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Open: December 17, 2025 — Closes: March 31, 2026
Summary
This is an open continuous announcement, in which applications are collected over several months, and have multiple cut-off dates. Applications received by the initial cutoff date will be considered first. **INITIAL CUT OFF IS Thursday, January 8, 2026** Applications will be considered throughout the open period of the announcement however additional referral certificates will only be issued when a hiring official exhausts current certificate and/or additional vacancies need to be filled.
Major Duties
These positions are either located in the Maryland district or Virginia district. The primary goals of the lifeguard operation are to prevent drowning within the designated lifeguard area, to provide appropriate medical care for ill and injured visitors and to respond appropriately to incidents outside of the lifeguard area. These positions serve as Surf Lifeguards at one of two protected beach units. The purpose of the position is to provide protection for visitors and the resources. The GS-3 Recreation Aid (Surf Lifeguard-in-Training) is a training and support role, focused on learning and assisting. The GS-4 Recreation Assistant (Surf Lifeguard) is a fully operational role, with independent responsibilities in safety enforcement, emergency response, and public education. Major Duties GS-3 Training and Development: Receives over 100 hours of pre-season and daily in-service training in EMS, surf lifeguard skills, physical fitness, and safety procedures to prepare for lifeguard responsibilities. Emergency Response Support: Learns to perform ocean rescues, provide emergency medical care, and assist in search and rescue operations under supervision, including operating ATVs for emergency response. Visitor Safety and Education: Trains to supervise beach visitors, enforce safety rules, and educate the public on surf hazards, park regulations, and wildlife interaction through direct contact and presentations. Environmental and Equipment Monitoring: Assists in inspecting beach areas for hazards, correcting or reporting deficiencies, and maintaining assigned safety and rescue equipment. Documentation and Reporting: Learns to complete lost-and-found reports, incident records, and daily operational logs in accordance with federal and agency guidelines. Major Duties GS-4 Visitor Safety and Enforcement: Supervises beach visitors using safety controls (e.g., signage, flag systems, enforcement actions) and provides education on park rules, surf hazards, and wildlife interaction. Emergency Response: Performs ocean rescues, provides emergency medical care, participates in search and rescue operations, and operates off-road vehicles (ATVs) for rapid response. Environmental Monitoring: Inspects beach areas for safety and environmental concerns, makes corrections when possible, and reports unresolved issues to appropriate personnel. Public Communication and Education: Conducts surf condition assessments, posts safety data, and delivers interpretive presentations to educate the public on surf safety and park policies. Equipment and Documentation: Maintains rescue and safety equipment, completes lost-and-found and incident reports, and ensures accurate data entry on daily logs and signage. Physical Demands: The duties affiliated with this position are considered rigorous; as such, the incumbent will be required to meet prescribed medical standards prior to employment in accordance with RM-57. The work requires daily strenuous physical exertion including running 1⁄2 mile or more with heavy rescue equipment, swimming long distances against currents and strong surf with heavy victims in tow and lifting and carrying heavy persons through large breaking waves. The incumbent will be using various rescue devices such as rescue fins, rescue kayaks and rescue paddleboards in the ocean surf zone environment where they may be paddling, swimming and kayaking long distances through large breaking waves to execute effective rescues. The employee is required to exhibit an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye or a best corrected (contact lenses or spectacles) visual acuity of 20/20 or better. The work of the employee regularly includes long periods of sitting, standing, and running over uneven terrain. The employee will also be driving ATVs in adverse weather conditions. The duties of the position require daily running and swimming and the employee must meet the prescribed physical requirements as measured by a timed swim of 500 yards in less than 10 minutes and a run of 1.25 miles in 12 minutes or less. Strenuous exertion is required in search and rescue operations. Working Conditions: Most of the work is performed outdoors subject to weather variances such as extreme heat or cold, rainy conditions, high UV indexes, cold water temperatures, large waves, and marine organisms. The employee is frequently exposed to high risk and potentially dangerous situations when involved in emergency response situations requiring the use of a wide range of personal protective gear. Emergency operations will require entry into hazardous environments, exposure to dangerous persons, animals, substances, and potential exposure to infectious diseases. The terrain can be uneven and consists of soft or hard packed sand mixed with seashells and other debris.
