Lifeguard and Aquatics Operations Assistant

Student and Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellbeing, connection and belonging, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

Cornell University is an NCAA Division I institution and a member of the Ivy League. The university fields teams in 37 intercollegiate sports and provides a comprehensive physical education program. The university is committed to excellence in academics and athletics, gender equity and diversity in its programs, and a well-balanced, broad-based intercollegiate athletics program. Athletics and Physical Education offers a diverse program of physical and outdoor education, recreational services, intramural sports and intercollegiate athletic competition, plus Wellness programs for faculty and staff, fitness centers and fitness classes for the entire Cornell community.

Cornell Recreational Services offers a wide variety of fitness, wellness, sports and open recreation activities for Cornell students, staff, faculty, retirees and their spouses/partners. Through our broad-based programs, we try to promote a healthy and holistic lifestyle throughout the campus community.

The Lifeguard and Aquatics Operations Assistant is responsible for the supervision of pool patrons during assigned times to open swimming, Physical Education and Outdoor Education courses, wellness and fitness courses, physical therapy, and intercollegiate swimming and diving practices. This position is key to respond to emergency situations, which include administration of First Aid, CPR, Automatic External Defibrillation (AED), and recognize and take actions when more advanced care and emergency care needs to be summoned. This position is responsible for opening, supervising and securing swimming pool areas before, during and after swimming periods and assisting Director of Aquatics in scheduling, supervising and training student lifeguards. In addition, this position also teaches PE Swimming classes and provides tutoring service on swimming.

Success Factors:

• Strong and independent work ethic, with a resolve to be approachable, accessible and responsive to the multiple individuals and groups with which they interact daily.
• Ability to work in a constructive and collaborative manner with a variety of individuals and groups is essential.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in navigating the various scheduling and management responsibilities.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma and at least 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer and AED Provider Certificate (requires yearly re-certification).
• American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certificate.
• Prior swim instruction experience.
• 1 year lifeguarding experience at a large pool/waterfront setting.
• Basic computer skills of electronic mail, Microsoft Office, Google Drive.
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor.
• American Red Cross CPR/AED Instructor.
• NYS Basic Emergency Medical Technician Certification (requires recertification every three years).
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and/or experience teaching beginning swimming skills to adults.

University Job Title:

Lifeguard

Job Family:

Health

Level:

C

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$24.30 - $26.79

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Bri Muscente

Contact Email:

bmm249@cornell.edu

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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2026-06-02