Job Details
Lifeguard - Extra Help
2025-05-01 County of Sonoma (CA) Santa Rosa,CA
Description:
Additionally, Lifeguards may be assigned to the Junior Lifeguard Program, which teaches youth lifesaving techniques, strategies, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Lifeguards work between the hours of 9:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. The typical work schedule is 32-40 hours per week.
For details about the various lifeguard work environments across the County, please visit
Regional Parks hires 15-20 Lifeguards/Supervising Lifeguards per season. As a United States Lifesaving Association Certified Agency, the County of Sonoma Regional Parks Department ensures Lifeguards are trained in over 80 hours of first aid rescue techniques.
Important Note: If selected, candidates will be required to participate in swimming and physical fitness testing before being hired, the testing includes swimming 550 yards (500 meters) in under 10 minutes.
EXTRA-HELP EMPLOYMENT
Extra-help employees relieve or augment permanent staff. Temporary, extra-help employees are not in the classified civil service and do not have property rights to permanently allocated positions. In addition, they do not receive most employee benefits such as long-term disability insurance coverage; accrual of vacation; participation in the County retirement program; or eligibility to take promotional examinations. Temporary, extra-help employees are limited in their employment to a maximum of one calendar year. These employees must be off of work for three months before they can be re-employed on an extra help basis. Extra-help employees who meet the eligibility requirements may qualify for a County contribution toward medical coverage.
This recruitment is being conducted to fill multiple Lifeguard - Extra Help positions in the Regional Parks Department.
This employment list may also be used to fill future extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of this list. .
*Salary is negotiable within the established range.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience and Education: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, this would include some recent experience in water activities and water-related safety, such as swimming, boating, canoeing, and other related activities. Applicants will be required to demonstrate the ability to swim 550 yards (500 meters) in less than 10 minutes. Experience as a Lifeguard is preferred.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Lifeguard Academy: Within six months of hire and prior to any assignment of lifeguard duties, successful completion of the Sonoma County Regional Parks Lifeguard Academy, which includes obtaining the necessary certifications.
Desired Certifications: Possession of a valid American Red Cross/Lifeguard Training certificate, YMCA Lifeguarding Certificate, United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Lifeguard Training Certificate, or equivalent certification, AND an Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) card, AND American Red Cross or American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional Rescuer, AND possession of a valid American Red Cross Emergency Responder or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of: modern water safety practices and accepted lifesaving and lifeguarding techniques; current principles and the performance of first aid techniques.
Knowledge of: summer camp practices and methods of working with youth in a camp or program capacity; English grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and composition.
Ability to: swim 550 yards (500 meters) in under ten minutes; swim for extended periods and accomplish swimming rescues; use appropriate rescue equipment; perform first aid treatments, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation; visually observe and evaluate emergency situations and to respond quickly in making swimming rescues; deal effectively and tactfully with the public in the enforcement of water safety and park regulations; read and write English and to speak clearly and effectively; operate radio and telephone communication devices effectively.
Willingness to: work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Responses to supplemental questions are used to evaluate your qualifications. Please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (pass/not pass) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's combination of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position to ensure satisfaction of the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications for the position will be placed on an extra-help employment list and referred to the department. The department may contact candidates from the employment list who possess the most appropriate job-related qualifications for further consideration.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-###-####), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: CA
HR Technician: EV
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: UNREPRESENTED*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) ###-####. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) ###-####.
*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
02
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
03
I understand that comments such as "see resume" on any part of the application will not be considered a response.
04
Are you willing to work any shift assignments, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays?
05
Do you possess recent (within the last 18 months) experience in water activities and water-safety that include swimming?
06
Applicants will be required to demonstrate the ability to swim 550 yards (500 meters) in less than 10 minutes. Are you willing to demonstrate your ability to swim 550 yards in less than 10 minutes?
07
CPR, and/or first aid certifications and previous experience as a Lifeguard are highly desirable. Please select all you currently possess:
08
Please select all the areas you have experience in:
09
For all of the boxes you selected in Question #7, please describe your experience, including how you gained the experience selected, if it was through an employer through volunteering. Provide any additional information regarding your qualifications for this position.
Required Question
Salary: $24.35 Hourly
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Extra Help
Job Number: 25/01-4061-EHC
Department: Regional Parks Department (RPK)
Opening Date: 01/23/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: 00
Position Information
The Sonoma County Department is hiring lifeguards to
work the 2025 Summer Season!
Salary starting at $23.41
Multiple positions available!
As a Lifeguard you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments, and perform duties that include:
- Monitoring swimming beaches at Spring Lake swimming Lagoon, and Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach
- Supporting fun family activities at Spring Lake Water Park
- Lifeguarding the Vamos A Nadar water safety program
- Educating the public on the Russian River Water Safety Patrol when visiting the beaches at Steelhead, Sunset, and Forestville River Access
- Performing water rescues and administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other first aid, when needed
Additionally, Lifeguards may be assigned to the Junior Lifeguard Program, which teaches youth lifesaving techniques, strategies, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Lifeguards work between the hours of 9:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. The typical work schedule is 32-40 hours per week.
For details about the various lifeguard work environments across the County, please visit
Regional Parks hires 15-20 Lifeguards/Supervising Lifeguards per season. As a United States Lifesaving Association Certified Agency, the County of Sonoma Regional Parks Department ensures Lifeguards are trained in over 80 hours of first aid rescue techniques.
Important Note: If selected, candidates will be required to participate in swimming and physical fitness testing before being hired, the testing includes swimming 550 yards (500 meters) in under 10 minutes.
EXTRA-HELP EMPLOYMENT
Extra-help employees relieve or augment permanent staff. Temporary, extra-help employees are not in the classified civil service and do not have property rights to permanently allocated positions. In addition, they do not receive most employee benefits such as long-term disability insurance coverage; accrual of vacation; participation in the County retirement program; or eligibility to take promotional examinations. Temporary, extra-help employees are limited in their employment to a maximum of one calendar year. These employees must be off of work for three months before they can be re-employed on an extra help basis. Extra-help employees who meet the eligibility requirements may qualify for a County contribution toward medical coverage.
This recruitment is being conducted to fill multiple Lifeguard - Extra Help positions in the Regional Parks Department.
This employment list may also be used to fill future extra-help positions as they occur during the active status of this list. .
*Salary is negotiable within the established range.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience and Education: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, this would include some recent experience in water activities and water-related safety, such as swimming, boating, canoeing, and other related activities. Applicants will be required to demonstrate the ability to swim 550 yards (500 meters) in less than 10 minutes. Experience as a Lifeguard is preferred.
License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Lifeguard Academy: Within six months of hire and prior to any assignment of lifeguard duties, successful completion of the Sonoma County Regional Parks Lifeguard Academy, which includes obtaining the necessary certifications.
Desired Certifications: Possession of a valid American Red Cross/Lifeguard Training certificate, YMCA Lifeguarding Certificate, United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Lifeguard Training Certificate, or equivalent certification, AND an Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) card, AND American Red Cross or American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional Rescuer, AND possession of a valid American Red Cross Emergency Responder or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of: modern water safety practices and accepted lifesaving and lifeguarding techniques; current principles and the performance of first aid techniques.
Knowledge of: summer camp practices and methods of working with youth in a camp or program capacity; English grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and composition.
Ability to: swim 550 yards (500 meters) in under ten minutes; swim for extended periods and accomplish swimming rescues; use appropriate rescue equipment; perform first aid treatments, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation; visually observe and evaluate emergency situations and to respond quickly in making swimming rescues; deal effectively and tactfully with the public in the enforcement of water safety and park regulations; read and write English and to speak clearly and effectively; operate radio and telephone communication devices effectively.
Willingness to: work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Responses to supplemental questions are used to evaluate your qualifications. Please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (pass/not pass) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's combination of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position to ensure satisfaction of the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications for the position will be placed on an extra-help employment list and referred to the department. The department may contact candidates from the employment list who possess the most appropriate job-related qualifications for further consideration.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-###-####), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: CA
HR Technician: EV
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: UNREPRESENTED*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) ###-####. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) ###-####.
*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
- Careers in Government
- College or University
- County of Sonoma Human Resources Office
- Craigslist
- DiversityJobs
- Employee of Sonoma County
- Glassdoor
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Handshake
- Indeed
- Job Fair
- Latino Service Providers
- Los Cien
- Press Democrat
- sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
- Start Here!
- X (Twitter)
- Veterans Services Office
- Women's Organization or Group
- Other Internet Site
- Other Publication
02
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
- Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
- Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
- No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position
03
I understand that comments such as "see resume" on any part of the application will not be considered a response.
- Yes
- No
04
Are you willing to work any shift assignments, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays?
- Yes
- No
05
Do you possess recent (within the last 18 months) experience in water activities and water-safety that include swimming?
- Yes
- No
06
Applicants will be required to demonstrate the ability to swim 550 yards (500 meters) in less than 10 minutes. Are you willing to demonstrate your ability to swim 550 yards in less than 10 minutes?
- Yes
- No
07
CPR, and/or first aid certifications and previous experience as a Lifeguard are highly desirable. Please select all you currently possess:
- Lifeguard Training Class (American Red Cross or YMCA)
- United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Lifeguard Training Certificate
- Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22) Card
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross or American Heart Association)
- American Red Cross Emergency Responder or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- None of the above
08
Please select all the areas you have experience in:
- Lifeguarding at facilities or open bodies of water
- Operating an outboard-powered boat
- Using a paddle board
- Using S.C.U.B.A. equipment
- Using masks, fins, and snorkel
- Working/volunteering with youth in a camp or program capacity
- None of the above
09
For all of the boxes you selected in Question #7, please describe your experience, including how you gained the experience selected, if it was through an employer through volunteering. Provide any additional information regarding your qualifications for this position.
Required Question