Head Lifeguard at PlainfieldPark District – Plainfield, Illinois

The head lifeguard directs guard staff on a daily basis. Responsible for working with the Recreation Manager to ensure that the techniques and training for preventative life guarding is followed for the well-being of all patrons while on Park District premises.

Starting hourly rate is $17.00 per hour

General Information for all Pool positions

• The Pool season is from May – August 2026
• Hours vary between 8:00am and 9:00pm depending upon programs and events. Shifts may vary.
• Candidates will be interviewed and may be selected for a pool position based upon candidates’ qualifications.
• The pool environment is an outdoor setting. Staff will be exposed to weather conditions, including cold, rain, and extreme heat. Inclement weather is monitored daily and safety precautions taken when necessary.

Interviews will take place in March. If you are away at school, please indicate on your application the dates of your winter and/or spring break to assist us in scheduling interviews.

Pool staff training dates will be held in May prior to the pool opening; dates will be reviewed during the interview process.

Plainfield Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Accountable for ensuring a safe pool environment; alert and prepared for action to potential emergency situations. Monitors patrons for conditions that may endanger others and correcting those conditions.
• Responsible for supervising all lifeguards and front desk staff.
• Enforces all rules involving pool policy and operation procedures; notifying pool management of disciplinary problems.
• Represents pool management when absent and fill-in for lifeguards when necessary.
• Knowledge of all rules and justification for the rules.
• Demonstrates ability to operate lifesaving equipment in emergency situations.
• Responsible for conducting life-saving training sessions and assisting pool manager in guard skill evaluations.
• May assist or substitute with swim lesson program.
• May be assigned responsibility to instruct swim lessons through-out season.
• Reports to work promptly and prepared to begin shift, at least 10 minutes prior to change of guards.
• Assists in the maintenance/care of the equipment, facilities and environment including cleaning duties.
• Maintains and promotes excellent customer service relations with community members.
• Maintains and carries out all Plainfield Park District’s rules and regulations.
• Maintains a working knowledge of all general and department safety rules. Strictly enforce all general safety rules and improve public and employee knowledge by preventing, confronting and correcting unsafe behavior.
• Recognizes, reports, and responds to any unsafe conditions and possible or definite pool hazards.
• Informs Pool Manager of any pertinent information regarding the facility or swim program in timely manner; incidents should be reported immediately.
• Maintains a professional appearance and attitude while performing duties and while on park premises.
• Continues education by attending staff meetings and training sessions.
• Performs any additional related tasks as required.

• Minimum 18 yrs. of age.
• 2 years life guarding experience required.
• C.P.R. and First Aid Certification Required; ability to certify at time of hire.
• American Red Cross Life Guard Certification Required.
• Strong swimming skills.
• Must be able to perform rescue skills/drills adhering to proper emergency procedures.
• Knowledge of the proper use and care of aquatic equipment.
• Must have the ability to communicate in a professional and commanding manner.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and work well with the public and other staff.
• Must display a high degree of emotional maturity while keeping difficult situations in proper perspective.
• Must be detail oriented to be able to process information accurately.