Position Description
Pool Lifeguard
Position Code To be determined
Classification/Grade/Band Local Government (State) Award 2026
Band 1 Level 4 (Grade 4)
Reports to Aquatics Supervisor
Location Bingara and Warialda
Content Manager Reference
Direct Reports Nil
Budget (Operating and Capital expenditure) Nil
Overview of Gwydir Shire Council
Located on the Fossickers Way between the New England and Northwest regions of NSW,
the Gwydir Shire encompassing a diverse landscape that is both picturesque and
productive. With affordable housing, a strong sense of community and diverse leisure and
recreation activities, the Shire offers an idyllic and fulfilling lifestyle. Bingara and Warialda
are the main towns in the Shire.
The Gwydir Shire Council prides itself on being an award-winning organisation that supports
it community through the provision of high-quality services. Council offers employees a
rewarding career that allows staff to make a positive impact in the communities in which they
live; and provides exciting opportunities to explore and suture career avenues within the
organisation. Council strongly supports a flexible-family work environment.
Gwydir’s Vision
Councils vision is to be a recognised leader in Local Government through continuous
learning and sustainability. Council embraces this mantra by ensuring all staff have access
to training and education, to reach their full potential.
Gwydir’s Mission
To ensure that the Council’s long-term role is viable and sustainable by meeting the needs of
our residents in a responsible and caring way, attract sustainable development while
maintaining the traditional rural values, character, and culture of our people.
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Child Safety Commitment Statement
Gwydir Shire Council is committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all children
and young people throughout the Shire, including Indigenous children, those from culturally
and linguistically diverse backgrounds and children and young with disabilities.
All Gwydir Shire Council staff, volunteers and other partners have a zero-tolerance approach
to any form of child abuse in both the physical, psychological, and online environments. We
support the rights of children and young people, and we will act immediately and accordingly
to ensure an environment is maintained where they feel safe, respected, valued, and always
empowered.
We know that being a leading child safe organisation is about more than having the right
policies and procedures in place. It requires conscious actions and proactive behaviours to
protect children from harm. It means creating a culture of safety that extends from
participation and education through to ensuring all members of our organisation feel safe
and secure in reporting inappropriate behaviour.
It is essential that everyone at Gwydir Shire Council understand the important
responsibilities they have in relation to child safety, and we are committed to educating our
elected members, employees, volunteers, contractors, consultants, other partners, and the
wider community in the regard.
We want children to have a voice and know that their views are listened to and respected
and that they are given opportunities to contribute. Together we can provide an environment
where children feel safe, respected, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Primary purpose of the position
This position is responsible for providing an effective life-saving service at designated pools
within the Gwydir Shire area through patrolling, surveillance, provision of first aid and
responding to lifesaving emergencies. Assisting in providing a clean, safe and inviting
environment to patrons of the centre.
Department and Branch Description
Forming part of the Sustainability, Land, and Compliance Department, the Business and
Strategy Directorate, is responsible for planning, environment, business improvement,
records and information management, WHS and risk, contract administration and economic
development.
Key accountabilities
Within the area of responsibility, this role is required to:
- Ensure pool users are safe at all times by patrolling designated pool areas in
accordance with the Recreation Facilities Supervisor’s instruction and follow Aquatic
centre rules and safety requirements.
- Monitor water safety and give assistance to patrons and users where necessary,
including first aid and resuscitation.
- Ensure a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene are maintained.
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- Assist the Recreation Facilities Supervisor in the day-to-day operations of the Centre
and ensure adherence to all policies and procedures.
- Operate the pool equipment in accordance with operating procedures.
- Report on pool incidents and take appropriate and timely actions to address and
resolve matters.
- Provide information to public on pool activities.
- Implement WHS procedures in relation to all relevant areas of responsibility and
maintain a clean and safe workplace.
- Maintain and clean the pools and surrounding areas to established standards.
- Interact with patrons in a positive and customer focused way.
- Communicate in an effective and timely manner with Recreation Facilities Supervisor
and other staff.
- Perform duties as directed by Recreation Facilities Supervisor.
All positions in Council involve multi-skilling and consequently the interchange of duties may
be required for the effective operation of the department. The duties described above are
indicative of the primary duties that a person appointed to the position would be expected to
perform and should not be regarded as the sole duties applicable to the position. Other
duties may be assigned in accordance with skills, experience, and training.
Selection Criteria
Essential
- Hold a current Royal Life Saving Society (NSW) Pool Lifeguard Certificate or
willingness to obtain.
(Participants wishing to complete this training are to be 16 years of age)
- Hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate.
- Current CPR Certificate.
- Communication and teamwork skills.
- Initiative and ability to work with minimum supervision.
- Knowledge and understanding with a commitment to implement WH&S principles.
- Current Working with Children Check clearance and verification.
- Time management and organisational skills.
Desirable
- Certificate in Pool Operations.
- An understanding of swimming pool operations would be highly regarded.
Common requirements of the position
- Willingness to have Council conduct a Criminal History Check.
- Agree to undertake a medical assessment by Council’s nominated medical
practitioner if required and to be medically fit to undertake the full requirements of the
position.
- Manage projects in accordance with corporate standards.
- Willingness to work flexible hours to meet the requirements of the position.
- Behaviour in accordance with Council’s policies and the Code of Conduct.
- Report environment issues that may become evident when carrying out the position
duties.
Qualifications
- RLSSA Pool Lifeguard Certificate or equivalent.
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Capabilities for the position
The Local Government Capability Framework describes the core knowledge, skills and
abilities expressed as behaviours, which set out clear expectations about performance in
local government: “how we do things around here.” It builds on organisational values and
creates a common sense of purpose for elected members and all levels of the workforce.
The Local Government Capability Framework is available at http://capability.lgnsw.org.au
Below is the full list of capabilities and the level required for this position. The capabilities in
bold are the focus capabilities for this position. Refer to the next section for further
information about the focus capabilities.
Local Government Capability Framework
Capability Group Capability Name Level
Manage Self Intermediate
Display Resilience and Adaptability Foundational
Act with Integrity Foundational
Personal attributes Demonstrate Accountability Foundational
Communicate and Engage Foundational
Community and Customer Focus Foundational
Work Collaboratively Foundational
Relationships Influence and Negotiate Foundational
Plan and Prioritise Foundational
Think and Solve ProblemsFoundational
Create and Innovate Foundational
Results Deliver Results Intermediate
Finance Foundational
Assets and Tools Foundational
Technology and Information Foundational
Resources Procurement and Contracts Foundational
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Focus capabilities.
The focus capabilities for the position are those judged to be most important at the time of
recruiting to the position. That is, the ones that must be met at least at satisfactory level for a
candidate to be suitable for appointment.
Local Government Capability Framework
Group and capability Level Behavioural indicators
Personal Attributes Intermediate
- Understands what needs to be done and
steps up to do it
Manage Self
-
Pursues own and team goals with drive and commitment
-
Shows awareness of own strengths and
weaknesses
- Asks for feedback from colleagues and
stakeholders
- Makes the most of opportunities to learn and
apply new skills Relationships Foundational
- Shows awareness that he/she is working for
the community
Community and Customer Focus
- Shows respect, courtesy and fairness when interacting with customers and members of
the community
- Listens and asks questions to understand
customer/community needs
- Informs customers of progress and checks
their needs are being met
Results Intermediate
- Takes the initiative to progress own and team
work tasks
Deliver Results
-
Contributes to the allocation of responsibilities and resources to achieve team/project goals
-
Consistently delivers high quality work with
minimal supervision
- Consistently delivers key work outputs on time
and on budget Resources Foundational
- Uses core work tools and equipment
effectively
Assets and Tools
- Takes care of work tools, equipment,
accommodation and community assets
Prepared By Human Resources
Approved by General Manager August 2026
Date Approved/Reviewed August 2026
Version Number and Date Version 2 – 28 August 2026
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