Job Description
Salary: $22.16 - $26.93 Hourly
Location : Carpinteria, CA
Job Type: Part-Time
Department: Aquatics
Opening Date: 03/12/2026
Closing Date: 4/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
ABOUT THE POSITION AND OUR AGENCY The City of Carpinteria is seeking applications for a Beach Lifeguard I/II/III Apply Immediately:
Deadline to be considered for first review: March 27, 2026
Recruitment will remain open through April 30, 2026 Important Training Dates:
Rookie Certification Training (must attend
one full weekend to become USLA certified):
April 24-26 or May 1-3 Mandatory All Beach Staff Training: May 15-17, 2026 Ideal candidates should be available to work morning, afternoon, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Beach Lifeguards, under supervision, ensure public safety along City beaches by monitoring surf and beach conditions, performing rescues, administering first aid and CPR, enforcing rules, maintaining equipment, and supporting public education. Positions progress across three levels with increasing responsibility in tower operations, training support, and leadership.
Beach Lifeguard I ($22.16/hour) Entry-level ocean lifeguard responsible for maintaining safety within assigned beach zones. Works under close supervision, focusing on scanning, rule enforcement, rescues, equipment maintenance, and participation in United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) training.
Beach Lifeguard II ($24.43/hour) Intermediate-level Ocean lifeguard with expanded leadership responsibilities including mentoring junior staff, assisting with USLA recertifications, and overseeing assigned tower operations during assigned shifts. Demonstrates strong judgment and reliability under varying ocean conditions.
Beach Lifeguard III ($26.93/hour) Advanced level position supporting tower and beach operations, training leadership, and staff development. Serves as shift lead when supervisors are absent, conducts training, and assists with incident documentation and coordination.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Maintain vigilant scanning of assigned beach zones; assess hazards, surf conditions, and patron activity.
- Perform ocean rescues, utilize rescue equipment, and administer first aid and CPR.
- Enforce beach rules, City policies, and safety regulations.
- Maintain lifeguard towers, rescue equipment, vehicles, and communications systems.
- Participate in USLA-required physical conditioning and skills training.
- Prepare rescue reports, incident logs, and documentation.
- Engage with the public to promote ocean safety and awareness.
- Mentor new or junior guards (Levels II/III).
- Lead tower operations, staff rotations, and training sessions (Level III).
- Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities would be:
Beach Lifeguard I - Must meet minimum age requirements as established by USLA.
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Open Water Lifeguard Certification required
- Strong swimming and physical conditioning ability.
Beach Lifeguard II - Minimum 340 tower hours or 320 Junior Guard instruction hours
- United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Open Water Lifeguard Certification required
- Demonstrated reliability, leadership, and strong ocean rescue skills.
- Experience mentoring junior staff and supporting training.
Beach Lifeguard III - Minimum 1,020 tower hours OR 1,600 Junior Guard instruction hours.
- Minimum two seasons as Lead Junior Guard Instructor.
- United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Open Water Lifeguard Certification required
- Skilled in training delivery, tower operations, and emergency leadership.
Other Requirements: - Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, preferred.
- California Driver's License may be required depending on assignment.
- All required certifications must be maintained as a condition of employment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The following are a representative sample of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential duties of the position:
Knowledge of - Open-water lifeguarding principles, rescue techniques, and ocean hazards.
- Tower operations, communications, and inter-agency coordination.
- First aid, CPR, AED use, and emergency response protocols.
- Beach rules, ordinances, and public education strategies.
Skills/Ability to - Recognize and respond quickly to ocean hazards and emergencies.
- Maintain high physical fitness and endurance standards.
- Lead operations and trainings (Levels II/III).
- Work calmly under pressure with sound judgment.
- Engage professionally with the public and team members.
- Maintain accurate documentation of incidents.
SELECTION PROCESS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Applications must be submitted online.
Apply Immediately:
Deadline to be considered for first review: March 27, 2026
Recruitment will remain open through April 30, 2026 Statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification.
False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list, or discharge from employment.
All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and assessed for each applicant's ability to meet the minimum work experience, training, and education qualifications. Those candidates whose skills and abilities best meet the needs of the department will be invited to move to the next step in the recruitment process.
Please review the complete job description before applying.
Click Here to View the Complete Beach Lifeguard I/II/III Job Description Under the terms of the city's benefits plan and policies, part-time (temporary, seasonal, or extra help) employees are not eligible for benefits, other than those required by federal or state law (e.g. paid leave in accordance with Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 - AB1522 and City policy). The City does not participate in Social Security; in lieu of social security, part-time employees,
not currently CalPERS members , are enrolled in the City's 457 Deferred Compensation retirement plan. If you are a CalPERS member or CalPERS retired annuitant, please notify Human Resources.
01
Please describe any experience you have working or volunteering as a lifeguard, swim instructor, or in another aquatic-related position. If applicable, include any experience in open water or ocean environments. If you do not have formal experience, please describe any relevant training or activities.
02
Do you currently possess a valid CPR, First Aid and AED certification?
03
Please list any other relevant and current certifications you hold, including expiration dates (if applicable).
04
This position may require you to work a flexible schedule. Indicate which of the follow shifts you are able to work (check all that apply):
- Weekdays (Mon. - Fri.)
- Weekday Evenings (Mon. - Fri.)
- Saturdays
- Sundays
- On-Call
- Holidays
Required Question
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Seasonal work, Immediate start, Flexible hours, Shift work, Weekend work, Day shift, Afternoon shift, Weekday work