaches, demonstrates, and officiates recreational activities for a variety of age groups.
- Monitors and records compliance with safety and department guidelines and rules.
- Maintains attendance, activity, supply, and equipment records.
- Assists in development of lesson or activity plans and program evaluations.
- Assists in the use of equipment and supplies.
- Communicates with a wide range of people.
- Provides information and directions.
- Encourages and guides participants.
- Sets up equipment for scheduled recreational activities and events.
- May involve cash handling.
- May give direction to program volunteers on specific activities or projects.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of general safety practices and procedures.
- Knowledge of First Aid Basic knowledge of personal computer operation.
- Ability to learn and care for equipment and supplies.
- Ability to provide guidance and instruction.
- Ability to communicate activity objectives, programs information, and directions.
- Ability to conduct activities following established rules and guidelines.
- Ability to retain and enforce safety rules and department guidelines.
- Ability to evaluate program activities verbally and in writing.
- Ability to obtain Lifeguard/First Aid/Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation/AED certification.
- Ability to plan, organize, motivate, lead, and promote a variety of recreational activities for different age groups with diverse interests and varying skill levels.
Minimum Qualifications:Lifeguard I:- Must have zero (0) to one (1) year of related experience and have the required certifications.
Licenses and Certifications Required:- Current StarGuard Elite Lifeguard, AED, CPR, and First Aid Certification.
- Training and Certifications are offered by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Please email AquaticsOffice@austintexas.gov for more information.
Preferred Qualifications:- Previous lifeguard experience preferred but is not necessary.
- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Notes to Candidate:TheCity of Austin
Parks and Recreation Department (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click
HERE for more information.
Position Information:The purpose of the
Seasonal - Lifeguard I position is to provide safety and recreational services for the City of Austin Municipal pools system.
Application Instructions/Job Requirements:- Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
- Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
- Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
- Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
- Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists. Tolerate loud noise associated with enthusiasm and excitement. Ability to adapt to a variety of conditions such as daily walking, climbing, standing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, running, bending, crawling, swimming, stretching and reaching; and frequently walk and sit when leading various recreational activities. Work outdoors in any and all types of weather and or inclement conditions; and in confined spaces at times. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
- Post Application Process: Once your completed application is submitted, the Parks and Recreation Aquatics team will contact you regarding next steps in the hiring process including training class schedules, certifications, and paperwork required.
Other:- Application Status Communication: Please note that you will be contacted if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process. Once the department is no longer hiring for this position, you may receive a notification informing you the position is closed and the hiring process is concluded.
- Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
- Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
Salary:- Lifeguard I: $22.05 per hour
Work Location:- Various City of Austin Aquatic Facilities
Work Hours:- Variable - Part Time but up to 40 hours per week.
- Evenings, Weekends, and Holidays are required.
- May be required to work during special events outside the normal hours for programming needs.
- May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
Closing Date/Time: 2026-09-30