Job Posting: LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)

Department of Parks & Recreation

JC-518001
-
LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)
LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)

$20.69 - $22.97 per Hour
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 8/12/2026

Job Description and Duties

LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL) – ORANGE COAST DISTRICT / NORTH SECTOR / BOLSA CHICA 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 Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach, 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 Nicholas Sterrenburg at (949) 702-9626 or at nicholas.sterrenburg@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.

Working Conditions

Includes but is not limited to beach and ocean open water environment may include lakes and rivers. Work will occur in an outdoor environment with varied weather including sun, wind, and rain.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-518001
Position #(s):
549-926-0993-901
Working Title:
LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)
Classification:
LIFEGUARD I (SEASONAL)
$20.69 - $22.97
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Orange County
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Non-Tenured, Intermittent
Facility:
Orange Coast District

Department Information

The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

 

All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.

Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov

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.)

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 8/12/2026

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Parks & Recreation
Orange Coast District
Attn: Nicholas Sterrenburg
3030 Avenida Del Presidente
San Clemente, CA 92672

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Parks & Recreation
Orange Coast District
Nicholas Sterrenburg
3030 Avenida Del Presidente
San Clemente, CA 92672
Monday-Friday, excluding weekends and state holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Nicholas Sterrenburg
(949) 702-9626
nicholas.sterrenburg@parks.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Sharon Comas - EEO Office
(916) 653-9990
sharon.comas@parks.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Instructions

If submitting your completed Application Package by mail or hand delivery, you must include the Position # 549-926-0993-901 and the Job Control # JC-518001 in the “Examination or Job Title for which you are applying” section on the STD. 678. 

 

Note: If you are applying for multiple positions, you must complete a STD. 678 for each position separately. Incomplete applications or applications received with multiple positions listed on one application will not be considered.

 

Employment History on the STD 678 must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in you being screened out. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

Further Information

Successful completion of the Department of Parks and Recreation seasonal lifeguard training program within one year of appointment.

Possession of (1) a Department of Parks and Recreation first-aid certificate or equivalent and (2) a Department of Parks and Recreation Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate or equivalent. An approved Department of Health Emergency Technician certificate may be substituted for both the required certificates. Applicants who do not possess these certificates will be admitted to the examination but they must produce evidence of the certificates before they can be considered for an appointment.

For more information regarding the Lifeguard I classification visit the following link: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21231.

All applicants must successfully complete an official tryout by the end of the filing date and include our department tryout link (https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30304)

Note: Listed testing and training dates may change or cancelled due to weather, scheduling or operational needs. In accordance with Government Code 19063-19063.8, any person admitted to the interview and who is receiving public assistance under the CalWORKs Program shall be given priority consideration. Equal opportunity to all regardless of sex, race, ancestry, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job