Lifeguard I (New Lifeguards for 2026 season) - Oakland

The Position · NOTE: · All applicants are required to complete a physical agility swim test. · Dates for the swim test include: 3/14/26, 3/15/26, 3/21/26, 3/22/26, 3/24/26. Details regarding testing locations, dates, and times can be found in the job details below. Candidates are ...

Job description

The Position


NOTE:
All applicants are required to complete a physical agility swim test.

Dates for the swim test include: 3/14/26, 3/15/26, 3/21/26, 3/22/26, 3/24/26. Details regarding testing locations, dates, and times can be found in the job details below.

Candidates are also highly encouraged to attend a seasonal hiring workshop on Sunday, March 29, 2026 to complete the pre-employment background check process.**As an open water lifeguard, you have the opportunity to do something unique: You get to save lives in a variety of environments including pools, lagoons, lakes and/or the bay You do this through educating the public on water safety, rescuing distressed swimmers, and providing first aid in a variety of situations.

If you want to train every day, work outdoors, and make a real difference in the lives of people who visit our swim facilities, apply to be a lifeguard today

About Us

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful parklands in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to the east of San Francisco.

The system comprises 73 parks spanning across 126,809 acres, 1,250 miles of trails, and 55 miles of shoreline. We manage and preserve natural and cultural resources for all to enjoy and protect. The regional parks are ideal for healthful recreation and environmental education. Learn about our Mission and Vision, History, and our contributions to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Our Mission

EBRPD preserves a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provides open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education.

An environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities.

Our Values

Respect – We honor the land we steward, each other, and the park visitors we serve.
Resilience – We creatively adapt to change. We address challenges with empathy, perspective, and determination.

Relationships – Our greatest strength lies in the trust, accountability, and teamwork we cultivate with our colleagues, partners, and the public we serve.

Responsiveness – We communicate openly, honestly, and reliably.

Transparency – We hold the public's trust through meaningful stakeholder engagement and access to timely and reliable information on decisions and performance.

WHY WORK FOR EBRPD?

Work with a purpose for a better world today and for future generations through the preservation of open space, public access to the outdoors, and a commitment to the conservation of the natural world found east of the San Francisco Bay across 33 cities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties
A community of colleagues who are passionate about public service and the East Bay Regional Park District, the communities it serves, and its mission

Excellent benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending, and pension benefits through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Click here for details regarding additional benefits
Tuition reimbursement and professional development
Free on-site parking
Free parking permit for EBRPD parks (for up to 2 privately owned vehicles)
Employee discounts for certain EBRPD park amenities (reservations, daily fishing permit, public boat launch.

Vacancy Situation:

Based on the swim/physical test and application materials, approximately the top 30 new lifeguard candidates will be hired provisionally and paid to attend the Lifeguard Academy, beginning Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Upon successful completion of the Lifeguard Academy, lifeguards will be scheduled and assigned according to the District's swim facility needs.

What You'll Be Doing as a Lifeguard I: Under direct supervision, you will perform general lifeguard functions at a District aquatic facility.

You may be called upon to teach aquatic and safety programs to youth and the general public, and do other work as required.

Ideal Candidate:
Upholds the core values of the EBRPD Lifeguard Service

Honesty:
Be truthful and honest in all communication.

Integrity:
Practice good judgement in all decisions; do the right thing even when no one is looking.

Respect:
Treat all individuals the way you would like to be treated.

Safety:
Protect all swimmers with an unwavering dedication to patrol surveillance.

Service:
Provide the highest levels of courtesy, respect, customer service, and emergency assistance to all park visitors.

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to:

Performs the tasks necessary to promote public safety at an aquatic facility by lifeguarding;
Monitors activities in aquatic areas to prevent accidents;
Enforces regulations, cautions swimmers regarding unsafe swimming activities, rescues swimmers in danger of drowning, administers first aid, and maintains order in aquatic areas;
Inspects facility for cleanliness, keeping aquatic area clean and free from hazards;
Inspects and maintains equipment and materials in proper working order;
Participates in training sessions;
Takes reports from the public;
Fills out medical incident reports, training logs, and other forms and paperwork as required;
Instructs aquatic and safety programs, as required.

Minimum Qualifications

New Lifeguards must successfully complete the District's Lifeguard Academy;
Must be sixteen (16) years of age or older as of April 18, 2026.

Desirable Qualifications

A current "Water Safety Instructor (WSI)" certificate from the American Red Cross or its equivalent;
A current "CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Instructor" certificate from the American Red Cross or its equivalent;
A current "Lifeguard Training Instructor" certificate from the American Red Cross or its equivalent.

Additional Information

Knowledge Of

Lifeguarding;
Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation, sufficient to write accurate reports and forms.


Ability to:
Use a computer terminal
Swim 550 yards (500 meters) over a measured course in ten minutes or less
Operate and maintain lifesaving equipment;
Effectively teach aquatic and safety programs to varying age levels;
Walk, run, jump, climb, swim, dive, sit, lift, and carry equipment weighing up to 60 pounds, lift overhead and balance equipment weighing up to 40 pounds;
Work outdoors in the sun for prolonged periods of time;
Breath-hold dive to 15 feet and recover 150-pound person while wearing mask and fins in an open water environment;
Understand and apply District and department policies, procedures, protocols, and pertinent local and state regulations relating to lifeguard operations and emergency procedures;

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including a culturally diverse public, with a focus on quality service to internal and external customers.

Conditions of Employment:
New Lifeguards must successfully complete the District's Lifeguard Academy prior to lifeguarding;
Lifeguards are required to wear uniforms and may be required to work unusual hours, weekends, and holidays;
Lifeguards may be required to work at aquatic facilities other than their assigned facility; and
Lifeguards must participate in a minimum of 16 hours of formal rescue skills training per season and work a minimum of 100 hours lifeguarding during the regular scheduled lifeguard season;

Union Affiliation:

East Bay Regional Parks Employees, Local 2428, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, represents this classification.

Wages, hours, and other terms of conditions of employment are covered in an Agreement between the Park District and Local 2428.

Pay Step Increases:

A lifeguard will be considered to have completed one year of service in a classification after working for a minimum of 350 hours.

If the lifeguard works 350 hours by the end of the season, the lifeguard will advance to the next pay step at the start of the following season.

If the lifeguard works less than 350 hours, the lifeguard will remain at the same pay step at the start of the following season.

Hourly Salary*:

Step A:
$22.70


Step B:
$23.27


Step C:
$23.88


Step D:
$24.44


Step E:
$25.07


Step F:
$25.67


Note:
Effective the pay period that includes April 1, 2026, a general increase of 3.0% is authorized.

Swim Facility Locations:

All Park District and partnership swim facilities operate depending on weather, water level, water quality, staffing availability and visitation.

All facilities are open water areas with the exception of Ambrose Aquatic Center, Antioch High School, Castle Rock, Deer Valley and Roberts.

Specific lifeguard service dates for each facility will be available soon at the Swim Facilities page on EBRPD's website.

Planned aquatic worksites for 2026 are listed below:
Ambrose Aquatic Center, Pittsburg, CA
Antioch High School, Antioch, CA / Deer Valley High School, Antioch, CA
Castle Rock, Diablo Foothills Park, Walnut Creek
Crown Beach, Alameda
Cull Canyon, Castro Valley
Del Valle, East Beach, Livermore
Del Valle, West Beach, Livermore
Don Castro, Hayward
Lake Anza, Tilden Park, Berkeley
Lake Temescal, Oakland
Quarry Lakes, Fremont
Roberts Pool, Oakland
Shadow Cliffs, Pleasanton

Application materials for this position consist of two (2) required parts:

A current East Bay Regional Park District job application submitted online; and
Completed Supplemental Questionnaire (included in job application).

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user on the system.

If you have previously applied to a recruitment on , please take care to update your existing profile. Applications are accepted online only. Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have any problems while applying online, please contact the NeoGov Help Desk toll-free at

Selection Process:

The application material for all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed by a screening panel to select the best qualified for interview or testing.

The District reserves the right to set up a written test, performance test, and/or other assessment devices before or after the interview process.

Pursuant to the Federal Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, all applicants who are hired will be required to provide proof of identity and appropriate work authorization documents prior to commencement of employment.

The individual(s) chosen for hire must be able to pass a background check, District medical examination prior to employment, and continuous skill audits.

Swim/Physical Test Dates**:

In an effort to keep everyone safe, adherence to all local, state, and federal health orders will be followed throughout all components of the testing.

Specific details of the procedures and protocols will be provided prior to any in person activities. Candidates will be required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of these expectations.


NOTE:
Testing locations may be subject to change based on availability. Additional testing dates and new locations may become available. More information to be provided at a later date.

Saturday, 3/14/26 at Buchanan Pool in Pittsburg, CA, 1pm
Sunday, 3/15/26 at Roberts Pool in Oakland, CA 1pm
Saturday, 3/21/26 at Granada High School in Livermore, CA 1pm
Sunday, 3/22/26 at Roberts Pool in Oakland, CA 1pm
Tuesday, 3/24/26 at Roberts Pool in Oakland, CA, 4pm
Buchanan Pool is located in Buchanan Park at 4150 Harbor Street, Pittsburg, CA 94565
Roberts Pool is located in Roberts Regional Recreation Area at 10570 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland, CA, 94611
Granada High School Pool is located on campus at 400 Wall Street, Livermore, CA 94550


NOTE:
Testing locations may be subject to change based on availability.

The Swim/Physical Test Consists Of The Following

A rescue board carry;
A timed surface dive/retrieval of ten-pound object;
Underwater swim to retrieve three (3) dive rings;
Tread water for two (2) minutes with legs only;
A timed 550-yard swim in a heated pool.
Candidates will then review their application materials with a department representative.

Seasonal Hiring Workshop:
March 29, 2026

All candidates who pass the swim test are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to attend a seasonal hiring workshop that will take place on March 29, 2026 at Roberts Pool.

The workshop will provide an opportunity to take care of pre-employment background processes such as medical examinations, TB test, and LiveScan fingerprinting.

Candidates who do not attend this workshop will be responsible for completing these steps on their own. Candidates who do not complete the background steps will not move forward in the recruitment process.

Lifeguard Academy:
New Lifeguard candidates are required to participate in the Lifeguard Academy. The Academy is conducted at various District Facilities in the East Bay area. Upon successful completion of the Lifeguard Academy, continued employment as a Lifeguard will be conditional based on District needs.

The following American Red Cross certificates will be awarded upon passing the provisional hire status:

Administering Emergency Oxygen;
First Aid for Public Safety Personnel (Title 22);
Lifeguarding / First Aid/CPR/AED; and
Waterfront Skills.

2026 Lifeguard Academy Dates

All times for each day are 9am—5:30pm.

Saturday April 18
Sunday April 19
Saturday April 25
Sunday April 26
Saturday May 2
Sunday May 3
Saturday May 9
Sunday May 10
Saturday May 16
Sunday May 17

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require special arrangements due to a verified disability or medical condition, please contact the Human Resources Department at no later than five (5) business days prior to your swim test examination date.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The East Bay Regional Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects a diverse workforce and community.

It is committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive workspace that is welcoming to all. Applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

There are no benefits associated with this position.

01

Swim/Physical Test Date instructions will be emailed to candidates.

I understand I need to RSVP to Tyler Waespi ) to participate in the swim/physical test date once instructions are emailed to me.

02

How did you first hear about this job opportunity?

03

Will you be at least 16 years of age by the start of the Lifeguard Academy on April 18, 2026?

Yes
No

04

Will you be a minor (under the age of 18) at any time during the 2026 season (4/18/2- 10/14/26)?

Yes
No

05

If you answered "Yes" to question #3 above, please indicate when you will turn 18. If you are over age 18, please write "N/A".

06

If you answered "Yes" to question #3 above, please provide the email address of your parent and/or legal guardian. If you are over age 18, please write "N/A".

07

Describe any lifeguarding experience (including junior lifeguard) you have and under what conditions (i.e., public pool, private pool, water park, lake, ocean, facility size, crowd size, etc.).

08

Describe any experience you have working with the public.

Include the various aspects of your experience, including the type of contact (by phone or in person), the amount of contact (occasional, frequent, etc.), and the level of activity (slow-paced, fast-paced, etc.).

09

Describe your swimming experience (i.e., recreational, swim team, water polo team, etc.).

10

Describe why you want to be a Lifeguard, specifically for the East Bay Regional Park District.

11

Given the opportunity, describe why you will succeed as a Lifeguard for the East Bay Regional Park District.

12

Do you have experience teaching swim lessons?

Yes
No

13


ACADEMY AVAILABILITY:
The 2026 Lifeguard Academy dates are 4/18/26, 4/19/26, 4/25/26, 4/26/26, 5/2/26, 5/3/26, 5/9/26, 5/10/26, 5/16/26, and 5/17/26. The academy runs all day generally starting at 9 AM and ending at 5:30 PM. A minimum of two additional training days are to be completed at an assigned facility (dates to be determined). Any anticipated absences may lessen your chances of being selected. Please comment on any anticipated absences (including dates, hours, and reason for absence). You will have an opportunity during your interview to update and/or clarify your availability.

14

Are you available for work in the Peak Season Saturday, May 2- Friday, August 14, 2026?

Yes; Full Time (a minimum of five full days per week)
Yes; Part Time (a minimum of one full day per week)
No

15

If you answered "yes", to Question #14, please indicate the days of the week and the specific times you are available to work between Saturday, May 2- Friday, August 14, 2026.

If you answered "no" to Question #14, please respond "N/A" below.

16

Are you available for work in the Post Season Saturday, August 1- Friday, October 14, 2026?

Yes; Full Time (a minimum of five full days per week)
Yes; Part Time (a minimum of one full day per week)
No

17

If you answered "yes", to Question #16, please indicate the days of the week and the specific times you are available to work between Saturday, August 1- Friday, October 14, 2026.

If you answered "no" to Question #16, please respond "N/A" below.

18

For Students Only:
Indicate the date you will finish school (Spring 2026, mm/dd/yyyy).

19

For Students Only:
Indicate the date you will return to school (Fall 2026, mm/dd/yyyy).

20


LOCATION PREFERENCE:

Please indicate your preference of primary work location by answering the remaining questions below with the facility name and location.

If you do not have a preference or are willing to accept an assignment at any location, please mark "N/A".

Do not leave any questions blank.

Your primary work location assignment will be based on your score and rank upon successful completion of the Lifeguard Academy.

We will do our best to accommodate your preferences, but we cannot guarantee the placement of your choice.

I have read and understood the instructions above.

21

1st Choice

Ambrose Aquatic Center, Pittsburg
Antioch High School / Deer Valley High School, Antioch
Castle Rock, Diablo Foothills, Walnut Creek
Crown Beach, Alameda
Cull Canyon, Castro Valley
Del Valle, Livermore (East Beach)
Del Valle, Livermore (West Beach)
Don Castro, Hayward
Lake Anza, Berkeley
Lake Temescal, Oakland
Quarry Lakes, Fremont
Roberts Pool, Oakland
Shadow Cliffs, Pleasanton
N/A

22

2nd Choice

Ambrose Aquatic Center, Pittsburg
Antioch High School / Deer Valley High School, Antioch
Castle Rock, Diablo Foothills, Walnut Creek
Crown Beach, Alameda
Cull Canyon, Castro Valley
Del Valle, Livermore (East Beach)
Del Valle, Livermore (West Beach)
Don Castro, Hayward
Lake Anza, Berkeley
Lake Temescal, Oakland
Quarry Lakes, Fremont
Roberts Pool, Oakland
Shadow Cliffs, Pleasanton
N/A

23

3rd Choice

Ambrose Aquatic Center, Pittsburg
Antioch High School / Deer Valley High School, Antioch
Castle Rock, Diablo Foothills, Walnut Creek
Crown Beach, Alameda
Cull Canyon, Castro Valley
Del Valle, Livermore (East Beach)
Del Valle, Livermore (West Beach)
Don Castro, Hayward
Lake Anza, Berkeley
Lake Temescal, Oakland
Quarry Lakes, Fremont
Roberts Pool, Oakland
Shadow Cliffs, Pleasanton
N/A

24

I understand that all Human Resource hiring tasks required for the 2026 season will be completed and submitted no later than 4/16/26.

Yes, I understand.
Required Question