Lifeguard Officer - Montclair, VA (1448)

Lifeguard Officer (Seasonal)

The St. James – Montclair, VA
Seasonal | Front-Line Supervision | Pool & Waterfront Operations
Summer 2026

Why This Role Matters

The Lifeguard Officer is a seasonal supervisory leadership role within the Department of Safety & Rescue. This position exists to ensure operational consistency, disciplined supervision, and effective emergency response at community aquatic venues. Lifeguard Officers are not passive overseers—they are active leaders responsible for readiness, accountability, and professional standards on every shift. Your decisions directly impact patron safety, staff performance, and public trust.

What Sets Us Apart

• Dual-Environment Operations: Supervise safety at both traditional pool environments (Southlake Pool) and open-water waterfront venues (Lake Montclair).
• Leadership Continuity Model: Each venue operates on three rotating supervision shifts (A, B, C), each led by an assigned Lifeguard Officer. Officers collaborate across shifts to ensure consistent standards, clear handoffs, and unified supervision throughout the operating day.
• Professional Safety Culture: Operate within a structured Department of Safety & Rescue that emphasizes readiness, accountability, and enforceable standards.
• Leadership Pipeline Role: Designed for individuals seeking to grow beyond frontline lifeguarding into formal supervisory leadership.
• Operational Relevance: You actively supervise people, manage risk, and support real-time decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise lifeguard operations during assigned seasonal shifts, ensuring effective surveillance and zone coverage
• Serve as the on-site supervisory leader during routine operations and aquatic incidents
• Support post assignments, surveillance compliance, and rotation adherence
• Reinforce vigilance standards, professional conduct, and departmental expectations
• Provide real-time coaching, corrective guidance, and performance feedback to lifeguards
• Assist with onboarding, in-service training, drills, and readiness evaluations
• Ensure rescue equipment, safety gear, and facilities are inspected and operational
• Complete incident reports, shift documentation, and required communications
• Lead patron education and community water safety interactions
• Coordinate with fellow Officers across shifts to maintain continuity and operational consistency

What You Bring

• Minimum age of eighteen (18) at time of hire
• One season or year of lifeguard, aquatics, or team leadership experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to act decisively, remain calm, and lead peers
• Strong communication skills and professional judgment
• Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and uphold departmental standards
• Physically capable of performing water rescues and meeting departmental fitness requirements
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification (or ability to obtain prior to assignment)

The Opportunity

This role is an entry point into formal aquatic leadership. As a Lifeguard Officer, you will gain real supervisory experience, develop operational judgment, and contribute directly to the safety culture of community aquatic venues. For individuals considering long-term growth within aquatics, safety, or emergency response, this role provides meaningful responsibility and a clear leadership foundation.

Apply Today

Email your resume and written statement to [email protected]
or apply at thestjames.com/careers

The St. James is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to safety, professionalism, and operational excellence.