Department:

Emergency ServicesAbout Our Job

Have you ever dreamed of being a lifeguard on the beautiful beaches of Sarasota County? As a Seasonal Lifeguard you will patrol the beach to prevent accidents, perform rescues, administer medical assistance (first aid and CPR) when needed, and maintain order in accordance with Sarasota County ordinances.

Job Description:

This seasonal position pays $19.56/hour and will last six (6) months; while there are no benefits, it's a great opportunity to gain experience and bring in some extra income! 

About the Position

An average day consists of keeping the beach safe and assisting the public with beach condition information. You will complete incident and daily operational reports. For more information on job responsibilities, see below.

Work to prevent swimming accidents before they occur; keeping our beaches safe by maintaining order and discipline; and enforcing County ordinances.Provide beach condition information to the public including unsafe or hazardous swimming conditions.Rescue swimmers in distress. Administer first aid and/or CPR, Automated External Defibrillator, and oxygen administration following appropriate medical protocol.Resolve problems related to lost property.May operate County issued equipment, which includes radios, vehicles, boats, and jet skis, and performs preventative equipment maintenance duties.Assist in aquatic programs such as learn-to-swim classes, water safety classes, and special events.

About the Schedule

Work Hours: 

Beach hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week.Lifeguards work 40 hours per week, with overtime and flexible shifts available.

About You

Minimum Qualifications:  Must be at least 18 years of age.

High School Diploma or its equivalent. Ability to pass, and re-qualify (bi-annually), Sarasota County’s Basic Lifeguard Performance Test, which includes:½ mile run (4:00 minute time limit).500-meter pool swim (10:00 minute time limit).200-yard beach run with 50-yard swim rescue (4:00 minute time limit).100-yard board rescue (4:00 minute time limit) (those with prior open water experience only).Ability to complete the Lifeguard Training Program Curriculum, CPR certification, and First Responder Training certification (paid for by the County).Valid Florida Driver's License at time of hire, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualification: EMT certification.

Physical Demands: 

Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. This position works outdoors and during red tide, there may be fumes/airborne particles. There is also a risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. 

Special Note: This position works where children regularly congregate and in accordance with Florida Statutes, applicants must pass a criminal sexual predator, and sexual offender background check.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening:  This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening.  An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range: $19.56/hour

Potentially higher with prior open-water lifeguarding experience.$1.50 per hour pay additive with current and valid State of Florida EMT-B Certification.

Interviews:  Qualified candidates may be invited to complete the Sarasota County’s Basic Lifeguard Performance Test. Upon successful completion of the Performance Test, candidates may be invited to an in-person interview.

Employee Type:Seasonal (Fixed Term) (Seasonal)

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)  

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)  

Benefits:

Employee benefits and Florida Retirement System contributions are not available for seasonal and temporary positions. Positions marked Full Time and Regular (Budgeted) are eligible for benefits, for more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net .
 

A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.

We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different and are committed to creating a culture of understanding and respect where our employees realize that we are stronger together. 

Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally. 

Sarasota County Government promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, genetic information, religion, national origin, marital status, age or disability. A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.

Government employers are drug-free and tobacco-free environments, EEO/AA/ADA employers, and they prohibit discrimination in all services, programs or activities.

Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.