Department:

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

If you are an experienced lifeguard with active CPR/AED certifications and an ability to lead/train others, this is the role you've been looking for! The starting pay rate is $23.70 (Step 1), benefits begin within 60 days of hire, and there are opportunities for advancement. Apply today and help us to keep our beaches a safe and enjoyable environment for guests and residents alike!

About the Position

As a Senior Lifeguard (Lieutenant), you will supervise the operation of your assigned county-operated beach, patrolling to prevent accidents, performing rescues, administering medical assistance (first aid and CPR), and maintaining order per Sarasota County ordinances. For more information, see below.

• Oversee daily operations of your assigned County-operated beach, including overseeing Lifeguard station operations, supervising Beach Lifeguards, and supervising all activities directed towards saving lives and preventing injury to patrons.
• Work as part of the Lifeguard Operations leadership team to motivate others and support leadership.
• Assist in the development and continued training of Lifeguards.
• Assist Lifeguard Captains in completing Lifeguard performance evaluations by providing input. Promote appropriate employee conduct in a constructive and corrective way. Educate Beach Lifeguards through verbal warnings and issue corrective counseling as necessary; refer higher-level disciplinary actions to Lifeguard Captains.
• Clean the lifeguard office and storage areas daily, and as needed. Maintain inventory of first aid supplies, ordering supplies as needed.
• Complete incident reports, daily operational reports, and statistical record reporting on time and accurately.
• Keep beaches safe by maintaining order and discipline and enforcing County ordinances. Explain and interpret operational and programmatic rules and regulations for patrons; enforce or refer enforcement to proper authorities.
• Rescue swimmers in distress.  Administer first aid and/or CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and oxygen following appropriate medical protocols; call for emergency assistance when necessary.
• Inspect assigned area(s) to ensure proper warning signs and safety devices are properly posted or in place. Assist the public by providing beach condition information, including unsafe or hazardous swimming conditions.
• Operate county-issued equipment, which may include radio, vehicle, boat, and jet ski, and perform preventative equipment maintenance duties, as necessary.
• Participate in training activities. Assist in aquatic programs such as learn-to-swim classes, water safety classes, and special events.
• Assist in public relations, including answering phones, providing customer service, and taking messages.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

• Beach hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week.
• Lifeguards work 40 hours per week, with overtime and flexible shifts available.

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or its equivalent. 
• Minimum of two (2) years of open water lifeguard experience.
• Ability to pass the Sarasota County’s Basic Lifeguard Performance Test, which includes:
  • ½ mile run (4:00 minute time limit)
  • 500-meter pool swim (10:00 minute time limit)
  • 200-yard beach run with 50-yard swim rescue ( 4:00 minute time limit)
  • 100-yard board rescue (4:00 minute time limit) (those with prior open water experience only)
• Current CPR/AED and Emergency Response certificate.
• Ability to re-qualify for Sarasota County Basic Lifeguard Performance Test, biannually.
• Valid Florida Driver's License at time of hire, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• EMT certification.
• Prior supervisory experience.

Physical Demands: 

• Ability to frequently lift more than 50 pounds and regularly lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• This position works outdoors, and during a red tide, there may be fumes/airborne particles. 
• There is also a risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. 

Subject to Passing Substance Screening:  This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening.  An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years.

CJIS Clearance: The successful candidate will be subject to an extensive background check(s) as part of the hiring process.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay: $23.70 (Step 1)

Interviews: Qualified candidates may be invited to complete Sarasota County’s Basic Lifeguard Performance Test. Upon successful completion of the Performance Test, candidates may be invited to an in-person interview.

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)  

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)  

Benefits:

• Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
• For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.
• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations. 
• Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)​​

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.

Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally. 

A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.