Employment & Vacancies

Eligibility: Two members may be out-of-town residents living anywhere in Wahkiakum County. The other three members must be in-town residents. In selecting the trustees, the council shall seek to ensure representation that includes experience with the functions of public and private libraries, serving on oversight boards, and a demonstrated commitment to promoting public education, culture, and intellectual development to a diverse community.

Training: Every member of the governing body of a public agency must complete training on the requirements of the OPMA & PRA no later than ninety days after the date the member assumes public office and such training must be repeated every 4-years while in office. (RCW 42.30.205; 42.56.150)

Availability: A trustee shall attend no less than 75 percent of the regular meetings scheduled by the board each year. Meetings missed after pre-arrangement with the chair shall not be counted as unexcused absences. Failure to meet the board of trustees’ attendance requirements shall be grounds for removal of a trustee by the town council.

Application: A completed Town Library Board Application must be upload to your website application submission or returned to the Clerk-Treasurer at Town Hall, 25 Broadway Street, PO Box 68, Cathlamet, WA 98612, or via email to accounting@townofcathlamet.com.

The trustees shall serve without compensation.

The library board of trustees consists of five members appointed by the mayor, with the power to hire a librarian, set library policy on the mission, goals, and objectives, propose a budget, and perform the duties of governance pursuant to RCW 27.12.190 and 27.12.210, as amended.

Specific duties include:

• Know community needs, keep abreast of library trends, and actively participate in state and national library associations.
• Set up an organizational structure for the library board and adopt bylaws that meet Open Public Meetings laws.
• Assure that board minutes, library policies, plans, and other information or reports are available to the public as required by law.
• Once the board adopts a policy or plan all members support the decision and support staff who implement decisions.
• In coordination with the director, develop and adopt the library's mission statement, long-range, strategic and annual plans.
• Know local, state, and federal laws related to libraries.
• Employ a competent and qualified director, maintain a current job description, and evaluate the director annually on previously agreed upon criteria.
• Clearly delegate operations to library director avoiding procedural micromanaging.
• Discuss, adopt, and periodically review policies.

The terms of office of the initial five trustees shall be for one, two, three, four, and five years, and thereafter the trustees shall be appointed annually for a term of five years.

Eligibility: One member may be an out-of-town resident living anywhere in Wahkiakum County while the other two members must be in-town residents. In selecting the planning commission, the town council shall seek to ensure representation that includes members with an understanding of architecture and urban planning, economic development, community involvement, and the specific concerns of Cathlamet residents and business operators.

Training: Every member of the governing body of a public agency must complete training on the requirements of the OPMA & PRA no later than ninety days after the date the member assumes public office and such training must be repeated every 4-years while in office. (RCW 42.30.205; 42.56.150)

Availability: A commissioner shall attend no less than 80 percent of regular meetings during any 12-month period. Members should have a general understanding of architecture, urban planning, economic development, community involvement, and the specific concerns of Cathlamet residents and business operators.

Application: A completed Town Planning Commission Application must be upload to your website application submission or returned to the Clerk-Treasurer at Town Hall, 375 2nd Street, Cathlamet, WA 98612.

Planning commissioners shall serve without compensation.

The planning commission consists of three members appointed by the mayor who shall serve as the principal advisory board to the town council with responsibility for providing guidance and direction for land use policy.

Specific duties include:

• Providing recommendations to the town council for development and review of the comprehensive plan in compliance with Chapter 36.70A RCW. This includes establishing procedures providing for early and continuous public participation in the development and amendment of the comprehensive land use plan and development regulations implementing the plan. 
• Periodically reviewing and recommending amendments to the zoning map and table of permitted uses.
• Periodically reviewing and recommending amendments to the development regulations.
• Other duties as assigned by the town council relating to subjects referred to in Chapter 35.63 RCW.

The term of office of the three commissioners shall be for four years and staggered in such a way that the terms of two commissioners shall expire in even-numbered years and the terms of one commissioner shall expire in odd-numbered years.

Eligibility: Applicants must be a registered voter of the Town of Cathlamet and a reside within town-limits.

Training: Every member of the governing body of a public agency must complete training on the requirements of the OPMA & PRA no later than ninety days after the date the member assumes public office and such training must be repeated every 4-years while in office. (RCW 42.30.205; 42.56.150)

Availability: Attendance at regular Town Council meetings is required. Meetings occur on the third Monday of each month beginning at 6:00 p.m. If the scheduled meeting falls on a holiday, the meeting will take place the following day at the same time. Special meetings may also be called periodically, and Councilmembers may serve on committees and boards as a liaison for the Town.

The salary is $100 per month. Attendance is required at regular meetings, which are held each month on the third Monday at 6:00 p.m.

Comprised of five elected at-large members, the town council is the legislative authority of the town and has the power to enact laws and policies, consistent with state law, needed or desired to regulate local and municipal affairs within the jurisdiction of the town or its service areas.

Specific duties include:

• Enacting laws and policies, consistent with state law, needed or desired to regulate local and municipal affairs within the jurisdiction of the town or its service areas
• Enacting a town budget
• Defining the powers, functions and duties of town officers and employees
• Fixing the compensation and working conditions of officers and employees
• Maintaining retirement and pension systems
• Imposing fines and penalties for the violation of town ordinances
• Entering into contracts
• Regulating the acquisition, sale, ownership and other disposition of real property
• Providing governmental, recreational, educational, cultural and social services
• Imposing taxes and fees not otherwise prohibited by state law
• Causing the town to own and operate utilities
• Approving claims against the town
• Granting franchises for the use of public ways
• Granting business licenses for the purpose of revenue and regulation
• Establishing rules governing its own procedures, including for public meetings and hearings
• Exercising all other authorities and perform all other duties and functions for councils as provided by state statute

Lifeguards are required to pay excellent attention to their surroundings, have strong swimming skill, ensure swimmer safety, enforce safety rules, monitor the water for danger and rescue swimmers. Must have the ability to act quickly in emergencies, perform CPR on swimmers who have inhaled water and maintain detailed records of incidents that occur at the pool. Ensuring the facility is cleaned daily, all testing is performed in a timely manner, and follow any other directions exercised by the Pool Manager or Superintendent.

SUPERVISION: Lifeguards work under the direction and supervision of the Pool Manager and reports to the Superintendent as needed. The Clerk-Treasurer oversees all financial affairs, deposits, payroll and reporting.

• Must be at least 15 years old; 14-year-olds may apply with some job restrictions
• Possess adequate vision, hearing acuity, physical ability and stamina to perform the duties of an open water lifeguard as documented by a medical physician.
• Demonstrate ability to swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing; tread water for two minutes using your legs only; in one minute, 40 seconds or less: swim 20 yards, surface dive 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10 lb brick, and return to start without the brick re-entering water; perform a series of tasks given by the instructor to demonstrate listening and scanning ability as well as stamina and endurance.
• Must obtain all required training and pass the courses, prior to employment, including: First Aid Certification; CPR Certification; AED Certification; and Lifeguard Certification.

This is a part-time position at the hourly rate of $17.13, plus paid sick leave at the rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked per WA state law. No other benefits are offered in this position. Returning guards may receive up to an additional $0.50 per hour. 

This is a seasonal position beginning sometime between May and/or June and ending sometime between the end of August and/or October. The Pool Manager will develop and distribute weekly schedules.

• Oversee Swimmer Safety – The primary duty of a lifeguard is to maintain swimmer safety. Lifeguards monitor waterconditions and guest behavior, enforcing safety rules and paying close attention to swimmer activities and behavior.Lifeguards may issue warnings when a visitor is creating an unsafe environment and may determine when they needto ask a guest to leave. Lifeguards may also assist new swimmers to help them safely enjoy the water.
• Conduct Rescue Operations – Lifeguards prevent death and injury by rescuing swimmers from the water. If alifeguard notices a swimmer struggling or beneath the water for too long, they take necessary steps to safely removethe swimmer from the water. In some cases, a lifeguard may have to begin CPR procedures, working with otherlifeguards to contact emergency services personnel and provide assistance to the swimmer.
• Organize Pool Activities – Some lifeguards support visitors by organizing activities in and around the pool, including pool parties, lessons and classes. Lifeguards work closely with supervisors and other lifeguards to schedule and oversee these activities, which may occur outside of regular swimming hours, and ensure that participants have a safe and positive experience while visiting the pool.
• Monitor Hazardous Conditions – Lifeguards maintain overall safety by monitoring weather and water conditions for signs of danger or contamination. Lifeguards take steps to close the swimming area if they determine that conditions are hazardous to swimmers.
• Open/Close Pool – Many lifeguards are responsible for opening and closing the facility and swimming areas, this can include removing the pool cover, attaching guides and guards, and checking water condition before the pool opens to swimmers. The facility and swimming area must be restored to opening condition and locked each night for the following business day.
• Contribute to Maintenance & Upkeep – Lifeguards may also contribute to maintenance and upkeep activities in and around the pool so visitors can enjoy a safe and clean environment. This can include cleaning up walkways around a pool, adding chemicals according to safety guidelines, regularly cleaning pool water and surfaces, and cleaning other public areas like showers, restrooms, benches, supply and toy closets, and garbage receptacles.
• Any other duties as assigned.

The Lifeguard Manager is primarily responsible for the management of all Pool Lifeguards. The manager will also exercise the role as Lead Guard, capable of training, leading, and communicating effectively. Lifeguards are required to pay excellent attention to their surroundings, have strong swimming skill, ensure swimmer safety, enforce safety rules, monitor the water for danger and rescue swimmers. Must have the ability to act quickly in emergencies, perform CPR on swimmers who have inhaled water and maintain detailed records of incidents that occur at the pool. The manager may also determine when the pool may need to be closed to swimmers in case of emergencies during regular operation hours.

The Lifeguard Manager reports directly to the Superintendent and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility and lifeguards. The Clerk-Treasurer oversees all financial affairs, deposits, payroll and reporting; all revenues, reports and deposits must be delivered to Town Hall daily. Operational, maintenance, and emergency situations that cannot be handled properly without additional supervision must be reported to the Superintendent immediately. Employee concerns should be discussed with the Superintendent.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The Lifeguard Manager supervises all lifeguards and is responsible for their overall management. The Lifeguard Manager performs day-to-day operations and management, with minimal oversight. The manager should have the ability to use logical reasoning to determine the best course of action during emergencies, operations, and management of employees.

• Must be at least 18 years old;
• Possess adequate vision, hearing acuity, physical ability and stamina to perform the duties of an open water lifeguard as documented by a medical physician.
• Demonstrate ability to swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing; tread water for two minutes using your legs only; in one minute, 40 seconds or less: swim 20 yards, surface dive 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10 lb brick, and return to start without the brick re-entering water; perform a series of tasks given by the instructor to demonstrate listening and scanning ability as well as stamina and endurance.
• Must obtain all required training and pass the courses, prior to employment, including: First Aid Certification; CPR Certification; AED Certification; and Lifeguard Certification.

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE: In order to become a Lifeguard in the State of Washington and work as a certified Lifeguard, you must pass prerequisite criteria and obtain certification from qualified schools, courses or on the job training. American Lifeguard & Safety Training; YMCA; and Red Cross Certification, and United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) are available courses. Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and Certified Pool Operator (CPI) are also required for this position.

• Managerial – Aid the Clerk-Treasurer in ensuring that all lifeguards submit all required employment forms in a complete manner, prior to employment; train all lifeguards on the use of the timesheet system, cash drawer and payment systems; schedule all pool employees to ensure there is adequate coverage for operations, in compliance with L&I Employment Standards; assign the most responsible lifeguard of each shift to act as supervisor when not personally there; develop a plan for “call-ins” and staff rotation; ensure employees are clocking in and reporting all breaks and absences correctly; collect and review all timesheets and data prior to submitting to the Clerk-Treasurer (by the 2nd of each month); retrieve all payroll from Town Hall on the 5th of each month and distribute checks to lifeguards; hold employee meetings no less than once a week to review any issues or concerns and report any major/unresolved issues to the Superintendent.
• Supervisory – Perform, review or oversee daily reconciliations of cash drawer and delivery of deposits each night to Town Hall; ensure proper charges are being used and correct fees are collected; review issued punch card reports and restock supplies; ensure all lifeguards are following proper procedures and policies, including training requirements, safety measures, water testing, reporting, and daily cleaning and maintenance.
• Oversee Swimmer Safety – The primary duty of a lifeguard is to maintain swimmer safety. Lifeguards monitor water conditions and guest behavior, enforcing safety rules and paying close attention to swimmer activities and behavior. Lifeguards may issue warnings when a visitor is creating an unsafe environment and may determine when they need to ask a guest to leave. Lifeguards may also assist new swimmers to help them safely enjoy the water.
• Conduct Rescue Operations – Lifeguards prevent death and injury by rescuing swimmers from the water. If a lifeguard notices a swimmer struggling or beneath the water for too long, they take necessary steps to safely remove the swimmer from the water. In some cases, a lifeguard may have to begin CPR procedures, working with other lifeguards to contact emergency services personnel and provide assistance to the swimmer.
• Organize Pool Activities – Some lifeguards support visitors by organizing activities in and around the pool, including pool parties, lessons and classes. Lifeguards work closely with supervisors and other lifeguards to schedule and oversee these activities, which may occur outside of regular swimming hours, and ensure that participants have a safe and positive experience while visiting the pool.
• Monitor Hazardous Conditions – Lifeguards maintain overall safety by monitoring weather and water conditions for signs of danger or contamination. Lifeguards take steps to close the swimming area if they determine that conditions are hazardous to swimmers.
• Open/Close Pool – Many lifeguards are responsible for opening and closing the facility and swimming areas, this can include removing the pool cover, attaching guides and guards, and checking water condition before the pool opens to swimmers. The facility and swimming area must be restored to opening condition and locked each night for the following business day.
• Contribute to Maintenance & Upkeep – Lifeguards may also contribute to maintenance and upkeep activities in and around the pool so visitors can enjoy a safe and clean environment. This can include cleaning up walkways around a pool, adding chemicals according to safety guidelines, regularly cleaning pool water and surfaces, and cleaning other public areas like showers, restrooms, benches, supply and toy closets, and garbage receptacles.
• Any other duties as assigned.

This is a part-time position at the hourly rate of $19.88 to $23.64 (DOE), plus paid sick leave at the rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked per WA state law. No other benefits are offered in this position. Returning guards may receive up to an additional $0.50 per hour. 

This is a seasonal position beginning sometime between May and/or June and ending sometime between the end of August and/or October. The Lifeguard Manager is responsible for developing and distributing lifeguard schedules that include information regarding what to do if they are unable to make their shift, while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, L&I Employment Standards, and overtime limitations.