Job Details

Beach Lifeguard I - Seasonal Temporary 

City of Santa Cruz 

$21.09 - $25.63 Hourly 

Santa Cruz City Fire Department – Marine Safety Division is hiring seasonal beach lifeguards. Under close supervision, this uniformed position works with other lifeguard employees and reports to Beach Lifeguard II's. As part of a team, the Beach Lifeguard I provides ocean safety and emergency medical assistance to the public. Employees assigned to operations will guard an assigned area of beach, provide public safety, and detect and rescue persons or vessels in distress. Employees assigned to the Junior Lifeguard Program will work as a program instructor and report to the Junior Lifeguard Lieutenant and Beach Lifeguard II. 

Temporary positions are non-benefited. Be advised these temporary positions are of limited duration and are not linked to regular positions of the same name. Temporary positions are limited to a total of 999 hours in a fiscal year. 

Applications will not be accepted online.  Candidates should report to Lifeguard Headquarters (located at #1 Municipal Wharf) with completed Job Application and Release of Liability forms when reporting for the Physical Agility Tests that will include a swim, rescue board paddle, and run on one of the following test Saturdays at 7:30 am: 

March 1, 2025 

March 8, 2025 

March 15, 2025 

Candidates MUST bring to the physical agility test: 

• Completed City Employment Application form (also available at the Fire Department Administration building at 230 Walnut Avenue, Santa Cruz. 
• Government-issued identification such as a valid driver's license or identification card to verify candidate's identity and meets the minimum age requirement to test.  Beach Lifeguards must be 16 years of age by May 1 of year of hire. 
• Candidates under 18 years of age must have release of liability to participate in physical agility test signed by a legal guardian or they will not be allowed to test. 
• Applicants with a corrective lens restriction must also include a physician's note (within the last 30 days) to verify their current vision.  
• Candidates not in possession of these items will not be allowed to participate in the physical test. 

To view the swim, rescue paddleboard, and run events, what to bring to the tryouts, and the full job description and list of requirements:  https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/fire-department/marine-safety-division/beach-lifeguard-i  

Questions regarding this application process should be directed to: 

Lifeguard Headquarters 

#1 Municipal Wharf 

831-420-5715  

City of Santa Cruz Human Resources Department 

809 Center St., Room 6, Santa Cruz, CA  95060  

(831) 420-5040 

HR@santacruzca.gov  

EOE/ADA