News Release

National Park Service is Recruiting Lifeguards for Summer 2023

Lifeguards keep a watchful eye on swimmers at Smithfield Beach

NPS Photo

News Release Date: February 10, 2023

Contact: Dustin Gunderson, US Park Ranger, [phone]

Contact: Kathleen Sandt, Public Affairs Officer, [phone]

BUSHKILL, PA- While the calendar says “February” and swimming in the Delaware River is probably not on the minds of most people right now, summer will be here before we know it. National Park Service (NPS) employees at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are busy making plans and hiring staff to get ready for the influx of visitors that will come with the warmer weather, many of whom come to the park to swim at park beaches.

The park is currently recruiting lifeguards and lead lifeguards to staff park beaches during the 2023 summer season. Lifeguards will be stationed at one or more of the park’s three beaches, including Smithfield and Milford Beaches in PA and Turtle Beach in NJ. Up to 12 lifeguards may be hired. 

"We are looking for certified lifeguards who are strong swimmers, have a sense of adventure, and who also love the outdoors and working with people,” according to US Park Ranger Dustin Gunderson who supervises the lifeguard program. “Lifeguards play an important role in improving safety for park visitors and provide a safer alternative to swimming where there are no guards on duty. They are a key part of the park team.” 

Lifeguard duties and responsibilities include water assists and rescues, enforcement of beach regulations, public safety, providing first aid and visitor information, maintaining equipment, participating in trainings, and other day-to-day tasks. Lifeguards follow standard operating procedures, plan and instruct lifeguard skills and EMS training, and maintain emergency equipment. They are also responsible for proper documentation of incidents and completion/submission of operational reports. At the beginning of each shift, lifeguards must perform one hour of physical training, which may include but is not limited to running, swimming, and/or review of lifeguard skills.

Who can apply?Anyone who meets the basic qualifications can apply. Applicants must have lifeguard certification and a CPR/First Aid/AED training certificate. A drug test and physical are required and will be paid for by the park for selected applicants.  Candidate must be in excellent physical condition.  Lifeguards must be available to work from mid-June until the end of August and may be extended depending on budget and staffing levels. “This is a great opportunity for students, retirees, and others to join our team at the NPS,” said Gunderson. “If you meet the qualifications and are looking for a way to earn money this summer that is both challenging and rewarding, we want you to apply.” 

How do I apply? All applications must be submitted through USA Jobs, the federal government hiring website. Applications submitted directly to the park cannot be accepted.  

• For additional information and to apply for a GS-03 Recreation Assistant/Lifeguard position, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/job/700875200 to complete the application and submit application documents. GS-03 Recreation Assistants earn $16.81/hour. 

• For additional information and to apply for a GS-04 Lead Recreation Assistant/Lifeguard position go to https://www.usajobs.gov/job/700881700 to complete the application and submit application documents. GS-04 Lead Recreation Assistants earn $18.87/hour.  

In addition to hourly pay, those selected will also earn sick and annual leave, Sunday premium pay, and holiday pay on federal holidays.

Work on weekends and holidays is required. 

What is the deadline to apply? This is a rolling vacancy announcement. Applicants who meet the qualifications will be forwarded to the hiring official at the park periodically throughout the application period which extends until April 14.  

Where can I find more information? Additional information can be found in the individual job announcements.

• For questions about lifeguarding at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, contact US Park Ranger Dustin Gunderson at [e-mail]. 
• For information on other jobs with the NPS or the federal government visit https://www.usajobs.gov and search by job title, series, agency, grade, department, or location.