Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitleLifeguard 1&2, Assistant Chief Lifeguard, Chief Lifeguard - Taconic Region (Upstate)
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitPSNU - Professional Services Negotiating Unit (UUP)
Salary RangeFrom $21.86 to $26.22 Hourly
"Other" Explanation Part-time and full-time schedules available. Schedules may include weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Workday
Street Address Taconic Region (Upstate)
See additional comments under “Job Specifics” for work locations.
Duties Description The duties of this position will include but are not limited to the following:
Lifeguard ($21.86/hour): Responsible for the supervision of an assigned area of a beach or pool and have the direct and primary responsibility for the supervision, safety, and protection of patrons. Ensure that all rules and regulations that apply in swimming areas are observed by patrons using the facility and are responsible for preventing accidents and rescuing distressed swimmers.
Lifeguard 2 ($22.95/hour): Responsible for the supervision of an assigned area of a beach or pool and have the direct and primary responsibility for the supervision, safety, and protection of patrons. Ensure that all rules and regulations that apply in swimming areas are observed by patrons using the facility and are responsible for preventing accidents and rescuing distressed swimmers.
Assistant Chief Lifeguard ($24.60/hour): Performs all lifeguard duties. Serve as the Chief Lifeguard during the absence of the Chief Lifeguard or other supervisors. Follow orders and directives issued by the Chief Lifeguard, Park Managers, or other designated supervisors and Regional personnel. Assist the Chief Lifeguard in evaluating Lifeguards and completing paperwork and other related duties as assigned by the Chief Lifeguard or Park Manager and complies with requests made by the Regional or Albany Office personnel. Assists with the maintenance of Lifeguard equipment and swimming area, including but not limited to removal of unwanted debris along the waterfront, filling of any holes or tripping hazards in the immediate swimming area.
Chief Lifeguard ($26.22/hour): Performs all lifeguard duties. Supervises lifeguards and assistant chief lifeguard. Responsible for staff schedules and adequate staffing levels to support volume of patrons. Evaluates and adjusts Emergency Action Plan. Completes lifeguard training logs and performance evaluations. Accountable for the condition and availability of facility lifeguarding equipment.
Minimum Qualifications Lifeguard ($21.86/hour):
All Lifeguards shall:
• Be at least 15 years of age. 15 y/o lifeguards may only be assigned to traditional pools. They may not be assigned a slide dispatch position.
• Successfully complete the NYS Parks qualifying procedure.
• At the time of and throughout employment shall possess current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguard Training, which must include waterfront module certifications; First Aid Basics and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, (CPR/AED/FPR) or equivalent certifications from an agency approved by the Commissioner of New York State Parks. If working at a facility having a waterslide, Lifeguards must also have the Waterpark certificate. Any Lifeguard younger than 18 years of age operating a powered motorboat (rescue boat) MUST have a boater safety course certification.
• A copy of ALL certifications or training course records must be on file and reviewed by a qualified regional representative prior to the first day of employment.
• After receiving a conditional offer of employment, Lifeguards shall submit a NYS Medical Standards For Lifeguards form signed by a licensed physician or physician’s assistant indicating their physical fitness. Lifeguards who have previously submitted a notarized Medical Standards For Returning Lifeguards form, may continue to notarize and submit said form provided there has not been a break in service greater than one (1) year. Medical forms must be submitted to the Region prior to the first day of a Lifeguard’s employment. All medical information will be held in confidence.
• All Lifeguard candidates are subject to a criminal background check as a condition of employment.
Lifeguard 2 ($22.95/hour): Lifeguard 2 must meet the same minimum qualifications as a Lifeguard. Returning lifeguards who have worked an average of 240 hours as an OPRHP Lifeguard in any combination of two seasons (?480 hours) within a three-season span will be eligible for appointment to the Lifeguard 2 title.
Assistant Chief Lifeguard ($24.60/hour): Assistant Chief Lifeguards must meet all of the qualifications for Lifeguards and must have been a Lifeguard for at least one season (2 months) prior to appointment. Equivalent non-NYS PARK practical experience may be acceptable at the Agency’s sole discretion. It is recommended that Assistant Chief Lifeguards have current Instructor certification in
Lifeguarding.
Chief Lifeguard ($26.22/hour): Chief Lifeguards must meet all the qualifications for Lifeguards and (except in extenuating circumstances or NYS Parks discretion) must have been a Lifeguard for at least two seasons (4 months) prior to appointment. Equivalent non-NYS Park PRACTICAL experience may be acceptable at the Agency’s sole discretion. It is strongly recommended that Chief Lifeguards have current Instructor certification in Lifeguarding. If working at a facility with slides, a base level Waterpark Lifeguarding certification along with a Lifeguarding Instructor certification is required to be an instructor for Waterpark Lifeguarding.
For additional information, you can start the application process by confirming you have the minimum qualifications to be a lifeguard candidate here:
https://parks.ny.gov/employment/lifeguards/default.aspx
This page can also help you learn more about the swim and lifesaving segments of the lifeguard qualifier, the skills required, what to bring, and review the qualifications to be a lifeguard candidate.
Minimum Age is 15 for candidates assigned to our swimming pools, 16 elsewhere.
Additional Comments Become a New York State Parks Lifeguard!
Our lifeguards are a vital asset to the New York State Parks system, each year protecting more than 25 million swimmers statewide. If you are at least 15 years old, a strong swimmer, love the outdoors, and have a desire to help your community all while working in some of the most scenic locations in the state, we strongly encourage you to apply.*
Lifeguard positions are available statewide and all candidates must qualify annually,
including returning guards.
This position will be full time, but part time positions may become available.
You may be assigned to work in one of the following locations:
Lake Taghkanic State Park
1528 Route 82
Ancram, NY 12502
Taconic State Park
253 Route 344
Copake Falls, NY 12517
Operational Needs:
• The duties of this position may require you to have and maintain the following:
o A valid form of identification
o First Aid / CPR Certification
o Lifeguard / Waterfront Certification
Operational needs will be discussed at the time of the interview and appointment. Failure to maintain proper certification/licensing and identification may result in removal from this position.
Benefits:
This position has the option to join the NYS Employee’s Retirement System and may be eligible for health insurance, dental and vision coverage as well as the opportunity for paid time off in the form of vacation, sick, personal and holiday leave after time and service requirements has been met.
To learn more about our benefits, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx
This position may require a background check and/or medical exam prior to appointment.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address lifeguard@parks.ny.gov
Address
Street Taconic Regional Headquarters
9 Old Post Road
Notes on ApplyingIf you meet the qualifications, (required certifications, lifesaving skills, and swim
events), then fill out an employment application below and email the application to:
lifeguard@parks.ny.gov. Please include the name of the park for which you are
applying in your email.
The employment application (Part 1 – Pre-Interview Form S1000) can be downloaded from the website of NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at www.parks.ny.gov/employment.
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to ensuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities and workplace diversity.
New York State (NYS) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic violence victim status, carrier status, gender identity or prior conviction records, or prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications or sealed records unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.
Executive Order 31 commits New York State government to becoming a model employer for people with disabilities, increasing the participation of people with disabilities in state service and ensuring equal access to opportunities. OPRHP encourages people with disabilities to apply. If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Equal Opportunity Unit at ReasonableAccommodation@parks.ny.gov or (518) 486-7754.

