Phoenix moves to hire 200 seasonal aquatics workers as summer pool operations expand across the city

Seasonal hiring push targets lifeguards, instructors and supervisors ahead of peak heat months

The City of Phoenix is preparing to staff its public swimming pools for the upcoming summer season by seeking to fill roughly 200 seasonal aquatics positions. The recruitment effort covers a range of roles required to run municipal pools safely, including lifeguards, shallow-water lifeguards, swim lesson instructors, and supervisory positions such as pool managers and assistant managers.

The city’s aquatics staffing drive comes as Phoenix continues rebuilding pool operations that have been constrained in recent years by workforce shortages. Phoenix operates a network of 29 public pools, but staffing levels have influenced how many facilities can open simultaneously and for how long during the summer season. In prior summers, the city has used staggered schedules and rotating pool openings to distribute limited staffing across neighborhoods while keeping a core set of pools operating throughout the season.

Pay, certification pathways and incentives used to broaden the candidate pool

City information on aquatics employment outlines both hourly pay rates and certification expectations for key positions. Lifeguard roles require specific training and, for many candidates, enrollment in certification classes. The city has also promoted a “shallow water lifeguard” role—focused on guarding water depths of four feet and under—designed to widen entry pathways into aquatics work while maintaining safety requirements.

In addition to base hourly wages, Phoenix has previously offered incentive pay for certified aquatics staff, with higher totals tied to advanced roles such as pool management and lower totals for entry-level lifeguarding positions. Eligibility conditions have included remaining employed through the summer season and finishing in good standing. The city has also used referral payments as a recruitment tool.

• Roles include lifeguards, shallow-water lifeguards, swim lesson instructors, and pool management positions.
• Applicants for lifeguard and instructor roles must meet age and certification requirements.
• Hiring is intended to support safe operation and scheduling across the municipal pool system.

Why staffing levels matter for access and safety

Public pools play a dual role in Phoenix: providing relief during extreme heat and serving as sites for structured swim instruction. City pool programming has included youth and adult swim lessons and water fitness classes, and officials have emphasized that adequate staffing is essential not only for daily supervision but also for consistent programming.

Recent city updates also highlight ongoing investment in pool infrastructure, including renovations that expand accessibility features and modernize amenities. Such capital improvements can increase demand for pool access, placing additional pressure on seasonal staffing pipelines.

Seasonal aquatics hiring is closely tied to how many pools can open, which neighborhoods receive consistent service, and how programming such as swim lessons is delivered.

How residents can apply

The city directs applicants to submit job applications through its standard municipal hiring portal by searching for aquatics openings. The city notes that completing certification or submitting an application does not guarantee employment, and the hiring process may include structured interviews and additional assessments depending on the position.