LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)
Department of Parks & Recreation · Orange County
Salary: $21 – $23 per month
Closes: 2026-11-15T00:00:00.000Z
Job description and requirements
Show full description and requirements
Job Description and Duties
LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL) – ORANGE COAST DISTRICT / SAN CLEMENTE STATE BEACH
“Priority consideration will be given to any person receiving State public assistance under the CalWORKs program. Applicants who receive State public assistance need to identify their status as a CalWORKs recipient in the comments area on the application. Applicants must submit a verification of their CalWORKs eligibility status, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing TANF eligibility or a copy of your last aid check stub. If verification is not submitted with the application, the application will not be processed. (Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program).”
The reporting location for this position is San Clemente State Beach in San Clemente, CA. This position will work under the supervision of State Parks Peace Officer Supervisor (Lifeguard).
A Lifeguard I (Seasonal) (LG I) is perhaps the most visible and important position on the beach. This position is responsible for the front-line defense of both aquatic and non-aquatic emergencies. A LG I will understand that visitor safety and service to the public is the key objective, with Aquatic Safety being the priority. Such assistance and service shall be provided both promptly, professionally and courteously.
A LG I is directed by an assigned staff of Lifeguard II (Seasonal) employees, State Park Peace Officers (Lifeguard), and State Park Peace Officer Supervisors (Lifeguard). Each Lifeguard I (Seasonal) will be assigned a direct supervisor (SPPOS (Lifeguard) I). The Lifeguard I (Seasonal) will adhere to the chain of command. Routine requests for assistance and work-related directions will be made by contacting the Lifeguard II (Seasonal) assigned to the employee. Matters of urgency or of a timely nature may be directed to the assigned Lifeguard Supervisor or in his/her absence the SPPO Lifeguard (permanent) staff.
This position may work up to 1500 hours within 12 consecutive months. This position is designated as not telework eligible.
The selected candidate is required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.
This position requires a valid Class C driver’s license. You must answer the questions addressing your driver’s license on your application. Ensure you provide your driver’s license number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions on your application.
State housing is not available. For further information regarding this position, please contact Jeff Kennedy at (949) 304-4443 or at Jeffrey.kennedy@parks.ca.gov.
Per California Code of Regulations (CCR) 599.961, this is a sensitive position, and therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing. It should be noted that testing is not mandatory, but is allowed to be conducted only if and when there is a determination of reasonable suspicion as defined in CCR 599.962.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
All applicants are required to successfully complete the following prior to being appointed:
1. You must pass a COMPETITIVE open water swimming test:
Ocean Lifeguard I (Seasonal) Tryouts Consisting of the following:
1,000 yard open water swim. Time limit of 20 minutes.
A continuous 200 yard run, 400 yard swim, 200 yard run. Time limit of 10 minutes.
2. Qualification appraisal interview.
3. Successful completion of the California State Park Lifeguard Training Program. (8 days/80+ hours) Includes department certification in CPR & AED, Public Safety First Aid, and open water search & rescue and other aquatic lifesaving techniques.
DO NOT include any confidential information to your application or supporting documents (i.e., Social Security Number, birthdate, marital status, medical information, examination results, method of eligibility, etc.)
About this opportunity
More jobs at this employer
Department of Parks & Recreation currently has 68 other open positions in this database.
Regional hiring context
There are 45 current state openings in Orange County, including this position.
Application timeline
Applications close in 11 days, on November 15, 2026.
Posting history
This posting appears on CalCareers. CA Public Jobs first observed it on August 18, 2026. It was last verified open on November 4, 2026.