Become a Head Lifeguard at America's Historic Military Academy: West Point

If you are a certified safety professional with a passion for leadership and aquatic management, a rewarding opportunity awaits you in the scenic Hudson River Valley. The Department of the Army is seeking a highly skilled Recreation Assistant (Head Lifeguard) NF-02 to join the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team at West Point, New York.

This position is more than just a pool safety job; it is a vital leadership role responsible for protecting, training, and building connections within the military and civilian families serving our nation. Operating under the United States Army Installation Management Command, this role combines hands-on aquatic duties with administrative leadership and community engagement. Let's dive deep into what this position entails, the qualifications you need to succeed, and how to submit a winning application.

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About the Agency: West Point Family and MWR

The United States Military Academy at West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America, boasting a rich history that dates back to the Revolutionary War. Located just 50 miles north of New York City, the installation is home to thousands of active-duty soldiers, military families, and civilian personnel.

At West Point Family and MWR, the mission is simple yet critical: to enhance the quality of life, wellness, and readiness of the entire West Point community. MWR achieves this by delivering top-tier recreational, dining, and educational programs. As a member of the civilian workforce at West Point, you will have access to an incredible array of on-base amenities, including:

• The Eisenhower Hall Theatre, the premier performing arts center of the Hudson Valley.
• An 18-hole Golf Course set against breathtaking scenic backdrops.
• The West Point Ski Slope for winter recreation.
• Modern fitness facilities, libraries, and community parks.

Joining this team means becoming part of a community dedicated to leadership, excellence, and mutual support.

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Job Responsibilities of the Head Lifeguard

As the Head Lifeguard, you will serve as the operational backbone of the West Point MWR Recreational Swim program. You will lead from the front, coordinating staff schedules, ensuring safety compliance, and performing critical maintenance duties.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supervising and Mentoring Staff: Directing daily lifeguard operations, evaluating performance, and ensuring that all guards are executing their duties with vigilance and professionalism.
• Water Safety and Life Guarding: Maintaining active watch over pool guests, responding swiftly to emergencies, and executing water rescues and first aid procedures as required.
• Water Chemistry and Maintenance: Conducting regular water quality checks, adjusting chemical levels, and ensuring that the pool pump rooms remain operational, sanitary, and compliant with safety codes.
• Aquatic Training Programs: Coordinating and conducting swim lessons, aquatic fitness activities, and military water survival training.
• Administrative Reporting: Managing the office functions of the facility, including tracking attendance, preparing equipment status reports, and keeping the facility manager informed of any critical events.

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Requirements and Qualifications

To be considered for this competitive federal role, candidates must meet specific professional standards. Because this is a life-safety position, your resume and uploaded documents must explicitly demonstrate that you meet each of the minimum qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Active Certifications: You must currently hold valid certifications in Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid. These certifications must be active at the time of application and uploaded with your materials.
2. Professional Experience: You must have at least 12 months of lifeguard experience in pool operations, swimming instruction, and pool maintenance.
3. Pool Operator's License: While not required at the time of hire, you must successfully earn a valid pool operator's license within six months of starting the position.
4. Administrative Competence: Experience in handling basic office duties, including draft and final report management, is essential.
5. Interpersonal Excellence: Excellent written and oral communication skills are necessary to interact effectively with military leadership, civilian staff, and the public.

Highly Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants who possess the following additional credentials will be classified as "Highly Preferred" or "Best Qualified" and will be referred to the hiring manager first:

• Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) Certification
• Waterfront Lifeguard Certification

Note: To receive priority consideration, these preferred certifications must be clearly listed on your resume and physical copies must be uploaded to your application package.

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Salary and Position Overview

This position operates under the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) pay-band system, which offers competitive hourly wages and potential premium pay opportunities.

Position Feature	Details
Job Title	Recreation Assistant (Head Lifeguard) NF-02
Pay Range	$20.00 – $22.00 per hour
Location	West Point, New York
Service Category	Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF)
Initial Cut-Off Date	Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Final Closing Date	Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Relocation Expenses	Not Authorized (PCS costs are not paid)
Target Demographics	Open to US and Non-US Citizens within a 75-mile radius

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Benefits of Army NAF Employment

Working as an Army NAF employee provides unique advantages that support both your professional growth and personal well-being. Regular full-time and part-time positions offer:

• Comprehensive Health & Life Insurance: Access to affordable medical, dental, and vision coverages.
• Financial Security: Participation in NAF 401(k) plans with employer matching, alongside traditional retirement pension benefits.
• Generous Paid Leave: Accumulate paid personal time off (PTO) and receive paid federal holidays.
• Amenities & Base Access: Enjoy recreational, retail, and fitness facilities on post that are typically reserved for military personnel.
• Career Development: Take advantage of tuition assistance, leadership seminars, and advanced safety certification programs.

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Application Tips and Resume Best Practices

Applying for a federal job requires a strategic approach. Ensure you follow these guidelines to prevent your application from being filtered out during the screening process:

• The Two-Page Rule: Your resume must be two pages or less. Resumes exceeding this limit will not be fully evaluated, which could disqualify you from consideration.
• Provide Direct Proof: Do not simply list 'Lifeguard' as your job title. Use your resume descriptions to detail your 12 months of experience in water testing, swim instruction, and administrative report writing.
• Watch the File Size: Save your resume and certificates as high-quality PDFs. The maximum file size allowed per document is 5 megabytes (MB).
• Submit Early: Although the position is open until September 30, 2026, the initial cut-off date is April 21, 2026. Applications received before this cut-off will be reviewed and referred to hiring managers immediately.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can non-US citizens apply for this position?

Yes. This vacancy is open to both US Citizens and Non-Citizens, provided they reside within a 75-mile radius of West Point, NY. Eligible military spouses and involuntarily separated military members are also included in the area of consideration.

Q: What certifications do I need to upload when applying?

At a minimum, you must upload your active Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid certifications. If you possess Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) or Waterfront Lifeguard certifications, upload those as well to secure "Highly Preferred" status.

Q: Will I be paid extra for working night or weekend shifts?

Sunday premium pay and night differential pay may be authorized for regularly scheduled employees, subject to the approval of the Garrison Commander.

Q: What happens after I submit my application?

An automated system will screen your questionnaire answers. If qualified, human resources representatives will review your resume to verify your certifications and experience. Qualified applications remain active for 90 days for potential referrals as pool vacancies arise.

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The Recreation Assistant (Head Lifeguard) position at West Point is an exceptional opportunity to combine safety expertise with professional leadership inside a prestigious federal community. By ensuring high safety standards, training swimmers, and managing daily facility operations, you will make a lasting impact on the lives of service members and their families. Gather your certifications, format your professional two-page resume, and submit your application before the initial cut-off date to take the next step in your public service career.