Recreation Assistant Lifeguard
Department of the Navy
Summary
This position is assigned to the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Fitness, Sports, and Deployed Support Branch; Fleet Readiness; Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). Incumbent provides lifeguard duties; is responsible for safeguarding the lives of persons at the assigned work area; assists with Aquatic training, education, and general support at the installation. MWR Great Lakes, IL.
Duties
Pool and/or Waterfront Lifeguard duties comprise 60% of incumbent’s time and include but are not limited to:
- Performs all pool and/or waterfront lifeguard responsibilities (e.g., supervising swimmers/patrons and their activities, monitoring all natural water activities, applying first aid, enforcing safety rules, reporting safety hazards to supervisor, performing water rescues as necessary, etc.).
- Observes conditions of area assigned (e.g., possible hazards, water/chemical conditions, wind and weather, etc.) to ensure a safe environment, removing hazardous materials when necessary (e.g. floating debris, glass, etc.).
- Performs rescue work, promptly renders cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or emergency first aid. and calls for medical assistance as necessary.
- Conducts and documents pool chemical testing results.
- Checks chlorine and pH levels on a scheduled basis; notifies Certified Pool Operator or supervisor of chemical imbalances; adjusts chemicals as directed.
- Documents marine life, water conditions and weather conditions.
- Marks swim and surf areas with a flag system.
- (Waterfront Only) Operates rescue vehicles (e.g., personal watercraft (PWC) rescue craft, patrol boats, automobiles, etc.), as needed.
- (Waterfront Only) General duties comprise 40% of incumbent’s time and include but are not limited to: Administers aquatic assessment testing and certification in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD).
- Department of the Navy (DON) and CNIC policy.
- Provides introductory equipment orientations, as needed.
- Checks identification cards for authorized patrons and collects usage fees, if applicable.
- Serves as the primary liaison between the activity, security, medical departments, and Aquatics Coordinator during emergency situations.
- Performs cleaning duties (e.g., basic janitorial services, vacuuming, skimming, etc.) and routine facility-maintenance as assigned by Aquatics Coordinator.
- Inspects stands, boards, ropes, safety gear and condition of the dressing rooms, ensuring they are within the condition required by environmental health standards.
- Informs supervisor of deficiencies.
- Uses and maintains care of emergency equipment (e.g., specialized kits and bags, backboards, suction devices, splints, stretchers, monitoring equipment, etc.).
- Enforces applicable policies and procedures of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) regarding the use of Aquatic facilities and waterfront operations.
- Prepares accident/incident reports during emergency situations.
- Notifies management of all emergencies immediately.
- Works with hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning agents, pool chemicals, etc.).
Education
This position does not have a positive education requirement
How You Will Be Evaluated
All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement, and will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine the level of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of KSAs will be used for each resume. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.
Required Documents
The following documents are required at the time of application:
- Resume
- Proof of education/training/licensure: provide a copy of your awarded/conferred college transcript(s) and licensure as applicable
- If claiming Department of Defense (DOD) Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Business Based Action (BBA) priority consideration: provide a copy of the notice of separation
- If claiming Military Spouse Preference: provide a copy of the sponsor’s Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and a marriage certificate at the time of application
- If claiming Veteran’s Preference: provide a copy of your DD-214, Member-4 page and any supporting documentation (SF-15, V.A. disability letter, proof of service, etc.)
- If a current or former Federal Employee: provide a copy of your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50
- NOTE: Failure to provide the required documents may impact eligibility, qualifications determination.
- Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to access CNRMA Installations.
- This applies to everyone, including the following: but not all inclusive: Vendors Dependents aged 18 and older Service Providers Veterans with service-connected disabilities Contractors Visitors (includes visitors in same vehicle with CAC holder) Transportation services (taxi, limo, ride share) Agent, Assist, Aid, Care Giver Letters Au Pairs, Child Care Providers What are acceptable alternative forms of identification for base access?
- If you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, you can use one of the following: U.S. passport or passport card Military ID card (Common Access Card or CAC, DoD retired ID card) Permanent resident card (Green Card) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) Other forms of identification accepted by the Department of Homeland Security How can I obtain a REAL ID-compliant license?
- To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you’ll need to visit your state’s driver’s license agency with the following documents: Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport) Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card) Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bills, bank statements)
About this role
The Recreation Assistant Lifeguard position with the Department of the Navy is based in Great Lakes, Illinois. This position is assigned to the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Fitness, Sports, and Deployed Support Branch; Fleet Readiness; Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). The role pays $19.00 per hour.
Day to day, the work involves observes conditions of area assigned (e.g., possible hazards, water/chemical conditions, wind and weather, etc.) to ensure a safe environment, removing hazardous materials when necessary (e.g. floating debris, glass, etc.). The full list of duties, conditions, and required documents appears in the official announcement linked on this page.
Who should apply
Review the announcement's Qualifications section closely, since it defines exactly what federal recreation services experience this Recreation Assistant Lifeguard position requires. Match your federal resume directly to the announcement's wording so a reviewer can confirm each requirement in writing. For this Recreation Assistant Lifeguard position with the Department of the Navy in Great Lakes, Illinois, confirm you meet each requirement before applying.
How competitive it is
The posted pay of $19.00 per hour places this in a competitive but attainable range for qualified applicants. As an entry or assistant-level position, it is a realistic starting point, and gaining federal status here can open doors to higher-graded roles later. Based in Great Lakes, Illinois, it competes within that local market, which can mean lighter competition than major metropolitan postings. The announcement closes on June 25, 2026, and federal postings can close early once enough applications arrive, so applying promptly is wise.
This overview is general guidance from Job Army to help you understand the role. Always read the official announcement for exact duties, qualifications, and requirements before applying.