Surf Rescue Specialist

Position Overview

This is a skilled and technical non-fire officer position within the firefighting and emergency medical series. Employees within this class engage directly in water safety of the County public beaches, safe operation of apparatus and equipment and life safety related tasks. This position involves the responsibility for safe operation of emergency apparatus and watercraft and responsibilities as the assisting in the administration of emergency scene operations.

This position may be assigned to shift work, and off-duty call back provision for special situations. The work schedule includes holidays, weekends, weekdays, and may include duty lengths in excess of twenty-four hours. Employees in this class work under the immediate supervision of the Beach & Surf Rescue Captain; however considerable independent judgment and initiative is exercised in carrying out the daily requirements of the job.

• Performs professional open water rescues and assisting with distressed swimmers.
• Cautions swimmers regarding unsafe areas or conditions.
• Monitors changes in surf conditions.
• Enforces County ordinances and policies.
• Assists with the maintenance of the Beach Warning Flags system and educates the public about the flag warning system for rip currents or hazardous marine life.
• Assumes responsibility for completion of daily checklists of apparatus and daily logs and readiness of all Beach & Surf Rescue apparatus and equipment when assigned.
• Operates and assures readiness of assigned Beach & Surf Rescue apparatus and associated documentation pertaining to equipment; provides performance feedback and assists officers in normal duties.
• Performs varied station, apparatus, and equipment maintenance including washing, polishing, and minor repairs.
• Performs emergency medical responder (EMR) functions to the sick and injured until EMS arrives and assumes patient care, which include patient assessment, vital signs, effective CPR, and other operations to treat sick or injured patients at the EMR level.
• Responds to emergencies on the beach and surrounding areas, initiates command of incidents when necessary and forwards information to the proper authorities.
• Assumes responsibility for safe mitigation of emergency scenes utilizing accepted life safety standards.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety of personnel and the public on emergency scenes when in command.
• Participates and may assist in teaching field and classroom training exercises designed to maintain and enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of Department of Emergency Services personnel including volunteers.
• Studies maps of jurisdictional areas to ensure familiarity with health care facilities and residential/commercial properties.
• Abides by all rules and regulations prescribed by Bay County, the Department of Emergency Services, and Fire Rescue Division.
• Operates and assures readiness of assigned fire and EMS apparatus and associated documentation.
• Assists in the logistics, maintenance and other needs for the Department of Emergency Services when needed.
• The employer may add to or change duties at any time and as determined by the County and its leaders to best ensure that the public is served through the work of the Department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent.
• Employment will be contingent upon the applicant obtaining the required certifications within one (1) month of employment.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• A comparable amount of training and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications except for required certification and examination.

• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver license upon offer of employment with a driving record acceptable to the County Driving Policy and insurance program.
• Employment will be contingent upon the applicant obtaining the below required certifications within one (1) month of hire as a condition of employment:
  • Must meet the standards of the (USLA) United States Lifesaving Association’s Open Water Lifeguard Training.
  • Possession of an Emergency…