Description
Ocean Lifeguard II
Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity
The salary above does not reflect a 2% cost of living increase that will take effect on July 1, 2026.
All new hires will begin at
Step 1 ($27.41 per hour). Employees receive an
annual 5% step increase until reaching the
top step of $36.73 per hour, contingent upon satisfactory performance.
Recruitment is open on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. Recruitment may close without prior notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general direction, to coordinate and supervise lifeguard and ocean operations; to handle various special projects and administrative tasks; guard the City's beach in the protection of life, prevention of accidents, and enforcement of City ordinances; performs aquatic and medical rescues; and performs other related work as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Works under general direction of the Marine Safety Chief, Lieutenant, and Sergeant. Exercises direct supervision over all activities of Ocean Lifeguard I's, volunteers and interns assigned to the department.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan, assign and supervise the daily activities of subordinate lifeguards within the Marine Safety Department.
- Handle special administrative projects as assigned.
- Oversee all major beach and ocean related rescue operations until relieved by a supervisor.
- Inspect and supervise the maintenance of safety equipment, facilities, and supplies within the Marine Safety Department.
- Recommend, assure all lifeguarding services and administrative policies and procedures are instituted as methods of operation.
- Review and evaluate equipment and material needs.
- Review the work of and evaluate the performance of subordinates
- Coordinate and lead training on lifesaving and emergency medical techniques, procedures, and drills.
- Coordinate lifeguard services with the activities of other governmental and public safety agencies.
- Maintain discipline of all Ocean Lifeguard I's; write, review and maintain necessary records, reports, logs and performance reviews.
- Perform the full range of duties of a lifeguard.
- Perform rescues and administer medical aid as needed.
- Patrol and take preventative actions and safety interventions.
- Operate specialized lifesaving equipment.
- Enforce and issue citations for City municipal codes.
- Subject to twenty four hour (24) emergency call including weekends and holidays.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- May be assigned to support, instruct, or coordinate the Junior Lifeguard Program.
- Perform the duties of subordinate lifeguard personnel as needed.
- Represent the Marine Safety Department at various lifesaving, medical aid, and water safety programs.
- Interpret and explain applicable codes, ordinances, regulation, policies and procedures to the public.
- Testify in court regarding matters of enforcement and litigation.
- May represent the Marine Safety Department as a media spokesperson with consultation of the Marine Safety Chief.
- Observe activities in assigned area on foot, in vehicle, or from tower or headquarters building with binoculars to detect hazardous conditions, such as swimmers in distress, disturbances, or safety infractions.
- Caution people against use of unsafe beach areas or illegal conduct, such as drinking
- Present professional appearance and attitude at all times, and maintains a high standard of customer service.
- May lead tours, or provide public education on the total scope of lifeguarding and related areas.
- Attend classes, conferences, and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the lifesaving field.
- Coordinate activities with other supervisors of other City departments and exchange information with officers in other public safety agencies.
Knowledge Of
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of: principals of organization and management including personnel, records and reports, and public relations; all functions and duties performed by the department; modern principles, practices, and concepts of modern lifesaving techniques, boating safety, and equipment used; advanced medical aid and resuscitation methods and equipment operations; emergency medical system; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes; ocean conditions and patterns; beach, surf, and ocean hazards; safe driving principles and practices; occupational hazards and safety practices necessary in the area of work assigned; principles and practices of underwater search and recovery techniques and basic diving physics; and advance principles of supervision and training.
Ability To
Ability to: plan, organize, direct, and supervise the activities of Marine Safety Department employees performing a variety of functions; interpret, explain, and enforce relative laws, ordinances, regulations, and basic law enforcement practices dealing with the laws of arrest, and search and seizures; prepare, review, maintain accurate and complete records; prepare clear and concise reports; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing before large public groups; represent the department on behalf of governing body in matters pertaining to ocean and beach development and operation; establish and maintain effective relationships with persons and agencies concerned with the division; maintain discipline and evaluate the performance of subordinate personnel; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; size up emergency situations and adopt quick, effective courses of action; swim and/or operate water craft in adverse weather and surf conditions for extended periods of time; and meet department health and physical standards.
Qualifications
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
High school graduation or G.E.D. equivalent. Minimum of one (1) year full-time-equivalent progressively responsible experience as an ocean lifeguard in water safety involving rescue, first aid, and lifesaving techniques for people using an ocean water, or any combination of training and/or experience that could likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities.
LICENSING & CERTIFICATES
Possession of the following certificates will be required at time of application: (must attach certificates to application)
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) American Red Cross for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Providers or American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers
- San Diego County Emergency Medical Technician I
- SCUBA - PADI Open Water Diver or NAUI Scuba Diver
- Miramar College Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operations
Completion of the following FEMA online courses and certificates are highly desirable at the time of application, if not available at the time of the application, the courses must be completed and obtain certifications six (6) months after appointment to the position.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), online Independent Study Program – IS 100, IS 200, IS 700, and IS 800
Within one (1) year after hire, employees must satisfactorily complete the course and obtain certification in:
- Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) - PC832 course on powers and procedures of arrest
- Swift Water Rescue Technician I
- San Diego Regional Training Center - Supervisory Academy
- Possession of or ability to obtain, prior to employment, a valid Class "C" California driver's license with a safe, satisfactory driving record and able to maintain through the course of employment
Employees must re-qualify for these certificates as required to retain employment.
Applicants must successfully complete the following processes prior to starting employment:
- Interview Process
- Live Scan
- Pre-employment Physical Examination Including a Drug Screen
- Professional Reference Check
For a complete job description for the position, visit our website here.
CAFETERIA BENEFIT PLAN
The City sponsors an Internal Revenue Code
- 125 Cafeteria Benefit Plan that offers non-taxable benefits to employees. It allows employees to choose from several different benefit options, and, if the employee exceeds the City-provided allotment, the employee may use pretax dollars to fund the costs. Alternatively, an employee may choose to pay for any of the available benefits with after-tax contributions
The City provides medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending account. The City contracts with the CalPERS Group Health Benefits Division, which offers several options including HMOs and PPOs plans.
CalPERS offers nine (9) medical plans in San Diego County, each with different premium costs and co-payment requirements. Coverage is available from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
Effective July 1, 2025, the monthly cafeteria benefit plan allotment is $2,250.00. The City will contribute $2,250.00 per month toward a selection of City-provided medical, dental, and vision plans for benefit-eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Any premium costs that exceed the cafeteria plan allotment will be paid by the employee through pre-tax payroll deductions.
LIFE INSURANCE
The City pays premiums that provide group term life insurance and AD&D in an amount $50,000. Employees may purchase up to $300,000 of additional employee term life insurance. Employees may purchase up to $100,000 of additional term life insurance for their spouses and up to $10,000 per their child.
Lifeguard Employees
Flat $250,000 basic life insurance and basic accidental death and dismemberment.
SHORT-TERM & LONG-TERM DISABILITY
The City provides short-term disability insurance equal to 60% of income (up to $1,155/week) after an 8-day waiting period. The City provides long-term disability insurance equal to 60% of income (up to $6,000/month) after a 90-day waiting period. Both short-term and long-term premiums are paid by the employee.
RETIREMENT
Enrollment in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) as follows:
New Members: For New Member miscellaneous employees, the City provides the "2%@62" formula. Benefits for all New Member employees are based on the highest three-year of compensation. Under this formula, the employee's highest three-year consecutive months of CalPERS reportable earnings are used to determine the level of retirement benefit. New Member Employees pay 50% of normal rate.
Classic Members: For Classic employees, the City provides the "2%@60" formula. Benefits for all Classic employees are based on the single highest year compensation. Under this formula, the Classic employee's highest 12 consecutive months of CalPERS earnings are used to determine the level of retirement benefit. Classic employees pay 50% of the normal rate.
Lifeguard Safety Group - CalPERS provided benefit of 2% for each year of service at the retirement rate of 50 (2%@50). Employee pays full 9% of the contribution. The single highest year of compensation is used as the basis for calculating a portion of the cost for the enhanced formula.
Safety Other - Lifeguard Employees (Classic Member - Tier l): The CalPERS formula for
employees hired on or after December 19, 1996, through March 8, 2012, shall be 2% at 50 with
the use of average of the employee's highest-one-year salary.
Safety Other - Lifeguard Employees (Classic Member - Tier 2): The CalPERS formula for
employees hired on or after March 9, 2012, through December 31 , 2012, shall be 2% at 50 with
the use of average of the employee's highest-three-year salary.
Safety Other- Lifeguard Employees (PEPRA Member): The Cal PERS formula for employees
hired on or after January 1, 2013, shall be 2.7% at 57 with the use of average of the employee's
highest-three-year salary as defined by the Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA)
and related Public Employees' Retirement Law (PERL). All new employees/members hired
on or after January 1, 2013, will pay 50% of the normal cost contribution.
The City participates in the Federal Social Security Administration Program. Employees pay 6.2% and the City pays 6.2% to a maximum wage of 176,100.
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The City offers a deferred compensation plan supplemental retirement program with Mission Square Retirement Internal Revenue Code
- 457 that allows employees to make contributions on a pre-tax basis (federal, and most cases, state income taxes are deferred until assets are withdrawn, usually during retirement when the participant may be in a lower tax bracket) - employee contributions. The minimum contribution is $25 per pay period. The "Age 50" Catch-up provision allows employees reaching age 50 or older during the year to contribute an additional amount annually.
ANNUAL LEAVE
Employees Accrue Annual Leave At The Following Rates
1-5 Years of Service – 12 days
5-10 Years of Service – 15 days
10-15 Years of Service – 20 days
15+ Years of Service – 25 days
The maximum accumulation is twice the employee annual vacation accrual.
SICK LEAVE
Employees accrue 8.334 hours for each full month of service = 100 hours for each full 12 month of service. 800 hours maximum accrual. At the time the employee separates employment with the City and having 5 years of service, the employee may receive a lump sum pay of 50% (500 hours) of sick leave accrual. Upon retirement, for classic members, the employee may receive a lump sum pay of 50% of sick leave accrual and 50% conversion to service credit with CalPERS or 100% of accrued sick leave to CalPERS for conversion to service credit. New members are not eligible for sick leave service credit with CalPERS.
HOLIDAYS
The City observes 14 holidays and 4 floating holidays each year.
HOLIDAY CLOSURE
Administrative offices will close during the holiday closures. Holiday closure between the actual holidays of December 25 and January 1. Emergency Services including Public Works and Public Safety are excluded from the holiday closures.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM-Life Matters! (Emphathia)
The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides confidential evaluation and counseling services for employees, family members and anyone residing in the home of an employee.
BILINGUAL PAY
May receive $50 a month after successfully passing an oral and written test.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Each fiscal year $1,000 is available for reimbursement for costs such as tuition, fees, books, and other required materials for approved courses leading to a college degree. Reimbursement is made upon written verification of satisfactory completion of coursework.
COMPUTER PURCHASE PROGRAM
$2,000 per 24-month period after successfully completing probation period.
EDUCATION INCENTIVE
Full-Time employees that have completed a probationary period are eligible for an educational incentive.
- Associate degree: $50.00 per month, paid on a bi-weekly basis
- Bachelor's degree: $60.00 per month, paid on a bi-weekly basis
- Master's degree: $70.00 per month, paid on a bi-weekly basis
Payment for any degrees or certificates that is a non as minimum qualification.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (FSA)
Mid-America
- Dependent Care Spending Account – Employee may set aside up to a maximum of $7, 500 per calendar year.
- Health Care Spending Account – Employee may set aside up to a maximum of $3,400 per calendar year.
01
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL) The City of Imperial Beach Human Resources Department uses electronic mail (e-mail) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, you are hereby advised of the following: 1. Ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share email addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our emails. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails, i.e., for the non-delivery of email or if you fail to check your email-box on a timely basis, etc. 2. Read any notices we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep a hard copy of our notices for your records.
- I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.
02
APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - The salary range listed represents the current full pay scale for this position. The City uses a step-based compensation system, which allows employees to advance to higher pay levels each year based on satisfactory performance. New employees begin at the starting rate, with scheduled step increases each year as part of the City’s compensation structure. Do you understand the pay and compensation structure for this position?
03
The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for specific experience being sought. Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Please note that your responses to the following questions must be reflected on your work experience.
- I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.
04
Please indicate your highest level of education.
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Some College
05
Which of the following certificates do you currently hold? (Please select all that apply) ATTACH THE CERTIFICATES TO YOUR APPLICATION.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) American Red Cross for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Providers or American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers
- San Diego County Emergency Medical Technician I
- SCUBA - PADI Open Water Diver or NAUI Scuba Diver
- Miramar College Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operations
- Required Question
