The current opportunity is for two Marine Safety Officer positions in the Fire Department. These will be full-time, fully benefitted positions. This recruitment is open to current regular City employees and temporary employees who have accrued a minimum of 600 paid hours worked for the City of Santa Cruz and who have worked for the City within the previous twelve months. As an Internal recruitment, the list established from this recruitment is valid only for the current two vacancies listed above.
Under general supervision, assists in the planning, scheduling and supervision of the Marine Safety Division including public outreach, swift water, fire boat, drone, and rescue diver programs. May additionally act as primary instructor for the personal watercraft (PWC) program and oversee logistical operations relating to the Junior Guard program the Beach Lifeguard program.; supervises and performs ocean rescue; assists with recruitment, testing and hiring of Marine Safety staff; monitors marine environmental conditions and makes preventative contacts with the public; acts as primary instructor for the lifeguard training program; performs marine safety program administration; acts as liaison for special events and programs; and performs related work as required.
Recruitment #25-065
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
- On Thursday, 04/10/25 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
- Application- online application preferred; paper application accepted. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out application form completely.
- Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.
- Proof of required licenses and certifications as requested in the supplemental questions.
- Early application submission is encouraged. Applications will be continuously screened for minimum qualifications for this position and candidates will be notified of their status. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a physical agility test scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2025 at Lifeguard Headquarters located at #1 Municipal Wharf.
- Monday, April 14, 2025: Physical Agility Test
Event/ Maximum time allowed:
1000m swim/ 20 minutes
200m run-400m swim-200m run/ 10 minutes
1000m rescue board paddle - No time limit. Candidates will be timed and graded on a scale to be awarded points to apply towards interview.
The regular ocean lifeguard physical agility test is extremely challenging. Candidates should have solid ocean swimming skills and train regularly before the scheduled tryout. Paddle boards will be provided. Wetsuits, googles, and swim caps are permitted. Swim fins are not permitted.
Candidates participating in the physical test will be informed of their status by 5 pm Monday, April 14.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025: Candidates who successfully complete the physical agility test will be invited to participate in a panel interview on Tuesday, April 15.
Selected candidates must successfully pass a background investigation and pre-employment physical exam.
(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
- Assists in the planning, scheduling and supervision of public safety programs in the Marine Safety Division, including Beach Lifeguard programs and related services.
- Assists with supervising logistics for Junior Guards, acts as primary lead for the fire boat, and swift water programs. Responsible for coordinating the drone and rescue diver teams, as well as acting as primary instructor the PWC program.
- Supervises the daily marine safety operations of the beach and ocean from a tower or emergency rescue vehicle to ensure life safety; performs ocean rescues and informs the public of hazardous beach and ocean conditions; operates specialized lifesaving equipment, such as emergency medical gear, and personal watercraft.
- Monitors marine environmental conditions and forecasts; takes preventative measures to ensure public safety during hazardous ocean conditions; makes preventative contacts with the public; monitors the need to schedule and call back additional personnel.
- Assists with the recruitment, testing and hiring of Marine Safety Division staff; plans, schedules, coordinates and oversees the work of staff performing marine safety duties to ensure quality of work and compliance with City and department policies and procedures; consults with supervisor when disciplinary or performance issues arise; provides input and assists in the preparation of employee performance evaluations.
- Acts as the primary instructor for the lifeguard training program; conducts required staff training including E.M.T. refresher training, C.P.R, California Title 22 First Aid, Code 3 Driver Training, Personal Watercraft (PWC) operation, and other mandated employee safety training; assists supervisor with planning and coordination of marine rescue training.
- Maintains inventory of equipment, uniforms, and supplies assigned to the program; makes recommendations regarding the acquisition of equipment and supplies; coordinates the purchase of authorized equipment and supplies.
- Maintains work records and documents, including time sheets and work orders; collects, reviews, and compiles training records and annual statistical data and incident reports, logs, and records submitted by staff; completes annual program evaluation reports; assists with revisions and updates of program manuals.
- Coordinates and presents aquatic safety educational material to school students; plans and presents lectures, demonstrations and safety talks to organizations and community groups.
- Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City staff and the public; tactfully and courteously interacts with the public; notifies and keeps Fire Captain assigned to the Marine Safety Division apprised of issues and problems that arise in the Marine Safety Division.
- Works with other departments and agencies in coordinating programs and special events; acts as a liaison to facilitate issues related to the Marine Safety Division.
- Maintains safety related equipment and facilities, including patrol vehicles, patrol boat, lifeguard towers, medical gear and other related equipment and facilities.
- May assume the lead position in the Marine Safety Division in the absence of the Fire Captain assigned to the Marine Safety Division.
- Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, and reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires swimming in hazardous ocean conditions for extended periods of time for rescue or training purposes. Both near and far vision is required for responding to emergency situations and operating assigned equipment. Acute hearing is required for operating emergency equipment and radio equipment, and in hearing calls for assistance. The need to lift, carry and push medical patients, tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds occasionally, up to 60 pounds frequently, and up to 30 pounds constantly. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, heat and cold. The incumbent in this position works in and around water and may be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. The incumbent may be exposed to fumes, dust and air contaminants. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and watercraft, provide emergency rescue assistance and perform the physical restraint of suspects. The incumbent in this position may be exposed to communicable diseases.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Education and Experience
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
- High school diploma or equivalent; and
- 2,000 hours of experience as an ocean lifeguard employed through a United States Lifeguard Association-certified agency; and
- Two (2) years of experience as a City of Santa Cruz Beach Lifeguard II or equivalent from another agency as approved by the City of Santa Cruz.
- One year of supervisory experience.
Certificate of Completion of the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership Development Program is accepted in lieu of one year of supervisory experience.
Knowledge:
- Principles, practices and techniques used in providing ocean lifeguard services, including emergency medical training and ocean rescue techniques.
- Equipment and apparatus used to perform ocean rescue and modern lifesaving.
- The ocean environment and its influence on beach recreation.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
- Principles and practices of supervision, training and motivation.
- Methods and techniques of record keeping and report preparation and writing, including proper English, spelling and grammar.
- Materials and tools used in the operation, construction, maintenance and repair of beach safety facilities and equipment.
Abilities:
- Maintain physical health, strength, and agility to meet the physical demands of this position including an annual ocean swimming requalification test of 1000 meters completed in 20 minutes or less.
- Swim in adverse weather and surf conditions for extended periods of time and perform ocean rescues under those conditions.
- Effectively assist in the selection, training, scheduling, supervision and evaluation of staff.
- Make sound decisions within established guidelines; respond quickly, effectively and appropriately in emergency situations.
- Follow written and oral directions.
- Enforce, explain and apply applicable policies, procedures, codes and regulations.
- Work independently and as a member of a team.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships; interact courteously and effectively with members of the public.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; make effective oral presentations and practical demonstrations.
- Read, interpret and record data accurately; develop and maintain manual and computerized record keeping systems; operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.
- Properly and safely utilize marine rescue and law enforcement equipment; safely operate motor vehicles and equipment. Operate hand and power tools competently and safely.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession at time of application of the following:
- Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license.
- Possession and continued maintenance of a CPR certificate.
- Possession and continued maintenance of a valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate.
Possession by end of 12-month probationary period:
- Rescue Watercraft (RWC) course completion issued by approved certifying agency such as an USLA certified Lifeguard Agency or equivalent as approved by the City of Santa Cruz.
- Aquatic Rescue Response Team (ARRT) Certification as administered by the City of Santa Cruz.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Willingness to work weekends, holidays and irregular schedules, and perform call-back work as required.
- Willingness to wear a uniform.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Uncorrected vision of 20/40 or better in one eye and 20/100 in the other, or corrected to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in the other. Ability to distinguish colors, recognize smoke, skin signs and identify victims in rescue situations
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- The ability to communicate orally in Spanish.
- Two years of supervisory experience.
- Ability to attain SCUBA and Swift Water Rescue certification.
