Reservoir Head Lifeguard

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

March 12, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

19.20 - 26.87

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a part-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

15

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Seasonal Traditional

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under limited supervision, provides water safety and rescue services via continual surveillance and patrol of the Boulder Reservoir swim area and beach. This position provides education and enforcement of rules and policies in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The head lifeguard assists in managing beach operations including leading lifeguards on duty, implements pre-season and in-service trainings, and acts as a liaison between lifeguards and the public.

The Parks and Recreation department is seeking Lifeguards to work in Ongoing/Varied and Seasonal roles for our indoor and outdoor pools. We will be hiring multiple employees based on our programs and hours of operation through the end of April. Please keep in mind that the city’s benefit package offer will differ based upon work hours and the duration of the assignment you accept.

• Ongoing/Varied: Work less than 20 hours/week with no planned end date to work. No medical, dental, or vision insurance is available, but employees receive benefits including sick time-off, wellness program, EcoPass for transit, recreation pass, and retirement plans.

• Seasonal Max: March – September. Work six (6) to 11 months, averaging more than 30 hours/week. Medical insurance is offered, but not dental or vision insurance. Other benefits received include sick time-off, wellness program, EcoPass for transit, recreation pass, and retirement plans.

• Seasonal Traditional: May – September. Work less than six (6) months, averaging more than 30 hours/week. No medical, dental, or vision insurance is available, but employees receive benefits including sick time-off, wellness program, EcoPass for transit, recreation pass, and retirement plans.

• Seasonal Limited Hours: March – September. Work less than 11 months, averaging less than 30 hours/week. No medical, dental, or vision insurance is offered, but employees receive benefits including sick time-off, wellness program, EcoPass for transit, recreation pass, and retirement plans.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES                  

• Serves as the watchful eye that keeps the swim area and beach safe.  

• Acts as a first responder and jumps in the water to perform rescues and keep people safe. 

• Assists with supervision of fellow lifeguard staff.  

• Ensures lifeguards are actively scanning, rotating efficiently, and stationed appropriately for proactive surveillance of the swim area and beach.  

• Delivers prompt and professional solutions to staff and public interactions.  

• Handles complaints and criticism with grace, elevating problems and concerns to reservoir management as appropriate.  

• Ensures that the Boulder Reservoir is a friendly, welcoming environment for all to play, learn and build confidence in and around the water. 

• Maintains a variety of records including daily usage counts for the swim area and beach, medical response logs, secondary duties checklists, and incident and accident reports.  

• Demonstrates a proactive approach toward cleanliness and facility maintenance.  

• Conducts regular inspections to en