Lifeguard Opportunities - Full-time and part-time fixed-term roles over Summer
Wellington City Council
Every summer, we open our outdoor pools to the public and with that comes a range of exciting opportunities to join as a Lifeguard on a fixed-term contract. We have both full-time and part-time packages available. All packages available are fixed-term from 28 September 2026 to 4 April 2027.
Please note, we can only accept applications from those that can commit to the full fixed-term period.
The packages we have available are:
Full-time:
- 1 x full-time rotating roster at Thorndon pool (120 hours across a 3-week rotating roster)
- 1 x full-time rotating roster at Keith Spry pool (Johnsonville) (120 hours across a 3-week rotating roster)
- 1 x full-time rotating roster at Tawa pool (120 hours across a 3-week rotating roster)
- 1 x full-time rotating roster at Freyberg pool (120 hours across a 3-week rotating roster)
Part-time:
- 3 x part-time rotating roster at Thorndon pool: 26 hours average a week over a 3-week rotating roster
- 3 x part-time at North:
North package A: Tuesday 5.30am to 2pm and Sunday 6.00am to 2.30pm at Tawa pool (16 hours per week)
North package B: Tuesday 1.00pm to 9.30pm at Tawa pool; Wednesday 1.00pm to 9.30pm at Tawa pool; and Friday 9.30am to 6.00pm at Keith Spry pool (24 hours per week)
North package C: Monday 3.30pm to 9.00pm and Sunday 11.00am to 7.30pm at Tawa pool (13 hours per week)
- 2 x part-time at South:
South package A: Thursday 5.30am to 2.00pm; Friday 5.30am to 2.00pm; and Sunday 1.00pm to 6.30pm at Karori pool (21 hours per week)
Please note, the part-time packages are subject to change, however this is an indication of what the part-time packages are. If the shifts do change, we will discuss this at interview to ensure your availability still fits.
We're looking for responsible, reliable and motivated individuals looking to join a fun team while also ensuring the Pōneke community have a safe and enjoyable time using our facilities.
Āu ake mahi - What you'll do
Our team at Community Pools supports Freyberg pool, Karori pool, Keith Spry pool (Johnsonville), Tawa pool, and Thorndon summer pool.
This is a hands-on, customer-focused role where no two days are the same. You'll be part of a supportive team and stimulating environment, with opportunities to build your skills and grow your career within Wellington City Council.
In this role, you'll be actively supervising pool users to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment. You'll respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, support the delivery of aquatic programmes, carry out water testing, maintain pool cleanliness, and provide friendly, helpful customer service to all visitors.
As this role involves shift work, which can include early starts, late finishes, and weekend work, you'll need to have reliable transport to get to and from work, as public transport may not always align with our shift times.
Check out our video here to find out more about being a Lifeguard for Wellington City Council!
Ngā tohu me ngā wheako - Qualifications and experience
Although beneficial, no prior lifeguarding experience is necessary as we will provide all training and support to get you up to speed!
We're looking for strong swimmers who are safety-focused, confident engaging with customers and have plenty of initiative. If you're motivated to make a difference for our customers and help keep our facilities operating at the highest standard, this could be the role for you.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and life stages - whether you're a student, a parent returning to work, looking for part-time hours, or considering a career change. Our team values diversity, and these roles can fit a wide range of personal situations.
As part of your training, you'll gain the following qualifications at a minimum:
- First Aid Level 2 Certificate
- Pool Life Saving Practising Certificate
The hourly rate for part-time Lifeguards is $29.90 per hour. The starting salary for full-time Lifeguards is $62,780 per annum (pro-rata).
Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you
Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.
View our Employee Value Proposition Video to see what our employees say about working at WCC.
Diversity
We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
Accessibility support
We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: recruitment@wcc.govt.nz
Pre-employment checks
All employees must undergo a Criminal Conviction Check and be prepared to obtain and maintain a Police Vetting check.
Please note this role is safety sensitive and will require you to undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol, and health testing.
The Council uses the AS/NZ drug standard to determine the cut-off levels for drug testing. Some prescription drugs may be included within this standard.
Assessment details
Our team at Community Pools will be screening applications as they are received so we encourage you to get your application in quickly. If your application is long listed, you will receive an email advising this and a separate email with a link inviting you to complete a short online video interview via the Talegent platform.
Following this, if you are successful in being short-listed, you will be invited to an assessment centre on one of the following dates:
- Wednesday, 29 July 1.00pm to 3.00pm
- Thursday, 30 July 1.00pm to 3.00pm
- Friday, 31 July 10.00am to 12.00pm
- Wednesday, 5 August 9.30am to 11.30am
- Wednesday, 5 August 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Please note as part of the assessment centre process, you will need to complete a Lifeguard Assessment. Check out our video here for tips to pass this assessment.
Closing details
Applications close Sunday, 2 August 2026. All applications must be submitted online and must have the right to work in New Zealand - we will not accept emailed applications.
If you have questions, please contact Jess Turfrey, Business Support Officer, Jess.Turfrey@wcc.govt.nz
