Lifeguard; Returning

Position Overview

Position Type:
Fire – Seasonal / Lifeguard

Location:

Dempster St. Beach Office
Date Posted: 1/12/2026

Date Available:

TBD
Closing Date:
Open until Filled

• Know and enforce all rules and regulations pertaining to the Evanston Lakefront.
• Use proper surveillance techniques to guard the swimming area.
• Identify patrons in need of emergency assistance and respond appropriately.
• Attend staff training sessions and staff meetings as scheduled by the lifeguard coordinator / Fire Department Command Staff.
• Assist in the management of the beaches and in the collection of monies and tokens at the beach entrances.
• Maintain a clean and safe beach environment and care for equipment and storage areas.
• Complete written reports such as accident, incident, and other reports in a timely manner.
• Communicate to supervisor(s) if there are problems or issues needing special attention.
• Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by beach managers, Lifeguard Supervisors, Lifeguard Coordinators, and Fire Department Command Staff.

• Completed at least 1 year of high school.
• Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid lifeguard certification from a nationally recognized institution and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must complete all preseason training.

• Minimum 16 years of age by first day of employment.
• Current certifications in Lifeguard Training – American Red Cross, Ellis, or USLA; CPR for Professionals – American Red Cross; AED – American Red Cross.
• Certifications are preferred but not required at the time of application. On‑the‑job training will be provided to receive certifications prior to starting on shift as a Lifeguard.

• Water skills test.
• CPR practical exam and interview.
• Up to 40 hours of staff training.
• Pre‑employment drug/alcohol test.
• Rescue board test.
• All written exams.

• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally or frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly.
• Reaching, handling, talking, hearing, feeling, tasting/smelling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling as required.
• Seeing: clarity of vision at 20 feet or less, depth perception, field of vision, accommodation, color vision.

• Work outdoors in various weather conditions (rain, high temperatures, humidity) and at night with limited lighting.
• Outdoor work statistically 95% of the time with minimal protection from weather conditions.

1st yr $18.50/hr
2nd yr $19.50/hr
3rd yr+ $20.50/hr

• Beach Manager and Lifeguard Supervisor positions are determined through a promotional process administered by the Evanston Fire Department Command Staff and other City of Evanston Departments.
• Returning Lifeguards in good standing may test for available Beach Manager positions for potential promotions.
• Returning Managers and Lifeguard Supervisors in good standing maintain rank/position and may test for higher positions.

The employee regularly contacts division and department employees, City employees, community residents, and representatives of other agencies and elected officials.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847‑448‑8204 (voice) or 847‑866‑5095 (TTY).