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Ocean Rescue Captain

CITY OF BOCA RATON
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General Statement of Job

Build Your Future with the City of Boca Raton!

At the City of Boca Raton, a career in public service is more than a job — it’s your chance to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and sustainable coastal community. Driven by our core values of Fairness, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Trust, we are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel appreciated, inspired, and supported.

Why Boca Raton?

As the second largest city in Palm Beach County, the City of Boca Raton offers robust benefits to its employees:

  • Health Insurance Benefits: No-cost employee Medical, Dental & Vision plans
  • Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays + vacation, sick, and 3 floating holidays
  • Continuous Service Benefit: Paid out annually after 5 years of service
  • Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedule
  • Retirement Plans: Two pension/retirement options to choose from

 

Whether you're starting out or looking to take your public service career to the next level, the City of Boca Raton offers the tools, resources, and culture to help you succeed. 

 

Apply now and join the city that’s building careers and shaping a stronger tomorrow!

The Ocean Rescue Captain is a key leader responsible for the protection of the City of Boca Raton's beaches. This position focuses on guiding and overseeing a skilled team of lifesaving professionals. Reporting to the Ocean Rescue Chief, you will play a significant role in the planning, coordination, and execution of beach safety operations. In this capacity, you will act not only as a supervisor but also as a mentor to the lifeguards and lieutenants, as well as a representative of the City of Boca Raton, promoting excellence, compassion, and high standards of ocean and beach safety within your team.

 

Essential Functions

  • Promote a culture of professional integrity by guiding staff through city policies and bargaining agreements with a focus on fairness and clarity.
  • Effectively manage daily assignments and bi-weekly payroll, ensuring the team is equipped for success and receives administrative support.
  • Represent the City in high-level meetings and special events, collaborating with municipal agencies to enhance marine safety standards.
  • Serve as the strategic lead for water and beach emergencies, coordinating with Police and Fire Rescue for a cohesive and effective response.
  • Engage in public education, programs, and special events, acting as a trusted voice for beach safety and resident concerns.
  • Oversee the maintenance and care of rescue vehicles and life-saving equipment, to ensure the team has dependable for lifesaving efforts.
  • Research and recommend contemporary rescue procedures and EMS protocols, to maintain the department’s leadership in aquatic medicine.
  • Build strong internal and external partnerships that contribute to the City’s reputation and safety network.
  • Set an example in providing high quality customer service to all park and beach patrons.
  • Seamlessly assume the responsibilities of the Ocean Rescue Chief in their absence.
  • Assist in budget preparation, grant tracking, or procurement for specialized rescue gear.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:
 

  • Modern leadership principles, including conflict resolution and team dynamics.
  • Advanced ocean rescue techniques and the specific marine environment of South Florida.
  • Laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies governing ocean rescue and beach safety operations
  • Oceanography, tides, currents, and weather conditions affecting water safety
  • Emergency medical procedures, first aid, CPR, and rescue techniques
  • Operation and maintenance of rescue equipment, vessels, and vehicles
  • Incident command systems and emergency response protocols
  • Public safety practices and community outreach strategies

Skilled in:
 

  • Microsoft Office based knowledge
  • Operating rescue boats, personal watercraft, and specialized emergency equipment
  • Performing water rescues under challenging conditions
  • Administering first aid and emergency medical care
  • Conducting training exercises for lifeguards and emergency personnel
  • Using communication systems (radios, phones, dispatch software) effectively

Ability to:
 

  • Supervise the work of subordinate staff under emergency conditions
  • Review reports
  • Prepare clear and concise reports
  • Pass pre-employment swim test and maintain certification requirements
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, associates, and the general public

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

  • Associate’s degree ora minimum of 60 college credit hours from an accredited college or university.
  • Five (5) years of experience in ocean rescue services on public beaches, including a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory and administrative experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification.
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, parks and recreation, recreation/physical education, leisure services, education, or related field.

Additional experience is accepted as a minimum requirement in lieu of the postsecondary degree on the following basis: additional four (4) years in lieu of the bachelor’s degree, and additional two (2) years in lieu of an associate degree.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Possession of a Florida EMT license.
  • CPR Certification (American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or American Heart CPR for the Health Care Provider).
  • First Aid Certification (American Red Cross First Aid or American Heart Heartsaver First Aid).
  • Lifeguard Training Certification (American Red Cross Lifeguarding, YMCA Lifeguard Training, or equivalent ocean lifeguarding experience).
  • IRB Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of hire date. 
  • Possession of a valid State of Florida Class "E" driver's license.
  • Schedule includes working nights, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

(All required certifications and licenses must be kept current and valid while employed in this position.)
POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:
Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

  • Criminal Background Check (VECHS)
  • Employment Verification
  • Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) Check
  • Drug and Alcohol Screening
  • Physical Examination 

The City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity, Inclusive, Veteran's Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace. It is the policy of the City of Boca Raton to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.