08-Oct-2024
Head Lifeguard
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
66964BR
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Aquatics, this position is responsible for providing safe aquatic facilities at the Malkin Athletic Center and Blodgett Pool at Harvard University. The Head Lifeguard will spend half of his/her time as a lifeguard on duty and the other half as administrative and leadership support. When on duty, the Head Lifeguard will act as a shift supervisor. The Head Lifeguard will offer suggestions for improvement, help motivate staff to meet maintenance and customer service goals, and help create a productive team environment. The Head Lifeguard will help maintain accurate records, communicate with staff by phone and email, and assist with other tasks as assigned by the management team. The Head Lifeguard will be expected to staff opening, closing and/or weekend hours as well as respond to emergency requests for coverage as necessary.
Position Description
1. Ensure the safety and well-being of Aquatics patrons and swimmers, while promoting an environment geared towards customer service.
- Maintain constant and active surveillance of pool users and visitors, with particular emphasis on the prevention of accidents and injuries. Must be alert to all activities occurring in the pool area. Maintains order in the Aquatics facility. Must enforce pool rules.
- Act immediately and appropriately to secure the safety of pool users and visitors in the event of an accident, injury or other emergency. Gives aid to those in distress and administers CPR and/or first aid as needed. Rescue swimmers in distress.
- Maintain lifeguarding skills and keep certifications current. Attend and assist with monthly in-service trainings.
- Conduct safety inspections of emergency response materials including rescue equipment, first aid supplies and signage.
- Open and secure the Aquatics facility at the end of the shift.
2. Facility Management
- Ensure that the pools, aquatics locker rooms and related facilities are clean and safe so that the safety and well-being of all users is maintained.
- During shifts, perform maintenance tasks as assigned and work with co-workers to complete tasks in timely manner.
- Become proficient at maintaining pool equipment including the bulkhead, meet management system, vacuums, filter systems, and diving equipment. Perform regular maintenance on this equipment as assigned. Adjust schedule for events that require movement or use of equipment.
- Ensure supplies are available to staff including testing reagents, log sheets, patron tally sheets, time sheets, and incident reports.
3. Staff Management
- Ensure staff are performing required tasks including chemical readings, patron tallies and maintenance tasks as assigned.
- Act as shift supervisor when on duty. Document and report any issues to supervisors.
- Conduct new staff orientations.
- Assist with tryouts for new staff.
- Assist with keeping records up to date including staff phone lists, certification records, patron tallies, and swim test records.
- Act as source of information for the staff by relaying information such as early payroll deadlines, monthly staff meetings, providing corrective feedback regarding policies and procedures, and creating a team environment.
- Respond to email from staff and complete assignments from the management team.
4. Customer Service
- Treat all pool patrons and visitors in a professional way, with an eye towards superior customer service.
- Provide high level of customer service to all visitors to the pools.
- Be a leader by example for interacting with visitors, answering questions and providing customer service to groups using the facilities.
Basic Qualifications
- Must possess current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification.
- At least 4 years’ experience as a lifeguard.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Demonstrated experience working in team environment, maintaining equipment, and providing customer service.
- Thorough knowledge of Aquatics-related issues including rescue skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills are required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel and Outlook, required.
- Regular access to a smart phone, required.
- Proficiency in Google Calendar and email client, required.
- Ability to research, learn and utilize additional technology, required.
- The interview process will require an in-water skill demonstration. This is comprised of a 200-yard swim, demonstration of basic lifeguarding rescues, and a CPR scenario.
Certificates and Licenses
- Must possess current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification.
- Lifeguard Instructor certification and Certified Pool Operator certifications are preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift and move heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.), stand for an extended period of time and work non-traditional schedule
Working Conditions
- Evening and weekend work will be required.
- Must be willing and able to adjust schedule to cover large events.
- Will need to respond to calls for emergency staffing coverage.
Work Format: On-Site
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Additional Information
Harvard is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission is to educate citizens and citizen-leaders for our society. The College is a residential institution of nearly 7,000 undergraduates and is located in Cambridge, MA. Harvard is deeply committed to the intellectual, social, and personal transformation of its undergraduates during their four years at Harvard. The Department of Athletics offers 42 varsity programs for men and women, more than any other Division I school in the United States.
Harvard employees have access to a wide range of educational offerings, including world-class museums, tuition assistance, and hundreds of web-based learning programs. Our benefits package is superior and provides multiple options for the health and well-being of our employees. Being located in Cambridge is a distinct advantage since Cambridge is a lively, multi-cultural city adjacent to Boston, which is an undisputed hub of college and university life in the U.S.
All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
We believe that creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace allows employees from all backgrounds and walks of life to achieve their fullest potential. We also believe an inclusive culture is one that accepts, values, and views the differences we all bring to the workplace as strengths. We actively seek and welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups and from those with a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society.
Work Format Details
This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Job Function
Athletics
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Boston
Job Code
402019 Lifeguard, Head
Work Format
On-Site
Sub-Unit
Athletics
Salary Grade
050
Department
Athletics
Union
55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Time Status
Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening
Criminal, Identity
Schedule
- Evening and weekend work will be required.
- Must be willing and able to adjust schedule to cover large events.
- Will need to respond to calls for emergency staffing coverage.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
