Head Lifeguard

About JONES CENTER For 30 years, Jones Center has been a trusted community anchor for Northwest Arkansas - a place where everyone can learn, play, and thrive together. With 600,000 annual visitors and a mission to fuel community connections and cultivate spaces and experiences for all, we serve as a dynamic hub for education, recreation, arts, and nonprofit sustainability. Through our Jones Community for Nonprofits campuses, we empower more than 100 mission-driven organizations, strengthening the social fabric of our region.

Job Summary The Head Lifeguard is a part-time hourly position, reporting directly to the Guest Experience Senior Manager. The Head Lifeguard is responsible for helping manage daily pool operations. The Head Lifeguard must ensure the safety and enjoyment of the patrons, supervising the lifeguard staff, performing lifeguard duties, checking water quality, and enforcing health and safety standards. This position requires flexible working hours, which includes evening and weekend responsibilities.

Main Responsibilities

• Perform standard lifeguard duties, including maintaining active surveillance of assigned pool areas, identifying hazards and swimmers in distress, rotating through assigned stations, and initiating rescues when necessary.
• Enforce all Natatorium rules and regulations to ensure appropriate patron behavior and safety. Resolve patron concerns or conflicts professionally.
• Respond to aquatic and medical emergencies by performing water rescues and providing first aid, CPR, and AED care in accordance with current certifications and established emergency procedures.
• Maintain the cleanliness and general care of the Natatorium and assist with keeping the Natatorium equipment in working order and safe condition. Initiate corrective action as needed.
• Address patron inquiries and concerns in a friendly and professional manner and provide assistance as needed.
• Communicate repair/housekeeping/security issues to the shift lead or appropriate personnel if the shift lead is unavailable.
• Assist the Guest Experience Senior Manager in training and supervising the lifeguard staff.
• Interact with pool volunteers and provide direction, motivation, recognition, and supervision in a positive manner.
• Inspect the facility on a daily basis; monitor pool chemistry, water level, and temperatures. Notify appropriate staff when adjustments must be made.
• Complete daily record keeping including attendance, pool chemistry, facility inspections, incidents/injuries, and others as required by the Center and regulatory agencies.
• Comply with fecal matter water quality regulations established by the Arkansas Department of Health; take action to shut down pool(s) when required.
• Maintain and uphold the policies and procedures of the Center.
• This is a Safety Sensitive position that requires employees to be able to always remain alert and unimpaired by any controlled substances. Any controlled substance, prescribed or otherwise, that may impair attention or judgment must be reported to the supervisor immediately.

Additional Responsibilities

• Ability to interact with people of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Assist with special programs or events.
• Able to perform other general duties and special projects assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Required Skills and Abilities

• Self-motivated, self-starter with a solid service-oriented mentality.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Must maintain a professional personal appearance.
• Must be available on weekends as needed.
• Great attendance record.

Education, Training, and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Current certification in the following: o American Red Cross Lifeguard Training or acceptable alternative. o American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or acceptable alternative.
• Knowledge and application of lifeguard surveillance, rescue techniques, and first aid/CPR skills.
• Able to communicate positively and effectively with pool patrons.
• Must maintain fitness and ability to perform all American Red Cross Lifeguard skills.
• Bilingual is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain stationary, standing, or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds occasionally and work in extreme weather conditions.