VACANCY

KOUGA MUNICIPALITY (EC 108)

NOTICE NO: 196/ 2023

VACANCY

Kouga Municipality, an equal opportunity employer which subscribes to the principle of affirmative action, encourages applicants from the designated groups to apply for the following vacancy:

SEASONAL LIFEGUARDS

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 2 years lifesaving experience while in possession of a Lifeguard Award with valid annual retest, 6 months voluntary duties with Surf Lifesaving Club and have worked at least a minimum of one season as a temporary seasonal Surf Lifeguard;
• Police clearance with no pending criminal cases, awaiting trial and/or pending sentencing cases;
• Drug free;
• Valid Level 2/3 First Aid Certificate;
• Valid Surf Lifeguard Award, with current annual retest;
• Must be able to speak, read and write in at least two of the official languages in Kouga Municipality (Afrikaans, English, and Xhosa).

DUTIES:

• Actively patrol the beach, monitor activities and report back to the Team/Squad Leader on a regular basis;
• Communicate and educate the general public of the drowning prevention programme;
• Complete incident report sheets;
• Comply with Senior Lifeguard instructions and rules, regulations and procedures;
• Conduct and assist with rescues;
• Follow stipulated procedures relating to tower/radio/lookout lifeguard, backup lifeguard, and patrol lifeguard;
• Promote beach safety;
• Administer first aid;
• Set out the bathing area;
• Uphold a professional image of the Municipality including involvement in assisting with the retention of Blue Flag standards and status.

BLUE FLAG LIFEGUARDS

REQUIREMENTS:

• A Surf Lifeguard Certificate with a valid annual retest;
• Proof of 6-12 months voluntary duties with a Surf Lifesaving Club;
• Two (2) years or more experience as a Blue Flag Lifeguard, while in possession of a Lifeguard Award;
• A SAMSA Skippers ticket/power craft drivers award would be an advantage;
• A valid First Aid Level 3 Certificate or equivalent;
• Police clearance with no pending criminal cases, awaiting trial and/or pending sentencing cases;
• Drug free;
• Must be able to speak, read and write in at least two of the official languages in Kouga Municipality (Afrikaans, English, and Xhosa).

DUTIES:

• Actively patrol the beach, monitor activities and report back to the Senior Lifeguard on a regular basis;
• Attend scheduled staff meetings with the Senior Lifeguards;
• Assist in the development of Beach Risk Assessments and Operational Plans;
• Assist with the implementation of environmental education and water safety programmes in compliance with the WESSA requirements to retain Blue Flag status;
• Assisting with the promotion of water safety programmes;
• Assisting with beach management operations;
• Communicating and educating the public about drowning prevention;
• Performing regular maintenance duties in the lifeguard tower/station, rescue crafts and equipment;
• Maintaining beach safety;
• Performing various administrative task including compilation of weekly reports, beach attendance/usage statistics, asset registers and stock control registers;
• Power craft operations;
• Ensuring good public relations principles are held;
• Upholding the professional image of the municipality including involvement in assisting with the retention of Blue Flag standards and status.

SHARKSPOTTER

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be 18 years or older, minimum of Grade 10 or equivalent;
• Must be able to scan coastal waters for sharks from an elevated platform;
• Must have excellent eyesight;
• Background in lifesaving, fishing industry and/or surfing will be an added advantage;
• Police clearance with no pending criminal cases, awaiting trial and/or pending sentencing cases;
• Drug free;
• Excellent concentration skills and patience;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Good English language skills and ability to complete data sheets;
• Knowledge of marine life, environmental conservation and beach safety will be a significant advantage;
• Must be able to speak, read and write in at least two of the official languages in Kouga Municipality (Afrikaans, English, and Xhosa).

 DUTIES:

• Observing the beach/ocean for sharks by use of visual surveillance equipment such as binoculars and differentiating between sharks and other non-threatening marine animals;
• Communicating with other shark spotters, located at higher positions (mountains, towers, etc.) to confirm the presence/absence of sharks;
• Placing of appropriate colored flags and signage indicating the presence of sharks, the level of danger and advising beach goers/water users accordingly;
• Alerting recreational water users of the presence of sharks through whistle blowing, waving of flags and assisting in evacuating beach goers from the beach/ocean;
• Ensuring that beach visitors are evacuated and safety measures are correctly carried out through confirmation with the immediate supervisor about temporary beach/swimming area closures;
• Communicating with the immediate supervisor about the safety and re-opening of beaches;
• Upholding the professional image of the Municipality including involvement in assisting with the retention of the Blue Flag standards and status.

SQUAD LEADERS

REQUIREMENTS:                      

• Minimum of 2 years professional Surf Lifeguard experience;
• Experience as a Lifesaving Club Squad Leader for 4years or more, while in possession of Lifeguard Award with valid annual retests;
• A valid First Aid Level 3 Certificate or equivalent;
• A valid Surf Lifeguard Award, or equivalent with current annual retest;
• Police clearance with no pending criminal cases, awaiting trial and/or pending sentencing cases;
• Drug free;

DUTIES:

• Actively patrol the beach, monitor activities and report back to the Senior Lifeguard on a regular basis;
• Attend scheduled staff meetings with Senior Lifeguards;
• Assist with the development of Beach Risk Assessments and Operational plans;
• Assist with implementation of environmental education programmes;
• Assist in the promotion of water safety awareness;
• Assist with the beach management operations;
• Communicating and educating the public about drowning prevention;
• Deputising for the senior beach lifeguard in his absence;
• Maintain beach safety;
• Performing various administrative functions including the compilation of duty rosters, weekly reports, beach attendance/usage statistics, asset registers, stock control registers;
• Power craft operations;
• Monitoring and ensuring good public relations principles are upheld by his/her squad;
• Continuously monitor and scan the ocean for sharks and other marine activity;
• Compile data on marine activity and shark sightings in the designated area;
• Following stipulated procedures relating to detection of marine or shark activity in the water, reporting and hoisting of relevant signal flags;
• completing incident reports relating to shark attacks;
• Upholding the professional image of the municipality including involvement in assisting with the retention of Blue Flag standards and status.

Special Conditions

• All shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a compulsory swim and rescue test;
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed via SMS, Email or telephonically when to report to the identified Testing Centre to complete the compulsory tests. Shortlisted candidates are advised to bring their own swimwear, equipment, towel, food and refreshments to the Testing Centre;
• Incumbents will be required to undergo and pass regular skills, fitness and medical tests as per the set standards;
• Incumbents will be required to keep essential qualifications valid at all times;
• Incumbents must be willing to work irregular hours including weekends and public holidays, shifts and overtime as needed;
• Incumbents must be prepared to work in various geographical areas;
• Must be Medically fit;
• Must be physically fit;
• All candidates must have a clear criminal record

For any enquiries contact Mr. L. Desha: 042 2002 200.

Applicants must submit a formal application form and a comprehensive CV, certified copies of qualifications, and all supporting documentation. Applications must be submitted electronically as one PDF document to recruitment@kouga.gov.za. Application forms can be obtained from the Municipal website, www.kouga.gov.za and must reach the Human Resource Manager on or before Friday, 29 September 2023 at 12:00.

Disqualification:

Please note that the following can lead to disqualification:

1. Canvassing of councilors.
2. Submission of fraudulent qualifications and/ or documents.

NB: Please note that shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a vetting process. By applying for this position, the candidates agree to background checks being performed. The Municipality reserves the right not to make an appointment.Preference will be given to applicants residing within the Kouga area of jurisdiction.

Should you not hear from us within 30 days of closing date, kindly regard your application as being unsuccessful.

MR. C DU PLESSIS                                                                                P. O. BOX 21                                        

MUNICIPAL MANAGER                                                                        JEFFREYS BAY

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