Senior Lifeguard

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Looking for a dynamic front‑line leadership role, the Senior Lifeguard at the University of Auckland leads daily aquatic operations, supervises lifeguards, maintains pool safety and compliance, and supports the Aquatics Team Leader while delivering excellent customer service in a busy recreation centre. This full‑time onsite position requires 3+ years lifeguarding and 3+ years customer service, a Pool Lifeguard Practising Certificate, First Aid qualifications, and the ability to stay calm under pressure; extra points for PLPC, NZ Certificate in Aquatics Level 3, water treatment knowledge, and prior staff supervision. Salary between $61,701 and $71,000 per year, 37.5 hours, weekend shifts. Apply online by Sunday 26 July 2026 with a tailored cover letter and CV that show leadership and safety outcomes; for queries contact Christina Longmuir.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Lifeguard to help lead the delivery of high‑quality aquatic operations within our state‑of‑the‑art Recreation Centre. As a Senior Lifeguard, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all patrons using our pool facilities, while supporting the Aquatics Team Leader to maintain a safe, fun, and engaging aquatic environment

In this position, you will provide day‑to‑day leadership to lifeguards, oversee pool safety and surveillance, and contribute to the smooth operation of aquatic programmes and facilities. You will also respond to aquatic emergencies, enforce pool rules, and support operational tasks such as water testing, plant room functions, and equipment maintenance.

The main responsibilities of this role include:

• General lifeguard duties, including pool supervision
• Supporting the day-to-day leadership of the team
• Providing exceptional customer service
• Operational tasks such as pool water testing and monitoring
• Ensuring pool safety and H&S standards are met

This is a full time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position.

Shifts: Sunday 6:30am-2:30pm, Monday 5:30am-1:30pm, Tues- Thurs 1:30pm- 9:30pm

The salary range for this role is $61,701 to $71,000 per annum, pro-rated for part time, depending on skills and experience.

A full description of your duties and the role are provided in the position description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will be a confident and capable aquatic professional who brings strong situational awareness, sound judgement, and a commitment to patron safety. Your ability to lead by example, support the development of others, and maintain a positive team culture will be key in this role. You will have the skills to remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and provide exceptional customer service to patrons and colleagues alike.

This is a dynamic, high-visibility role where your self-awareness and attention to detail are key to protecting our patrons.

Essential skills and experience:

• Pool Lifeguard Practising Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• First Aid qualification (units 6400, 6401, 6402).
• 3+ years’ lifeguarding experience and 3+ years’ customer service experience.
• Strong swimming ability and proficiency in lifeguarding techniques.
• Excellent observation, decision‑making, and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills; reliable and responsible.

Preferred skills and experience:

• Current PLPC; NZ Certificate in Aquatics Level 3 (Pool Lifeguard Strand).
• Training in water treatment (unit 20046) and chemical handling.
• Understanding of tertiary or similar operational environments.
• Knowledge of aquatic safety standards and facility operations.
• Experience supervising staff, overseeing shift activity, and supporting safe programme delivery.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings and weekends.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, guided by a commitment to excellence and service to our communities. With more than 6,000 academic and professional staff, we support a diverse community of over 47,000 students.

Guided by our values, we work collaboratively to advance knowledge, foster equity and inclusion, and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s social, cultural, and economic well-being.

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards excellence with a range of staff benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave.
• Discounted public Transport for permanent and long term fixed term staff
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver, matching up to 6.75%.
• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home and flexible hours.
• Leading, and inclusive parental leave provisions.
• Career development opportunities and a range of benefits, including discounted insurance, memberships, and on‑site amenities.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of Sunday, 26 July 2026, to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting how you meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

For any queries, please contact Christina Longmuir (Aquatic Team Leader) via [email protected].

 Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

#LI-DNI

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz