Head Lifeguard

The City of Marquette has a seasonal position available for Head Lifeguard at all public beaches.  The wage is $22.13/hr. Applicants must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.  Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Certification and a current CPR card are required. This position requires the employee to be at least 18 years old. The City of Marquette Fire Department will be offering Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Certification and Recertification courses, contact Jen Jakubowski at 906-225-8596 or [email protected] to register. 

These classes may be cancelled if the minimum attendance number is not met.

The Marquette City Fire Department will be offering the following Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard Certification and Re-certification courses.  (This is not a swimming class; all candidates must be proficient swimmers and comfortable in the water). 

RED CROSS WATERFRONT LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSE (A $200 class fee will be invoiced to any participant that is not hired by the City for the 2026 summer beach season.)

Friday, April 24th, 2026          4:00pm-8:00pm (Marquette High School Pool)

Saturday, April 25th, 2026   AND    Sunday, April 26th, 2026    8:00am-4:00pm (Marquette Fire Dept. Sta. 1)

Monday, April 27th, 2026       4:00pm-8:00pm (Marquette High School Pool)

Tuesday April 28th, 2026       4:00pm-8:00pm (Marquette High School Pool)

Wednesday April 29th, 2026     4:00pm-8:00pm (Marquette High School Pool)    

There are online learning components that must be completed prior to pool sessions.  Students must attend and pass all classes to become certified.  REGISTER NO LATER THAN 04/06/2026.

RED CROSS WATERFRONT LIFEGUARD RE-CERTIFICATION COURSE (A $100 class fee will be invoiced to any participant that is not hired by the City for the 2026 summer beach season.)  

Friday, April 24th, 2026                                                                                                   4:00pm-8:00pm (Marquette High School Pool)

Saturday, April 25th, 2026                                                                                              8:00am-4:00pm (Marquette Fire Dept. Sta. 1)

Monday, April 27th, 2026                                                                                               4:00pm-8:00pm (Marquette High School Pool)

Students must have an active certification card to enroll in the re-certification course.  Students must attend and pass all classes to become certified.  REGISTER NO LATER THAN 04/06/2026.

TO REGISTER: 

Contact Jen Jakubowski at 906-225-8596 or [email protected]

EOE

POSITION TITLE:              Head Lifeguard

REPORTS TO:                     Fire Chief

DEPARTMENT:                  Fire

EFFECTIVE DATE:           March 1, 2021

JOB CLASSIFICATION:   Seasonal

POSITION SUMMARY

The primary responsibility of the Head Lifeguard is to ensure that each beach is properly staffed during operational hours and that City lifeguards maintain high standards of professionalism and safety.  Ensures that life saving certifications are current and that lifeguards are fully competent in performing water rescue procedures.  Responsible for closing beaches if warranted to ensure patron safety.  May provide water rescue training and assistance to City public safety personnel.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Fire Chief.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. 
   Oversees safety and accident prevention at the City’s public beaches.

1. 
   Organizes and orders rescue equipment and supplies at the beginning and end of each season.  Ensures that facilities are adequately supplied, and that rescue equipment is in working order at all times.

1. 
   Interviews and conducts water skills testing of applicants.  Recommends qualified applicants for hiring.

1. 
   Schedules and conducts pre-season orientation meetings and training.  Explains and distributes departmental rules and policies, equipment (keys, shirts, whistles, etc.) and conducts facility walk-through.

1. 
   Schedules, coordinates and conducts weekly in-service training, including AED/CPR re-certifications and in-pool kayak and backboard training. Maintains copies of required employee certifications in personnel files.

1. 
   Ensures the proper communication and enforcement of rules.

1. 
   Assigns and schedules employees to ensure adequate coverage of the beaches is maintained during posted beach hours.

1. 
   Verifies and approves employee time slips. Ensures that all approved time slips are submitted to Payroll on a timely basis.

1. 
   Conducts exit interviews with each employee and ensures that all equipment is returned prior to the end of the season. Completes employee evaluations and termination forms for each lifeguard and forwards to Human Resources. 

1. 
   Presents a professional appearance and attitude at all times. Interacts with patrons regarding concerns, problems or other significant issues.  Facilitates opportunities for public education.

1. 
   Collects, compiles and reports data on the City’s beaches as requested.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. 
   Performs other related functions as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Qualifications

1. 
   Must be a high school graduate or equivalent. Must have at least two years of experience as a lifeguard.

1. 
   Must be at least 18 years of age.

1. 
   Requires good people skills, positive attitude, and the ability to interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner.

1. 
   One year’s previous experience as a supervisor, preferably supervising lifeguards, is desired.

1. 
   Knowledge of the practices and techniques of water safety.

1. 
   Knowledge of the State of Michigan’s Youth Employment Standards Act.

1. 
   A current American Red Cross Instructor Certifications is preferred. Waterfront, American Red Cross (or equivalent) Lifeguard, including first aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification are required.  Must also be able to pass City of Marquette Water Skills Test.

1. 
   Ability to remain vigilant and act quickly in making rescues and rendering aid.

1. 
   Ability to perform water rescues under difficult conditions.

1. 
   Ability to use computers, printers and common software packages.

1. 
   Ability to work in a flexible schedule that includes weekends and holidays from mid-May to mid-September or the end of the season.

Physical Qualifications

1. 
   Ability to work outdoors in all types of climate and weather conditions.  Ability to withstand temperature changes in the work environment.

1. 
   Physical strength and dexterity to perform work involving lifting and carrying moderately heavy objects.

1. 
   Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, climbing and reaching.

1. 
   Ability to communicate orally in a clear manner.

1. 
   Running, swimming, walking or crouching to perform lifesaving and rescue procedures.

1. 
   Climbing stairs and ladders.

1. 
   Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time.

1. 
   Ability to distinguish various sounds and people or objects at varied distances.

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of the job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated on this job description.