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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.

Share your passion by teaching students! Enrichment instructors lead a one hour class on-site after school. Enjoy the freedom to plan a curriculum on your area of expertise and share that knowledge with a class size of 5-15 students.

Must be 18 years of age or older to apply for this position.

DEFINITION: Plan, organize and execute personal curriculum for elementary age children for a one hour onsite outdoor enrichment program. Program hours could include Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 2pm – 4pm and Wednesday 1:15pm – 3:15pm, preparation hours can be discussed.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Demonstrate excellent customer service and communicate effectively with schools, parents, and children.
• Possess strong leadership skills in their chosen area of expertise
• Create and implement your own curriculum within an allocated budget
• Manage the task of checking in and checking out each child to the proper guardian.
• Encourage good behavior and appropriate manners.
• Encourage active participation and provide a safe and nurturing environment.
• Implement and lead appropriate activities for elementary aged children.
• Supervise and ensure the safety of the children during enrichment.
• Motivate participants through example.
• Create and maintain a positive after school environment.
• Accurately maintain attendance records.
• Practice proper hygiene, with self and children, to deter the spread of disease (colds, flu, etc).
• Render first aid in case of minor injuries.
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
• The ability to speak English clearly and understandably.
• Perform related duties as required.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE: Any combination of education, training, and experience, which likely provides the required knowledge and abilities.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS: Candidates receiving a conditional job offer must pass a pre-placement fingerprint review. Candidates must possess a current CPR/AED and First Aid certificate and be comfortable calling 911 in an emergency.

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.