Aquatics – Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Water Slide Attendant

General Information

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year‑round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high‑achieving school district.

All aquatic positions listed are for the year‑round Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center (FFIAC) and seasonal Furman Aquatic Center (FAC).

All Aquatic positions are directly accountable to the Aquatics Manager, Aquatics Coordinator, and/or designee, and adjunctly accountable to the Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks & Recreation. This posting is open until filled.

Please upload a copy of all American Red Cross Certifications that you currently hold to your application.

• LIFEGUARD — Pay Range: $14.49–$15.37. Consistently enforce and educate patrons on all aquatic facility policies, rules, and regulations; recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies; perform surveillance and rescue techniques; administer first aid, CPR, or utilize AED; inspect the facility and report safety concerns; complete required records and reports; perform routine cleaning and maintenance; participate in in‑service training; exercise regularly to maintain fitness level;
  
  complete additional duties as assigned. Successful candidates will need to successfully complete the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course, which includes online and classroom coursework with a written exam, and in‑water skills such as swimming 300 yards continuously, 2‑minute tread water, and timed brick retrieval.
• SWIM INSTRUCTOR — Pay Range: $13.95–$16.43. Teach American Red Cross swimming lessons according to standards per assigned skill level(s); ensure safety of all participants; enforce all aquatic facility policies, rules, and regulations; evaluate and record participants' skills; inspect equipment and facility conditions and report concerns; complete required reports; participate in scheduled in‑service sessions and/or training; perform routine cleaning and maintenance; complete additional duties as assigned.
• WATER SLIDE ATTENDANT — Pay Range: $12.94–$13.74. Perform first aid and CPR for patrons in accordance with department guidelines and policies; adhere to safe work practices and procedures; respond quickly to emergencies; prevent accidents through supervision and rule enforcement; report safety concerns; complete cleaning or maintenance duties as assigned; complete additional duties as assigned. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate swim skills: 150 yards of breaststroke or front crawl with rotary breathing, 2‑minute tread water, 50 yards, 20 yards dive‑retrieve‑swim with a 10‑pound brick.

• LIFEGUARD — Must be at least 16 years of age. Lifeguarding and/or swimming experience is recommended. Current American Red Cross Deep Water Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and AED training is required; candidates lacking these certificates may still apply and the city will provide the certification course. Lifeguard Instructor Certification may be obtained after hire.
• SWIM INSTRUCTOR — Must be at least 14 years of age. Prior experience preferred. American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certificate preferred; can be obtained after hire.
• WATER SLIDE ATTENDANT — Must be at least 16 years of age. Swimming experience preferred. Current American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and AED training required; candidates without these certificates may still apply and the city will provide and pay for certification courses.

Physical & Environmental Characteristics:
Frequently exposed to various weather conditions (cold, heat, rain, wind). Must remain alert and attentive for extended periods. May be exposed to deep water, slippery surfaces, potential hazards; required to run, swim, and lift objects up to 50 lbs. Aquatics staff must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations requiring strenuous physical activity.

The selection process consists…