This is an open continuous announcement, in which applications are collected over several months, and have multiple cut-off dates. Applications received by the initial cutoff date will be considered first. **INITIAL CUT OFF IS Thursday, January 8, 2026** Applications will be considered throughout the open period of the announcement however additional referral certificates will only be issued when a hiring official exhausts current certificate and/or additional vacancies need to be filled.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-03/31/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. You will not receive credit for experience that does not indicate the exact hours worked per week or is listed as "varies". Please ensure your resume/employment history includes all the information listed above. Failure to adequately provide the information stated above will result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. To qualify for this position at the GS-03 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: EXPERIENCE: At least six (6) months of general experience. General Experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Examples of general experience may include: Performing basic manual or clerical tasks in a recreational, hospitality, or service setting. Assisting with routine setup or cleanup of facilities, equipment, or event spaces. Providing basic information or directions to the public or visitors. Observing or shadowing others in a support role without independent responsibility. Performing entry-level tasks that require following instructions and working under close supervision. -OR- EDUCATION: Successful completion of at least one year above high school with some course work related to the position such as physical education or recreation. You must include transcripts. -OR- COMBINATION of Experience and Education: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts. For GS-3 level positions, determine the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the 6 months experience required for GS-3; then determine the applicant's education as a percentage of the 1 year of education that meets the requirements for GS-3. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for GS-3. To qualify for this position at the GS-04 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement: EXPERIENCE: 6 months of general experience AND 6 months of specialized experience. General Experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Examples of general experience may include: Performing basic manual or clerical tasks in a recreational, hospitality, or service setting. Assisting with routine setup or cleanup of facilities, equipment, or event spaces. Providing basic information or directions to the public or visitors. Observing or shadowing others in a support role without independent responsibility. Performing entry-level tasks that require following instructions and working under close supervision. Specialized Experience is experience which is in the occupation of the position to be filled, in a related occupation, or in one of the specialized areas within that occupation, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower grade in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Group leader, counselor, or similar work in public and private recreation programs for adults or children such as summer camps, local playgrounds, YWCA and YMCA clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, urban community centers, or resort recreational activities. Teacher's aid in elementary school recreation or physical education program, with emphasis on development of general recreational skills and abilities. Aid or assistant assignments in recreation while on active military service. Aid or assistant in the organization and administration of recreation activities, such as preparing activities calendars, maintaining attendance records, and providing information concerning schedules and activities. Summer aid in a State or national park, with duties related to the recreational activities of visitors to campsites, trails, picnic areas, nature and raft centers, and boating and fishing areas (e.g., demonstrating camping techniques and park safety, conducting nature tours, and overseeing farm animal areas provided for children). Sales or stock clerk in a recreation supplies and equipment shop. Aid or assistant in the issuance of authorized property, and in the maintenance of inventory control and accountability for such property in a recreation facility. Aid or assistant in a hotel or resort recreation service, with duties such as setting up areas for games, tournaments, and other organized group recreational activities. -OR- EDUCATION: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to recreation (e.g., basic psychology, group dynamics, physical education, arts and crafts, etc.). -OR- COMBINATION of Experience and Education: Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts. For GS-4 level positions, determine the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the 1 year of experience required for GS-4; then determine the applicant's education as a percentage of the 2 years of education that meets the requirements for GS-4. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for GS-4. Courses related to recreation (e.g., basic psychology, group dynamics, physical education, arts and crafts, etc.). Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
These positions are either located in the Maryland district or Virginia district. The primary goals of the lifeguard operation are to prevent drowning within the designated lifeguard area, to provide appropriate medical care for ill and injured visitors and to respond appropriately to incidents outside of the lifeguard area. These positions serve as Surf Lifeguards at one of two protected beach units. The purpose of the position is to provide protection for visitors and the resources. The GS-3 Recreation Aid (Surf Lifeguard-in-Training) is a training and support role, focused on learning and assisting. The GS-4 Recreation Assistant (Surf Lifeguard) is a fully operational role, with independent responsibilities in safety enforcement, emergency response, and public education. Major Duties GS-3 Training and Development: Receives over 100 hours of pre-season and daily in-service training in EMS, surf lifeguard skills, physical fitness, and safety procedures to prepare for lifeguard responsibilities. Emergency Response Support: Learns to perform ocean rescues, provide emergency medical care, and assist in search and rescue operations under supervision, including operating ATVs for emergency response. Visitor Safety and Education: Trains to supervise beach visitors, enforce safety rules, and educate the public on surf hazards, park regulations, and wildlife interaction through direct contact and presentations. Environmental and Equipment Monitoring: Assists in inspecting beach areas for hazards, correcting or reporting deficiencies, and maintaining assigned safety and rescue equipment. Documentation and Reporting: Learns to complete lost-and-found reports, incident records, and daily operational logs in accordance with federal and agency guidelines. Major Duties GS-4 Visitor Safety and Enforcement: Supervises beach visitors using safety controls (e.g., signage, flag systems, enforcement actions) and provides education on park rules, surf hazards, and wildlife interaction. Emergency Response: Performs ocean rescues, provides emergency medical care, participates in search and rescue operations, and operates off-road vehicles (ATVs) for rapid response. Environmental Monitoring: Inspects beach areas for safety and environmental concerns, makes corrections when possible, and reports unresolved issues to appropriate personnel. Public Communication and Education: Conducts surf condition assessments, posts safety data, and delivers interpretive presentations to educate the public on surf safety and park policies. Equipment and Documentation: Maintains rescue and safety equipment, completes lost-and-found and incident reports, and ensures accurate data entry on daily logs and signage. Physical Demands: The duties affiliated with this position are considered rigorous; as such, the incumbent will be required to meet prescribed medical standards prior to employment in accordance with RM-57. The work requires daily strenuous physical exertion including running ½ mile or more with heavy rescue equipment, swimming long distances against currents and strong surf with heavy victims in tow and lifting and carrying heavy persons through large breaking waves. The incumbent will be using various rescue devices such as rescue fins, rescue kayaks and rescue paddleboards in the ocean surf zone environment where they may be paddling, swimming and kayaking long distances through large breaking waves to execute effective rescues. The employee is required to exhibit an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye or a best corrected (contact lenses or spectacles) visual acuity of 20/20 or better. The work of the employee regularly includes long periods of sitting, standing, and running over uneven terrain. The employee will also be driving ATVs in adverse weather conditions. The duties of the position require daily running and swimming and the employee must meet the prescribed physical requirements as measured by a timed swim of 500 yards in less than 10 minutes and a run of 1.25 miles in 12 minutes or less. Strenuous exertion is required in search and rescue operations. Working Conditions: Most of the work is performed outdoors subject to weather variances such as extreme heat or cold, rainy conditions, high UV indexes, cold water temperatures, large waves, and marine organisms. The employee is frequently exposed to high risk and potentially dangerous situations when involved in emergency response situations requiring the use of a wide range of personal protective gear. Emergency operations will require entry into hazardous environments, exposure to dangerous persons, animals, substances, and potential exposure to infectious diseases. The terrain can be uneven and consists of soft or hard packed sand mixed with seashells and other debris.