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Are you ready to join a team that is “Building Community Through Fun?” Are you ready to make a difference?

The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San José a better place to live. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. ActivateSJ, PRNS’ latest strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity, and public life.
 
The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which include 48 community centers, 10 regional parks, 200 plus neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds and over 60 miles of trails, programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public’s trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning.

For more information, please visit activatesj.org.

Position Duties:

The Department is recruiting for part-time, unbenefited Lifeguard and Instructor Lifeguard positions in the Recreation Services Division (RS) for the Citywide Aquatics programming.

The Lifeguard classification is covered by the Minimum Wage Police and pay starts at $17.95 hourly.

The Instructor Lifeguard classification is covered by the Pay Floor Rate and pay starts at $29.45 hourly.

These positions may be required to work variable shifts between the hours of 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Monday – Saturday during the dates of June 16, 2025 - August 8, 2025. Additionally, a MANDATORY training for both Lifeguard and Instructor Lifeguard positions will take place starting the week of June 9, 2025 - June 13, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. These positions are part-time, unbenefited with a limit of less than 20 hours per week or less than 1,040 hours per year. There is no guarantee of hours or longevity. All programs adhere to Santa Clara County, Public Health guidelines to ensure the health and well-being of staff. Face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment are provided. Staff may assist with daily health screenings, cleaning, and sanitization in City programs following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. 

Note: Candidates are not required to possess the Lifeguard Training certificate at the time of completing the application or to interview for the position. If selected for the position of Lifeguard, the Citywide Aquatics program will offer Lifeguard Training certification classes, if needed. If selected for the position of Instructor Lifeguard, the Citywide Aquatics program will be offering Lifeguard Training and American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor's (WSI) certification classes, if needed. The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training certification age requirement is at least 15 years old and the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification age requirement is at least 16 years old. 

If selected to move forward in the conditional offer process, the Lifeguard certification pre course swimming skills test that consists of the following:

• a 300-yard swim using front crawl or breaststroke.
• a 2-minute tread using legs only
• the ability to retrieve a 10-lb dive weight from 7 ft deep, to the surface and swim 20 yds with the weight, using legs only and exit the pool without using a ladder within 100 seconds. 

Lifeguard:  Lifeguards supervise the conduct of swimmers to maintain safety in the swimming pool. Lifeguards also enforce swimming pool rules and may participate in swim instruction programs; observe swimmers in swimming pools; provide warnings to those who violate the safety rules of the pool and expelling them, if necessary, because of willful disobedience of the rules; rescues swimmers who are in distress; and administers artificial respiration when necessary, according to the prescribed method. Lifeguards may also train and direct the work of lower-level workers as assigned and participate in pool maintenance. Possession of a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training’s Authorization Certificate is REQUIRED for the position of Lifeguard. 

Instructor Lifeguard:  In addition to the duties identified for Lifeguards, Instructor Lifeguards also organize and conduct swimming instruction classes for beginners, intermediate, or advanced swimmers at a swimming pool. Duties will include teaching swimming to children, adult individuals, and groups. Instructor Lifeguards may officiate at competitive swim meets. Instructor Lifeguards must also be able to instruct in the techniques of swimming and lifesaving. Possession of a current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor’s Authorization Certificate (WSI) is REQUIRED for the position of Instructor Lifeguard. 

Lifeguard and Instructor Lifeguards may be placed at any of the City pools. Currently, the City of San José is hiring for four pools at the following locations:

Camden Community Center: 3369 Union Ave., San José, CA 95124 

Fair Swim Center: 1350 Bacchus Dr., San José, CA 95122

Mayfair Community Center: 2039 Kammerer Ave., San José, CA 95116

Rotary Ryland Pool: 421 North First St., San José, CA 95111

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the announcement.

The Department: 
The Parks & Recreation Department supports a vibrant, active quality of life for all ages, abilities, and interests of the Santa Clara community through excellent parks and recreational facilities, community services, programs, and events. The Parks Division provides planning, development, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of City parks and open spaces. The Recreation Division provides classes and programs for all ages and abilities. We aim to promote the use of safe, clean, and attractive facilities for enjoyment and quality of life for all ages and abilities. The Cemetery Division maintains 33,000 internment sites in a peaceful public park.
 
The Position: 
An incumbent in this classification is responsible for the safe operation of an assigned swimming pool, including supervising pool personnel, overseeing conduct of pool events, ensuring  collection and security of revenue, and attendant record keeping.  Candidates must be able to serve a variety of ages, abilities and needs in participants from diverse backgrounds with tact and professionalism.
 
As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants.
 
Additional Information: 
Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates are encouraged to submit a resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 
 
The hourly salary range for this position is $21.02 - $27.84. This position will be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.  

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements
• Education equivalent to completion of the eleventh grade; and
• Three (3) years of experience in swimming pool management, swimming instruction, lifeguarding, or related activity; and
• Must be at least 17 years of age at time of application

Possible Substitution
• One (1) year of experience in lifeguarding and/or swimming instruction with the City of Santa Clara may be substituted for the required three (3) years of experience.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of the following certificates is required:
• A valid American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certificate or Completion of City of Santa Clara Learn to Swim Instruction Program; and
• A valid American Red Cross Lifeguard certificate; and
• In accordance with State of California law, a valid California Work Permit is required at time of appointment for candidates under the age of 18 who have not graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate of proficiency

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• As a condition of employment, incumbents will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with State of California law
• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  
  
The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.

Per Diem Dispatchers will provide public safety dispatching at Levi's Stadium and/or Santa Clara Police/Fire Communications.

 

As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants. 

 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

 

 

 

Typical Duties

 

Duties may include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Operates base radio console equipment, transmitting and receiving routine and emergency messages
• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the public via 9-1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business lines
• Dispatches appropriate emergency vehicles, equipment, and personnel in response to those requests, in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Coordinates emergency operations between various departmental personnel and equipment
• Operates data terminals for information pertaining to daily public safety operations and general emergency services
• Maintains written logs, files, and computer information in the prescribed manner
• Updates computer files and performs other clerical functions and tasks as directed
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the public via 9-1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business lines

 

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements: 

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED

 

Minimum Experience Requirements: 

• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or
• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; or
• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

 

License/Certifications: 

Possession of a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificate is required.

 

Other Requirements:  

• Incumbents must have the ability to work, as assigned, on schedules that may include Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and non-traditional work hours.
• Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment.  All candidates will be required to pass a City background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and/or psychological testing.

 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

Knowledge of:

• General public safety radio and telephone communications systems
• Police and fire emergency procedures
• Primary roads, streets, highways, major buildings, and public facilities within the City's boundaries

 

Skill In: 

• Reading and interpreting maps; and maintaining accurate records

 

Ability to: 

• Read, write, spell, and speak in clear, concise English
• Learn correct telephone answering techniques, policies and procedures
• Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system with sufficient speed and accuracy to document field activity and create calls for service within response criteria guidelines
• Analyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action to assure public safety provider and citizen safety
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and distinctly using radio and telephone equipment
• Maintain composure and work accurately in emergency situations
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including the general public
• Work in a confined area, wearing a headset which restricts physical movement about the work area
• Accurately enter information into the CAD system while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radio
• Retrieve data from CAD terminal or other keyboard device, maintain appropriate documentation of previous events, details, and conversations
• Work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public record
• Handle multiple priorities and organize workload
• Extract information or data from other computer systems
• View multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low variable light conditions
• Distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals
• Distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources
• Work continuously or uninterrupted as required, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Perform with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct, and civic responsibility
• Use emergency medical questioning techniques and provide medical instructions via telephone when required
• Type at a net rate of 35 wpm on a computer keyboard

 

 

Additional Information: 

You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Possession of a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificate. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

 

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov. 

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of a Senior Public Safety Dispatcher or Watch Commander and the overall direction of the Communications Operations Manager.