Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard)

GS-4 Major Duties
Perform lifeguard services during assigned tours of duty, accomplishing search and rescue, lifesaving, and preventive life guarding. Provides information on park regulations to the public. Patrols beach areas on foot advising visitors of hazardous lake and swimming conditions. Advises supervisor of safety problems and assists in the operation of the First Aid and Lifeguard Services Center, as requested. Prepares rescue reports and maintains records, as necessary. Performs other park support duties (such as festival assistance, garbage pick-up, and inventories), as weather conditions and/or workload requirements dictate. Position requires wearing the full assigned uniform and operation of an all-terrain vehicle.

GS-5 - Lead - Major Duties
Coordinates the beach safety operation on Lake Michigan at the West Beach area of the national lakeshore. Assists the supervisor in scheduling, time keeping, training, monitoring, counseling, prepares reports, payroll, and operational recommendations. Patrols the beach and dune area on foot and all-terrain vehicles (ATV). Contacts visitors with preventative beach safety information and explains certain beach safety issues in hazardous lake and swimming conditions as well as the rules and regulations of the park.

Performs lifeguard services when needed during the assigned tour of duty; accomplishes search and rescue, lifesaving, and first aid. Prepares incident reports, requisition, and maintenance requests, as needed. Maintains and services equipment, as needed. Makes recommendations concerning disciplinary actions, assignments, and recognition of outstanding performance and personnel needs. Recognizes problems concerning water and beach safety and makes recommendations for their alleviation. Applies a background of specialized knowledge based on intensive training and expertise toward adapting methods and procedures for the safety of the visitors utilizing the park beaches. May act for the supervisor in their absence.

Several positions are available at the GS-04 level and one at the GS-05 level. Some or all may or may not be filled based on funding and park need. This position is not developmental in nature. If you want to be considered for the higher grade, you must apply to the higher grade.

Physical Demands: Requires standing, walking, running, lifting, and carrying heavy items over hazardous sands and rough terrain during periods of environmental and psychological stress. Strenuous exertion under severe environmental conditions is required in search, rescue, recover, and boat operations. Some assignments are sedentary. May be required to meet/maintain park administered tests (or equivalent); 1. Swim 500 yards in 10 minutes or less; 2. Recover a 10-pound weight from 12 feet of water; 3. Swim 25 yards under water with one breath; 4. Successfully demonstrate proper water rescue techniques; and 5. Demonstrate proper techniques for handling neck and back injuries.

Working Conditions: Work is performed indoors and outdoors, the majority being outside and possibly subjected to extreme weather and/or terrain. Search, rescue, recovery, and ATV/UTV operations require exposure to potentially dangerous conditions.