Reservoir Lifeguard

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

Application Deadline:

March 28, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

17.55 - 24.57

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 general 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 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                 

• Advocates for the safety and wellbeing of our beachgoers, boaters and guests through preventative measures including constant and vigilant surveillance. 

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

• Educates, explains, and enforces facility regulations, policy and procedures. 

• Demonstrates a proactive approach toward cleanliness and facility maintenance. 

• Interacts positively with community members, visitors, and other staff. 

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

• Enjoys an outdoor environment with variable weather conditions, including sitting/standing in the hot sun for long periods of time. 

• Reacts quickly and calmly in stressful and emergency situations. 

• Attends mandatory pre-season and weekly in-service trainings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to swim 550 yards, and tread water for two minutes. 

• Ability to displays meticulous attention to detail and not easily distracted. 

• Ability to exhibits an energetic and outgoing personality. 

• Ability to present a professional image, dependable and on time for all shifts. 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and early morning special events.  

• Must be at least 15 years old.

• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least six (6) months previous experience as lifeguard.

• Certification in American Red Cross Administering Emergency Oxygen.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Current American Red Cross certifications (or equivalent) in Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, or successful completion prior to start of work.

• Current American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard certification, or successful completion prior to start of work.

• One (0) to two (1) year of experience demonstrating responsibility, teamwork, leadership, or safety awareness in aquatic, athletic, recreational, or comparable structured environments. Experience may be obtained through employment, volunteer work, organized athletics, or participation in clubs or community programs.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received:  Program Supervisor

Supervision Exercised:  None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS    

• Physical and Mental Effort:  Ability to perform a wide range of strenuous physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment with variable weather conditions.  Physical ability to stand, walk, and kneel; hand/eye coordination to utilize first aid kit and AED; vision for reading, recording and interpreting information; speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and the public. 

• Work Environment:  Works in both indoor and outdoor environments that are oftentimes impacted weather and at times, unpredictable conditions.

• Machines and Equipment Used: Rescue Tube, Rescue Board, First Aid Kit, AED.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated: February 2026

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.