Summary
This is a seasonal position that will last from June 2026 to September 2026. This position is located at the Fitness Division, Aquatics Branch of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department, Naval Support Activity, Panama City. The primary purpose of this position is to perform lifeguard duties which involve the safeguarding of the lives of patrons of the indoor or outdoor pool located at NSA Panama City.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
This position is open to applicants currently located in the local commuting area. Commuting area is considered within 50 miles of 32407. Preference will be given to qualified Military Spouses relocating under PCS orders.
Duties
In order to qualify for this position, resumes must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the position. Applicant resumes are the key means for evaluating skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position therefore, applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing experience.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
AT THE NF-0189-01 LEVEL:
The incumbent will be subject to closer supervision. The supervisor, lead, or Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard) provide significantly more instruction, training, and guidance for assignments, planning and carrying out assignments, and choosing provisions of applicable guidelines or regulations. Work is closely checked by the supervisor, lead or Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard) for satisfactory fulfillment of instructions. Incumbent will have limited latitude to make independent decisions, as procedures require strict adherence to guidelines and precise attention to detail. Deviations or proposals for changes to procedures require supervisory approval. Guidance will become progressively more general as the incumbent approaches the full performance level. *Upon successful completion of all requirements associated with the NF-01 level, the incumbent may be non-competitively promoted to the NF-02 level.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
AT THE NF-0189-02 LEVEL:
Pool and/or Waterfront Lifeguard duties comprise 60% of incumbent's time and include but are not limited to:
- Performs all pool and/or waterfront lifeguard responsibilities (e.g., supervising swimmers/patrons and their activities, monitoring all natural water activities, applying first aid, enforcing safety rules, reporting safety hazards, to supervisor, performing water rescues as necessary, etc.).
- Observes conditions of area assigned to ensure a safe environment, removing hazardous materials when necessary.
- Performs rescue work, promptly renders cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or emergency first aid, and calls for medical assistance as necessary.
- Conducts and documents pool chemical testing results. Checks chlorine and pH levels on a scheduled basis; notifies Certified Pool Operator or supervisor of chemical imbalances; adjusts chemicals as directed.
General duties comprise 40% of incumbent's time and include but are not limit to:
- Administers aquatic assessment testing and certification in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD), Department of the Navy (DON) and CNIC policy.
- Provides introductory equipment orientations, as needed.
- Checks identification cards for authorized patrons and collects usage fees, if applicable.
- Serves as the primary liaison between the activity, security, medical departments, and Aquatics Coordinator during emergency situations.
- Performs cleaning duties and routine facility maintenance as assigned by the Aquatics Coordinator.
- Uses and maintains care of emergency equipment (e.g., specialized kits and bags, backboards, suction devices, splints, stretchers, monitoring equipment, etc.).
- Enforces applicable polices and procedures of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) regarding the use of Aquatic facilities and waterfront operations.
- Prepares accident/incident reports during emergency situations. Notifies management of all emergencies immediately.
- Works with hazardous materials.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Must meet Federal Employment suitability requirements and successful completion of background investigation. Background investigations are conducted using fingerprint identification and completion of background inquiry forms.
- Must successfully pass the E-verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
- You must go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9.
- May be required to pass pre-employment examinations.
- A valid State driver's license is required to operate motor vehicles.
- Must have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be at least 16 years old.
- National and state background checks are required for positions that involve working with youth programs.
- Must pass the swim pre-qualification.
Qualifications
Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.
All non-government positions identified on your resume must include complete address and to and from dates. Government positions must include pay plan, series, grade, to and from dates and address of the agency/organization.
A qualified candidate must possess the following:
- Recreation Aide NF-0189-01 does not have a minimum length of experience requirement.
- Recreation Assistant NF-0189-02 requires at least 12 months experience performing the duties of a lifeguard.
- Knowledge of pool and waterfront safety rules.
- Knowledge of the beach environment, marine life, and beach water hazards. (Waterfront Only)
- Knowledge of DoD, DON, and CNIC policies and procedures governing aquatic assessment testing and certifications.
- Knowledge of applicable policies and procedures of MWR regarding the use of Aquatic facilities and waterfront operations.
- Ability to appropriately identify hazards or hazardous situations and identify a patron's need for assistance immediately.
- Ability to tactfully, but forcefully, provide instruction on water safety, facility rules and regulations, and enforce them.
- Ability to conduct routine safety inspections of the facility and pool area to ensure they meet environmental health standards.
- Knowledge of and ability to conduct pool chemical testing, document the results, and adjust chemical imbalances, as directed, if applicable.
- Skilled or proficient in surf lifesaving techniques and radio communications to perform a safe and efficient rescue operation.
- Ability to exercise control over a large group of people.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
As part of the application process, you must complete and submit an occupational questionnaire and your RESUME MUST SUPPORT AND VALIDATE YOUR ANSWERS or you may be removed from consideration.
ONLY THE MOST HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE REFERRED. IF MANAGEMENT DOES NOT WISH TO SELECT A HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATE, THEY MAY REQUEST A REFERRAL LIST INCLUDING WELL OR QUALIFIED APPLICANTS.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating and/or appointment eligibility.
PLEASE READ THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY TO ENSURE ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE ADDRESSED IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE.
RELOCATION:
- NO Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest
KEY REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Males must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. https://www.sss.gov/register/
- Selectee must be determined suitable for federal employment.
- Selectee may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
- Selectee is required to participate in the direct deposit pay program.
- Social Security Card is required.
- Satisfactorily complete an employment verification (E-VERIFY) check. As of May 7, 2025, The REAL ID act requires visitors to have a REAL ID or passport to access to Government Facilities. This will be a requirement for employment.
- A favorable background is a requirement of this position. Failure to obtain and maintain a favorable background may result in the withdrawal of the position offer or removal.
NOTE: Applicants have the ability to perform an E-Verify Self Check to confirm employment eligibility at http://www.uscis.gov/mye-verify/self-check. Although a Self-Check is not mandatory, it can be a useful tool for applicants to find out if there is a problem with their employment eligibility records and resolve any issues before taking a job.
Education
This position does not have a positive education requirement.
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATES MUST BE INCLUDED WITH APPLICATION IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYMENT
Lifeguards with less than six (6) months of specialized experience and six (6) months of general recreation experience will be hired as an NF-0189-01 with a starting rate of $17.00 per hour. Once experience requirements are met, employee will be promoted to NF-0189-02
Lifeguards with six (6) months or more specialized experience AND 6 months of general recreation experience (total one year of experience) will be hired as an NF-0189-02 with a starting rate of $17.85 per hour.
Additional information
The Federal government offers a number of exceptional benefits to its employees. Benefits you get to enjoy while working for our TEAM include but are not limited to:
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, life insurance, spouse & dependent life insurance, long-term disability, retirement, and 401(k) savings plan, annual and sick leave, tuition reimbursement, etc.).
- Stability of Federal Civilian Service
- People with passion for doing work that matters
- Quality of Work Life Balance
Some positions have special requirements
- Position is a non-critical, sensitive, position requiring access to IT II system and/or access to PII. An access National Agency Check investigation (ANACI) is required via the SF 86 security form.
- Required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450. Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report upon entering the position and annually, in accordance with DoD Directive 5500-7R, Joint Ethics Regulation, dated 23 March 2006.
- Salary is dependent on experience and/or education.
- For positions requiring travel more than twice per year, selectee may be required to obtain and maintain in good standing a Government-issued Travel Card for official government travel purposes.
This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of closing date.
The Department of the Navy (DON) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applicants are assured of equal consideration regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, reprisal, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who believe they may require reasonable accommodations should email their request to
MILL_CNIC_NAF_EEO@navy.mil to ensure proper consideration is given. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
This activity is a Drug-Free workplace. The use of illegal drugs by NAF employees, whether on or off duty, cannot and will not be tolerated. Federal employees have a right to a safe and secure workplace, and Sailors, their family members, and all other customers have a right to a reliable and productive Federal workforce.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Although this position offer does not include benefits to flex employees, there are numerous perks to being a flex employee. Below are just a few of those perks you will be able to benefit from:
- Flexible Schedule - You are scheduled based on mission needs and your availability.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - A FREE program provided by CNIC that is accessible to all employees, members of your family, whether in your household or not, offering 24/7/365 access to specialized private support.
- Access to Morale, Welfare & Recreation Programs to include Golf Courses, Marinas, Gyms/Fitness Centers, Bowling Centers, Restaurants Pools, Base libraries and more!
- Discounted Tickets and Travel options and outdoor recreation rentals!
- Shopping privileges at the Navy Exchange!
- Access to professional development resources!
- If you are scheduled and work on average 30 hours/week, you will be eligible for medical benefits.
Review our benefits
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your experience is subject to evaluation and verification against the information in your resume. The numeric rating you receive is a self-assessment only and is based on your responses to the questionnaire. Do not overstate or understate your level of experience and capability. If a determination is made that you rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, or if your resume lacks sufficient information, you will be rated accordingly or may be considered ineligible.
All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement, and will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine the level of knowledge, skill, and ability, related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be used for each resume. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.
Required Documents
The following documents may or may not be required. Required documents will show a red asterisk during documentation upload.
- Resume - limited to two pages, must use Time New Roman font no smaller than 10-point with margins no less than one inch on all sides; please review this link guide on how to write a federal resume - https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
- Include name and contact information for at least three (3) professional references in your resume
- Proof of education (transcripts/copy of degree/high school diploma), if applicable to position requirements.
- Proof of certification, if applicable to position requirements.
- If you are a current federal employee, submit your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50.
- If you are a current federal employee, submit your last three evaluations.
***Qualifying applicants with preferences are considered in the order listed above. Then all other qualifying applicants are considered.
To claim Gold Star Veteran's preference, you MUST:
- Submit completed SF-15 from the Veterans Administration (VA); AND
- Submit a legible copy of DD-1300; AND
- Submit any other supporting documentation (official statements, document of service, court decree, etc.).
3. Veteran's Preference/Gold Star Veteran's Preference: Qualifying military veterans, and spouses/parents of deceased veterans shall be given employment preference over non-preference applicants if they are equally qualified. Preference applicable for positions open to external candidates.
To claim Veteran's preference, you
MUST:
- Submit a copy of your DD-214 (member 4 copy); AND
- Submit completed SF15 from the Veterans Administration (VA); AND
- Submit any other supporting documentation (disability, official statements, proof of service, etc.)
2. Military Spouse Preference (MSP): Qualifying spouses eligible for MSP are spouses of an active duty military member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including members of the National Guard or Reserves on active duty. The marriage must have occurred before the military member received official permanent change of station (PCS) orders to the installation listed above. MSP is applicable only when applying for NAF positions at the
NF-03non-supervisory and below and equivalent craft and trade (CT) positions.
To claim this preference, you
MUST:
- Submit sponsor's PCS orders to installation you are applying for; AND
- If you are not indicated as a spouse on the PCS orders, you MUST submit proof of marriage prior to PCS.
APPLICANTS CLAIMING HIRING PREFERENCE: Please ensure your status is indicated in your USAJOBS account and ALL required documents to claim preference are submitted at the time of resume submission.
WHAT ARE PREFERENCES? Preferences are advantages in the candidate selection process. Individuals can claim the following preferences:
1. Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Qualifying separated employees shall have priority placement in the NAF activity from which they were separated as a result of a Business Based Action (BBA), when the position has substantially the same duties as the position from which they were separated and it is not a higher grade or employment category, provided the position is not being filled by an internal candidate.
To claim this preference, you
MUST:
- Submit a copy of your BBA Separation Notification indicating eligibility for RPL.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
To begin the process, click on the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USA JOBS account.
Application process is submitted through your USA JOBS account. Resumes/ Applications received other than by USA JOBS will be destroyed and will not be considered.
It is the applicant's responsibility to verify all the information in their resume and documents; HR will not modify documents submitted by an applicant. All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in the resume.
Qualifications must be clearly verifiable in your resume. Government positions must include pay plan, series, grade, to and from dates, and government agency/department.
Where a first cut-off date is indicated, a selection may be made from the resumes/applications received as of the specified first cut-off date. Completed applications (resume, supporting documentation, etc.) must be received by 11:59pm Eastern Time on the cut-off/closing date. If more than one resume is received, only the last resume received will be reviewed.
Please see the "REQUIRED DOCUMENTS" section and review the applicant checklist link to determine if there are other documents you are required to submit. You must submit all required documentation or you will not be considered for the position. Failure to submit all the required documentation may result in not be considered for the position.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/16/2026 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12980093It is your responsibility to ensure your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant To verify or check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account. Once logged in, the Welcome screen lists your applications, your application status and the date it was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status
Next steps
All applicants will be notified regarding their status by email. Applicants will either be contacted by email for an interview or sent an email of non-selection 3-6 weeks after the announcement closing date. Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that communication is performed via email if you do not read your email, provide an inaccurate email address and/ or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.