Recreation Assistant (Surf-Lifeguard)

This is an open continuous vacancy announcement. Applicants will be referred periodically throughout the announcement period.

Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period stated in the announcement. The first cut-off date is 11:59 pm (ET), February 16, 2024.Temporary positions not-to-exceed 1039 hours in a service year may be terminated/extended based on management needs. The typical season is end of April to end of September, but can vary due to weather, project needs, or funding.

Maintain vigilant surveillance of the activities of park visitors who are not only recreating in the ocean, but also at the water's edge. Maintain oneself, and also one's equipment, in a state of constant readiness, to be able to respond-very literally at a moment's notice-to life-threatening, on-the-job emergencies.

Use surf-lifeguarding techniques that focus first and foremost on incident prevention rather than on incident intervention. Monitor weather, tide, ocean current, and related conditions that may not only affect the safety of those recreating in the ocean, but also at the water's edge. Warn park visitors about actions or conditions that are unsafe both in the ocean and on the beach.

Rescue, alone or with others, swimmers in distress or in danger of drowning using a rescue-flotation device, rescue board, ocean kayak, surfboat, or motorized craft. Provide urgent first-aid care, including basic life support and CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation), and the use of oxygen and automated external defibrillator (AED) equipment.

You must be able to pass the surf-lifeguard test. Candidates must pass all parts of the test - includes the following:

Swim 550 yards continuously in less than 10 minutes using a swimming stroke performed on the front only; and Run 1.25 miles continuously in less than 12 minutes. All applicants will be tested upon entry on duty.All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-06/04/2024-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.

You must be able to pass the surf-lifeguard test. Candidates must pass all parts of the test - includes the following:

Swim 550 yards continuously in less than 10 minutes using a swimming stroke performed on the front only; and Run 1.25 miles continuously in less than 12 minutes. All applicants will be tested upon entry on duty. Pre-employment physical examination will be required prior to entry on duty at applicant's expense. Current valid nationally recognized CPR/AED course-completion certificate required prior to enter on duty.

To qualify for this position at the GS-04 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

EXPERIENCE: At least six months of general experience AND six months of specialized experience.

General experience is any type of work that demonstrates the applicants ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject areas of the occupation. Examples include working as a lifeguard at the YMCA, counselor at a summer camp, work as a leader with Boy Scout/Girl Scout clubs. Specialized experience is experience which is in the occupation of the position to be filled, in a related occupation, or in one of the specialized areas within that occupation, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression of the occupation in the organization. Some examples of specialized experience are a) aid or assistant in the issuance of authorized property, and in the maintenance of inventory control and accountability for such property in a recreation facility; b) aid or assistant in a hotel or resort recreation service, with duties such as setting up areas for games, tournaments, and other organized group recreational activities; c) aid or assistant in the organization and administration of recreation activities, such as preparing calendars, maintaining attendance records, and providing information concerning schedules and activities; d)summer aid in a State or national park, with duties related to the recreational activities of visitors to campsites, trails, picnic areas, nature and raft centers, and boating and fishing areas (e.g. demonstrating camping techniques and park safety, conducting nature tours, and overseeing farm animal areas provided for children).OR-

EDUCATION: Successful completion of 2 years of study above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to recreation (e.g., basic psychology, group dynamics, physical education, arts and crafts, etc.). You must include transcripts.-

OR-Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.