Lifeguard

The City of Marquette has seasonal positions available for Lifeguards at all public beaches.  The starting wage is $17.92/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 16 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.  Applications and a job description are available online at www.marquettemi.gov.

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.

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

EOE

                                                                                              JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                                          Lifeguard

REPORTS TO:                                            Head Lifeguard

EFFECTIVE DATE:                                    March 1, 2021

JOB CLASSIFICATION:                           Seasonal

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary responsibility of the Lifeguard is to ensure the safety of visitors to the City’s beaches, including accident prevention in the water and surrounding area. Lifeguards are also responsible for the rescue and care of accident victims.  Lifeguards are expected to work when the beaches are open to the public, including weekends and holidays.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Head Lifeguard or Assistant Head Lifeguard.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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


2. Maintain constant surveillance of patrons at the facility, act immediately and appropriately to secure safety of patrons in the event of an emergency.


3. Ensure the proper communication and enforcement of rules.


4. Provide emergency care and treatment as required until the arrival of emergency medical services.


5. Perform various maintenance duties as directed to maintain a clean and safe facility.


6. Present a professional appearance and attitude at all time  Interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Perform other related functions as assigned. 

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Requirements:

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


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


3. Current certifications to include American Red Cross (or equivalent) Lifeguard, including first aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification. Must also be able to pass the City of Marquette Water Skills Test.


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


5. Ability to perform water rescues under difficult conditions.


6. Must be an expert swimmer, be in excellent physical condition, and be able to react quickly in emergency situations.


7. Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends and holidays from June through Labor Day weekend or the end of the season.


8. Ability to operate a jet ski for emergency rescues.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to work outdoors in all types of climate and weather conditions.


2. Ability to withstand temperature changes in the work environment.


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


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


5. Ability to communicate orally in a clear manner.


6. Running, walking or swimming to perform life-saving and rescue procedures.


7. Climbing stairs and ladders.


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


9. 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.