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Beach Safety Manager/Chief Lifeguard
GENERAL PURPOSE
The Beach Safety Manager/Lifeguard Chief serves as the division manager responsible for the oversight and coordination of all open water lifeguard and beach enforcement operations within the City of South Haven. The incumbent is expected to possess advanced knowledge of lifesaving practices in open water environments, emergency response operations, personnel management, public education, and administrative leadership.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Reporting to the Police Chief, this position oversees and manages all services and activities of the South Haven Beach Safety Division.
- Supervises and evaluates the lifeguard staff. This supervisory authority includes responsibility to use independent judgement in each of the following areas: directing employees and assigning tasks to them, motivating and rewarding employees, hiring, discipline including decisions to reprimand, suspend, and discharge, laying off and recalling employees, employee evaluation, and counseling employees. The exercise of this supervisory authority must comply with City policy.
- Directs, organizes, and coordinates open water rescue operations, training programs, public safety initiatives, and beach enforcement activities.
- Oversees administration of the community water safety programs, including, but not limited to school visits/trainings, partnerships with local stakeholders (e.g. Visit South Haven, South Haven Public Schools, short-term rental management companies, local businesses, etc.), and if applicable, a Junior Lifeguard program.
- Assists the Police Chief in preparing and administering the department budget, ensuring efficient use of funds and resources.
- Develops, implements, and enforces policies and procedures to promote safe and professional service delivery.
- Coordinates South Haven Beach Safety Division operations with Fire, Police, EMS, and other local, state, and federal agencies.
- In partnership with the Police Chief, serves as department spokesperson for City committees, public meetings, and community events.
- Works with City/SHAES staff on public communication efforts such as press releases, Nixle alerts, and social media updates.
- Investigates incidents, prepares reports, and ensures compliance with departmental standards.
- Prepares employee work schedules in order to maintain established hours that the beach shall be guarded.
- Coordinates with Purchasing Agent to research and order supplies, equipment, uniforms, etc.
- Maintains operational readiness of rescue equipment, vehicles, and facilities. Coordinates with City of South Haven’s Mechanic and Purchasing Agent to ensure vehicles and their maintenance are properly tracked in the motor pool database.
- Regular and predictable attendance is essential.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Recreation, Emergency Services, or related field preferred. Five years of experience in Public Safety Operations (open water lifeguard operations preferred), including at least one year of supervisory or management experience.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong organizational and time-management skills. Must be detail oriented. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Ability to quickly adapt to changing environments and technology. Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skill. Must possess interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION
Current Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification preferred. Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License required. Must pass the USLA open water swim test (500 meters within 10 minutes). Incident Command System (ICS) 200/300 courses desirable. Boating safety certificates, rescue watercraft certifications, Swiftwater/flood rescue certifications desirable. SCUBA certifications are desirable.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and other motorized rescue equipment legally and safely. Uses radios for communication. Frequent operation of desktop computer, laptops or mobile devices. May be required to use rescue/lifesaving equipment, and/or medical/first aid equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must have physical endurance and strength sufficient for swimming, running, paddling, and performing rescues. Must have the ability to swim in open water while being able to keep another adult afloat. May be required to lift heavy objects up to 150 pounds and operate motorized rescue equipment. Reasonable accommodation will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
The City of South Haven is an Equal Opportunity Employer who places a high value on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of South Haven comprises a diversity of individuals from varying gender identities, racial/ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, abilities, and more. The diversity of our community is one of our key strengths, and the City is committed to continuing to grow our commitment to DEI. Employees are expected to interact with one another and with citizens in a manner that demonstrates respect and appreciation for each person and the diverse groups they identify with.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The City of South Haven is a drug-free workplace. This position will work a mixture of office work and outdoor work. The office environment will include little discomfort due to noise, dirt, dust, and the like. Much of the work is performed in an open water, beach, and outdoor environment with exposure to sun, wind, and changing weather. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
