Beach Rescue Technician: (Temporary/Part-Time)

This position is open until filled. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Beach Rescue Technician performs a variety of routine and complex work in the patrol of the designated Beach area to insure safety of beach visitors. Responds to emergencies as required both in the water and within the assigned patrol area.  Monitors all activities on the beach to enforce beach ordinances and maintain public safety. Other duties as required by supervisory staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Periodically patrols or inspects an assigned area of the beach to monitor for life safety issues on the beach and in the water.
• Responds to reports of swimmers in distress, injured persons, complaints of potential safety code violations.
• Access and utilize emergency rescue equipment.
• Administers emergency medical care, first aid and CPR as required.
• Acts as first responder in an emergency situation on land or in water including extended search and rescue.
• Operates radio equipment for emergency responsive communications.
• Removes hazardous obstacles from water.
• Enforces beach ordinances relating to public safety.
• Abides by all written policies and procedures.
• Maintains a variety of logs and records related to activities.
• Performs litter control activities on the beach to include monitoring litter and calling dispatch when needed.

SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

FISCAL BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

• Responsible for adhering to all City of South Padre Island Purchasing Policies while performing purchasing tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Experience:

• Experience related to EMS, public safety or lifeguarding is preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and experience, equivalency to be determined by the City.

Licenses or Certifications:

• A valid state driver’s license.

Special Requirements:

• Bilingual: Spanish and English preferred.
• Applicants must be sixteen (16) years of age or older.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   

• Strong swimming skills required.
• Skill in operation of the listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to analyze complex situations and problems, and use sound judgment in drawing conclusions and make decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, employees, supervisors and the general public.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry people.
• Ability to work after hours, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to swim five-hundred (500) meters in ten (10) minutes or less.
• Ability to maintain adequate levels of fitness at all times.
• Applicants hired for his position must have the ability to pass the Lifeguard Training Academy as a condition of continued employment during the designated time frame provided by the Beach Patrol supervisor. (Lifeguard Academy: The course consists of 80 hours of training including American Health & Safety Institute Advanced First Aid and HIS Basic Life Support (BLS), tourist relations training and physical training. 

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Basic First Aid equipment, Automatic External Defibrillator (AED); All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), phone, mobile or portable radio, water rescue gear (rescue tube, rescue board, life vest).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. Strong swimming skills are required and necessary to perform this position. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to two-hundred (200) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Work is performed primarily in, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations.  Outdoor (beach) work is required and required to frequently enter the surf and swim/board in all surf conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is moderately loud. 

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.