There are no tryouts for 2024 

Reports To: Fire Captain assigned to Marine Safety Division
Designation: Seasonal Temporary Position
Salary Range: On duty stipend-$125 per shift - $20.4734/hr- $24.8856/hr. per hour for training and emergency response.
Final Filing Date: (CLOSED) Drop Job Application at Fire Admin(230 Walnut Ave) or Lifeguard Headquarters(1 Municipal Wharf)
Physical Agility Test: 
Interview Date:
Training Dates: 

Basic Function:

Under the direction of the Fire Captain assigned to Marine Safety Division the marine rescue unit team member when on-call, will be available to respond to and perform ocean-related aquatic rescues within the City limits of Santa Cruz. This unit provides 24-hour response to ocean related emergencies and rescues throughout the year. While on duty employees are required to remain within a 10min response zone to the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf from 7am – 7pm. From 7pm to the following 7am, employees are required to live within the Santa Cruz City limits.  Prior ocean lifeguarding experience is highly desirable.  If authorized by a Fire Department Battalion Chief, the team member may also be called upon to render mutual aid to other local public safety agencies.

Primary Duties:

• Be on-call for a minimum number of 24 hour shifts per month.
• Respond in private vehicle to command center or rescue scene when requested.
• Make ocean and other in-water rescues when possible and without subjecting oneself to unreasonable personal danger.
• Maintain communication with other responding agencies and units.
• Make discretionary decisions as to method of rescue techniques and equipment needed.
• Apply first aid including cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Write reports and keeps logs.
• Maintain and take proper care of radio, pager, and other City issued equipment.
• Maintain proper physical condition and a professional and courteous relationship with the public.   

Minimum Qualifications:

• Maintain excellent health.
• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Vision 20/30 corrected.
• EMT certification is highly desirable.
• Valid California Driver's License.
• A safe driving record as determined by the City's Personnel Department.
• Safe method of transportation to respond to rescue calls.
• The physical ability to meet and maintain a 1000m ocean swim time of under 20 minutes.
• Complete an oral interview.
• Successfully complete minimum initial training and orientation.
• Must live within a 10 minute response time to the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.
• Meet or exceed First Aid and C.P.R. for the Professional Rescuer Certification.
• Maintain valid certifications as required for employment.
• Attend three hours of Marine Rescue training each month.
• Proof of negative tuberculosis test or clear chest X-ray must be presented within 14 days of hire - No exceptions.

Desirable Qualification:

• Title 22 Certification 

Knowledge Of:

• Rules and regulations of the Department, lifeguard service and the Marine Rescue service.
• Advanced knowledge of ocean hazards and conditions.
• Principles and practices of modern lifesaving methods, objectives and techniques.
• First aid practices including specialized ocean rescue first aid practices.
• Basic knowledge of Incident Command System.  

Ability To:

• Maintain outstanding physical condition and participate in all mandatory training and drills.
• Swim, paddle or operate boats in adverse weather, ocean and other water conditions for extended periods of time.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and accept constructive criticism from supervisors.
• Adopt an effective course of action in an extreme emergency situation.

Selection Procedure:

A City application is required. Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience or skills relevant to this position. Applications are accepted on a continual basis and may be obtained at Fire Administration located at 230 Walnut Avenue or click here for a job application. (Note: The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Chief of the Fire Department.) Completed applications may be turned in or mailed to the Santa Cruz City Fire Department, attention Marine Safety Division. Applications must provide a copy of required CPR/First Aid Certificates. Applicants with a corrective lens restriction must also include a physician's note (within the last 30 days) to verify their current vision. Those candidates who most closely meet the requirements of the position will be invited to an oral interview when positions become available.  

Oral Interview: TBD following the swim.

Marine Rescue Training:

If hired you will be required to provide proof of Safe Driving Record: 
If hired applicant will be required to provide a copy of their DMV driving record(not more than one-month old). This can be obtained at the Department of Motor Vehicles, 4200 Capitola Road, Capitola or 90 Alta Vista Avenue, Watsonville, (800) 777-0133. DMV charges a fee for this service.