Seasonal Surf Lifeguard

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-05/19/2026-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 qualified specialized experience. To qualify for this position at the GS-03 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: EXPERIENCE: At least six (6) months of general experience. General Experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Examples of general experience may include: Performing basic manual or clerical tasks in a recreational, hospitality, or service setting. Assisting with routine setup or cleanup of facilities, equipment, or event spaces. Providing basic information or directions to the public or visitors. Observing or shadowing others in a support role without independent responsibility. Performing entry-level tasks that require following instructions and working under close supervision. -OR- EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one year above high school with some course work related to the position such as physical education or recreation. -OR- COMBINATION of Experience and Education: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. 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: 6 months of general experience AND 6 months of specialized experience. General Experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. See examples of general experience above. 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 (KSA's) to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Group leader, counselor, or similar work in public and private recreation programs for adults or children such as summer camps, local playgrounds, YWCA and YMCA clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, urban community centers, or resort recreational activities. Teacher's aid in elementary school recreation or physical education program, with emphasis on development of general recreational skills and abilities. Aid or assistant assignments in recreation while on active military service. Aid or assistant in the organization and administration of recreation activities, such as preparing activities calendars, maintaining attendance records, and providing information concerning schedules and activities. 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). Sales or stock clerk in a recreation supplies and equipment shop. 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. 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. -OR- EDUCATION: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to recreation (e.g., basic psychology, group dynamics, physical education, arts and crafts, etc.). -OR- COMBINATION of Experience and Education: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. SELECTIVE FACTORS - GS-5 level ONLY OCEAN LIFEGUARDING: These positions are responsible for training staff in ocean/surf lifeguard skills. At least 90 days of experience working as an ocean lifeguard is required. Candidates who do not show they meet this requirement in their application documents will receive no further consideration for this position. - AND - CERTIFICATIONS: Due to the critical nature of these positions and the impact on visitor health and safety, current and valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic First Aid Certifications (or higher Emergency Medical Responder certification) are required. Candidates who do not show they meet this requirement in their application documents will receive no further consideration for this position. -AND- To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Leading lifeguard operations during supervisor absences, including assigning tasks and ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Conducting ocean surf rescues and providing emergency medical care at the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) level or higher. Operating off-road vehicles (ATVs) for emergency response and patrol duties. Training lifeguard staff in personal safety, equipment use, EMS procedures, and surf rescue techniques. Coordinating search and rescue operations, including handling missing persons cases. Monitoring beach safety, enforcing regulations, and using signage and flag systems to manage public behavior. -OR- EDUCATION: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in courses related to recreation or physical education. You must include transcripts. -OR- COMBINATION Education and Experience: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. For GS-5 level positions, only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to 1 year of specialized experience. 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. Assateague's Surf Lifeguard roles support visitor safety through surveillance, ocean rescues, EMS response, public education, and resource protection. Duties progress from training-focused tasks to full lifeguard responsibilities. The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period is May through September but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty May 31, 2026.