Lifeguard (Certification Course Provided) - Beach/Open Water (Recreation/Aquatics)/Seasonal Employme

Job Description Job Description Chautauqua Institution offers two public beaches and two public waterfronts. Select waterfront areas provide lifeguards; swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty. These beaches are open daily, noon–6 p.m. (weather, staffing, and water conditions permitting) from June 21 - August 24. About Your Compensation Compensation for this position starts at $17.50/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $21.00/Hour. Free access to Turner Fitness Facilities included while active. About Lifeguard Certification New York's Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation will host a Lifeguard Certification Course at Chautauqua Institution's Health & Fitness Center in Turner Community Center in Chautauqua, New York. This course will provide candidates interested in obtaining their lifeguard, waterfront lifeguard, first aid, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Chautauqua Institution invites any candidate interested in obtaining employment as a lifeguard and who is provided a contingent offer of employment to enroll in this course. The cost is $175 due May 28 after passing the pre-requisite test. Chautauqua will reimburse the $175 cost for candidates who successfully complete the course, are certified, and begin employment with Chautauqua Institution. Candidate attendance is mandatory on the following dates for Summer 2025: Wednesday, May 28 (4 pm - 8 pm), Friday, May 30 (4 pm - 8 pm), Saturday, May 31 (8 am - 1 pm), Sunday, June 1 (8 am - 1 pm), Tuesday, June 3 (4 pm - 8 pm), Thursday, June 5 (4 pm - 8 pm), Friday, June 6 (4 pm - 8 pm), Sunday, June 8 (9 am - 3:30 pm). (Waterfront only-Location Change) Candidates must be a minimum of 15 years old to participate in the course and, to certify, must pass a swimming prerequisite. Candidates will be required to pass a pre-requisite water test (goggles permitted) that includes swimming (350 yards) with a front crawl or breaststroke, treading water (2 minutes) with legs only, and continuing to swim another 200 yards. Candidates must also complete a timed event in 1 minute 40 seconds by diving to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, surfacing, swimming on their back while holding the object (20 yards), and then exiting the water without ladders or steps. Candidates will finally complete an underwater event by swimming 5 yards, submerging/swimming underwater to retrieve dive rings 5 yards apart in 4-7 feet of water and then returning to the surface to swim another 5 yards. If you are unable to attend the course at Chautauqua but complete a qualifying certification course elsewhere that better fits your schedule, you may be eligible for reimbursement of course fees upon hire. For additional information or to register for the Lifeguard Certification Course, please contact Terri Crandall, Assistant Manager, Health & Fitness Center, at Chautauqua Institution at (716) 357-6456 or TCrandall@CHQ.org . About Your Work Day Ensure the safety of the public by monitoring swim and beach area activity, preventing accidents and enforcing related rules and regulations. Greet and engage with patrons in a professional manner. Includes answer questions and administering deep-end test. Opening and closing the swim and beach area, including inspecting conditions and safety equipment. Identify, report, and address any safety issues. Know/review all emergency procedures; responds to emergency situations in accordance with policies and procedures. Maintain accurate and timely waterfront-related documentation. Maintain a clean and safe swim and beach area environment. Includes the removal of seaweed and debris. About the Referral Program Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August. About Your Schedule Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August. Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability. Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement. While you will confirm your final schedule with management at the time of an interview and offer of employment, you should generally anticipate the following schedule options for this position: Typically, will work a six-hour shift with a start time that varies between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., for a total of 24-36 hours per week. Must be able to work one weekend shift each week. About Living on the Grounds Chautauqua Institution may provide limited housing options on our grounds or assist you with locating nearby housing arrangements for select opportunities based on business needs. Housing is not an option for many positions and may be of a cost to you. Candidates should assume there are no employer-provided or employer-assisted housing options available for this position unless it is otherwise stated. About Chautauqua Institution Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conferencing, and events organization. The Institution’s office in Washington, DC is located strategically for an ongoing role in the cultural conversations of the nation. Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater. Our Commitment to IDEA Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward. One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal-opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA. Joining Our Talent Community Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment. You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.

Location: Chautauqua, New York, US

Posted Date: 7/11/2025