Become a Lead Recreation Assistant: Your Path to a Career at Fort Wainwright

Are you a certified lifeguard looking to advance your career in a leadership role? The U.S. Army Installation Management Command is currently hiring a Lead Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard) to serve at the aquatic facilities at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. This is an exceptional opportunity for professionals who prioritize safety and enjoy guiding teams in a fast-paced environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Recreation Assistant, you will do much more than watch the water. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Safety Operations: Providing constant surveillance of the pool area to prevent accidents and performing rescues when necessary.
Facility Management: Overseeing water chemistry, maintaining filtration systems, and ensuring the facility meets all health and safety regulations.
Team Leadership: Providing guidance, distributing workloads, and ensuring all staff remain productive and informed.
Administrative Oversight: Maintaining accurate records and providing leadership during facility operational hours.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in aquatic safety and leadership. Required documents must be submitted with your application:

Certifications: Current Lifeguarding, First Aid, and Professional Rescuer CPR/AED certifications.
Instructor Rating: At least one of the following: LGTI, WSI, AEA, or Adapted Aquatic Instructor authorization.
Experience: Candidates must show relevant experience in their resume.

Quick Qualification Comparison

Requirement	Status
Lifeguard Cert	Required
CPR/AED Cert	Required
Instructor Rating	Required
Resume Length	2 Pages Max

Salary Overview

The salary for this position is set between $19.00 and $24.00 per hour, depending on qualifications. Additionally, this position may be eligible for a recruitment or retention incentive of up to 25%, pending a service agreement.

Benefits

Army NAF employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Wellness: Access to on-base fitness and recreational facilities.
Financial: Potential for retirement 401(k) plans and competitive pay rates.
Growth: Continuous training, professional development, and certification opportunities.
Work-Life Balance: Access to paid personal time off and federal holidays for eligible staff.

Application Tips

Focus Your Resume: Federal resumes must be two pages or less. Use this space to highlight your leadership successes and aquatic expertise.
Check Your Documents: Ensure every certification listed on your resume is attached as a digital copy to your application.
Use the Online Portal: The USA Staffing electronic application is the preferred method for submission to ensure your materials are received promptly.

If you have the skills to lead and the certifications to keep our military families safe in the water, we want to hear from you. Take the next step in your career at Fort Wainwright and contribute to an essential community mission. Apply by August 13, 2026, to ensure your application is reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the application deadline? A: The deadline for submission is August 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Q: Is relocation assistance offered? A: No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this position.

Q: Can I apply if I don't have an instructor rating? A: No, having at least one of the listed instructor ratings is a mandatory requirement for this role.

Why This Lead Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard) Nf-02 Job Matters

Dive into a rewarding career at Fort Wainwright! We are seeking a dedicated Lead Recreation Assistant to ensure safety and excellence at our aquatic facilities.

Lead Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard) Nf-02 Job Overview

Join the USAG Alaska FMWR Aquatics team as a Lead Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard). In this vital role, you will perform essential lifeguarding duties while assisting with the management of pool operations, water chemistry, and safety oversight. This position offers the chance to lead and mentor team members while ensuring the highest standards of safety for our military community and their families.

Requirements for Lead Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard) Nf-02

Must be able to provide proof of current Lifeguarding and First Aid certifications (American Red Cross or equivalent).
Must possess valid CPR for the Professional Rescuer/AED certification.
Must hold at least one instructor rating such as American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGTI), Water Safety Instructor (WSI), or Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) certification.
Submission of a professional, legible resume (maximum two pages).
Must meet suitability and fitness requirements for a non-critical sensitive position.

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard) Nf-02

Prior leadership or supervisory experience in an aquatic environment.
Strong proficiency in water chemistry and pool filtration maintenance.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate staff workloads and provide operational guidance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Access to on-base amenities including fitness centers and libraries.
✓Professional development and certification training programs.
✓Competitive hourly pay with potential for night/Sunday differential pay.
✓Eligibility for 401(k) retirement plans.
✓Potential for recruitment or retention bonuses up to 25%.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options for qualifying employees.

💡 How to Apply Lead Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard) Nf-02 Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Lead Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard) Nf-02 Job

Review your resume to ensure it is two pages or less.
Gather your required certification documents.
Log into or create your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload your resume, certifications, and any applicable preference documentation (e.g., DD-214, marriage license).
Submit your application package by the closing date of August 13, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Save your resume as a PDF file to ensure formatting remains intact during the upload process.
Include contact information for professional references directly on your resume.
Double-check that all required certifications are attached; missing documents will result in an ineligible rating.
Monitor your email for status updates throughout the hiring cycle.
Sign up for text alerts within your USAJOBS profile to receive real-time updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there recruitment incentives available for this position?

Yes, a recruitment or retention incentive of up to 25% may be authorized for qualified individuals, subject to a signed service agreement.

What is the maximum length allowed for my resume?

Federal regulations require that your resume be two pages or less. Resumes exceeding this limit may not be considered.

Do I need to submit my certifications at the time of application?

Yes, copies of your Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and Instructor certifications must be included with your application to be considered qualified.

Job from United States Army Installation Management Command

The USAG Alaska FMWR (Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) Aquatics program is dedicated to providing high-quality fitness and recreational services to military personnel, civilian employees, and their families. Working for Army Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) allows you to support the Department of Defense mission while working in a supportive community that values professional growth and development.