Head Lifeguard (USU)

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT UNION

The University Student Union, as the heart of campus, uplifts and empowers students to achieve educational, personal and professional goals by providing leadership development, meaningful employment, and innovative programs, services and facilities. We promote equity, inclusion and well-being, while encouraging social justice advocacy to help Matadors feel heard, respected and connected to CSUN. Our facilities include a University Student Union and a 138,000 square foot Student Recreation Center (SRC). The SRC is a facility for exercise and leisure activity that promotes lifelong health and wellness.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

One of the largest universities in the country, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is an urban, comprehensive university that delivers award-winning undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 40,000 students annually and counts more than 330,000 alumni who elevate Southern California and beyond. Since its founding in 1958, CSUN has made a significant and long-term economic impact on California, generating nearly $1.9 billion in economic impact and more than 11,700 jobs each year. The LAEDC recognized CSUN as its 2015 Eddy Award winner for its positive economic impact. Serving more students on Pell Grants than any other institution in California, CSUN is also a social elevator and one of the most diverse universities in the country. CSUN ranks 13th in awarding bachelor’s degrees to underrepresented minority students and seventh in bachelor’s degrees to Latino students, serves the 13th largest Jewish student population, and enrolls the largest number of students who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing of any U.S. state university. The journal Nature recently named CSUN a Rising Star for scientific research, and the NSF ranks CSUN in the top five nationally among similar institutions for graduates who go on to earn doctorates in the sciences. CSUN is where individuals rise. And through them, so does Greater Los Angeles and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Aquatics Supervisor, the Head Lifeguard is responsible for assisting in the hiring, training, scheduling and supervising of lifeguards, as well as providing assistance relative to the coordination of aquatics events and aquatics programs. Position completes routine and complex assignments requiring specialized knowledge and previous experience.

• Assist the Aquatics Supervisor with hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising lifeguard staff
• Assist the Aquatics Supervisor with coordinating aquatics events and programs
• Maintain constant surveillance of patrons in the facility; acts immediately and appropriately to secure safety of patrons in the event of emergency
• Plan and implement classes for all levels of swimming;
• Assist with instruction of CPR/AED/First Aid classes and training;
• Perform lifeguard duties in the absence of lifeguard staff including:
  • Enforce rules and regulations regarding pool use
  • Provide emergency care and treatment as required until the arrival of emergency medical services
  • Present professional appearance and attitude at all time, and maintains a high standard of customer service
  • Perform various maintenance duties as directed to maintain a clean and safe facility
  • Prepare and maintains appropriate activity reports
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Equivalent to graduation from high school and/or a technical/vocational program.

EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Equivalent to a minimum of six months experience in a recreation/aquatics department which involved program implementation and supervision of employees and/or volunteers. 
• American Red Cross Lifeguard/Lifeguarding

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10-pound object and remove it from the pool within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
• Must attend required Student Recreation Center and USU employee orientation and trainings as well as department specific trainings and meetings

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lifeguard Instructor Certification (LGI)*
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Training*
• Advanced First Aid (Title 22, EMR, EMT)*

These certifications must be maintained throughout employment in order to remain in the position.

*Incumbents must obtain Lifeguard Instructor, Water Safety Instructor and Title 22 Instructor certifications within one year of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND/OR ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles of supervision
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations
• Ability to follow routine verbal and written instructions
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Ability to maintain an appropriate professional appearance
• Ability to make independent decisions and make recommendations
• Ability to adhere to work rules, follow directions, use time effectively and work productively without close supervision
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

Supervision is provided by the Aquatics Supervisor.

Applications received through September 9, 2026 will be considered in the initial review. Review of applications will begin after this date and continue until the position is filled.

In order to be considered in the initial review, applications must be submitted prior to the date listed above. Application submissions received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the USU.

Candidates should apply by completing the on-line application. To submit an application and for more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit this link: www.csun.edu/careers

This position is a sensitive position as designated by the CSU. Following an offer of employment, the appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check (including a Live Scan and criminals record check) and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. No applicant will be denied employment solely on the grounds of a criminal offense. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances and the relevance of the offense to the position(s) applied for will be considered. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the status of the contingent offer of employment.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

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