"Senior Lifeguard"

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.

The salary range for this role is $56,400 to $65,000, 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. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 41,000 students making us one of NZ’s largest employers.

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards hard work with a range of excellent benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave.
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver matching up to 6.75%
• Inclusive parental leave options.
• Career development programmes and discounted on-site amenities.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 4 February 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 Jack Simkin via jack.simkin@auckland.ac.nz. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.