Working for Allegheny County

Pittsburgh, PA – Today, the Department of Innovation and Performance announced the launch of PGH Lab 10.0 Cohort applications on the City’s Open Gov platform. Founded in 2016, PGH Lab has allowed numerous tech entrepreneurs to test their products and develop their businesses in partnership with city government. Beginning with Cohort 9.0, the Gainey Administration added funding to the program to allow the city to act as a “first customer” for these burgeoning businesses by providing participants with a $25,000 stipend, removing barriers to participation and increasing the competitiveness for available slots. This successful “first customer” approach will be continued with Cohort 10.0. 

PGH Lab is designed to give businesses the opportunity to pilot products and services, gain valuable feedback, and build a network. The program is a proving ground on how to best serve residents through innovation of local government services with an emphasis on new technologies that are more efficient, transparent, sustainable, and inclusive. Applications for Cohort 10.0 are officially open and will be accepted until September 27, 2024. 

“The PGH Lab program provides local entrepreneurs with an opportunity to test and showcase the quality of their products, while granting them access to positively impact city government.  Part of ensuring that our residents are able to thrive is providing them with access to future-forward and community building opportunities.  I hope companies use this program to grow and work with us as we seek to move the city forward in an inclusive, smart, and sustainable manner,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. 

Businesses that are ready to pilot a product or service that can help the City of Pittsburgh address the following priority areas are encouraged to apply: 

• Process improvement and optimization  
• Sustainability and environment 
• Equity and inclusion 
• Health and safety 

PGH Lab 9.0 Cohort featured four companies (AiMiLi, Noteful, Qarar, and Velo. Ai) that worked directly with the Department of Innovation and Performance, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Office of Management and Budget: Procurement Division, and the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure. These partnerships enabled the city to test the installation of fiber optic cabling, music education for residents of all ages, increase the accuracy of vendor total cost reports, and increase alternative transit safety while mapping the most frequently used routes in the city. 

The projects supported by PGH Lab Cohort 9.0 assisted the City in moving toward its goal of improving residents' equitable access to resources, test new improvements and optimizations, while equitably including and engaging with residents, and increasing the overall safety of alternate transit. An overview of the work of the PGH Lab 9.0 Cohort can be found on the City Channel’s YouTube page. 

To apply for the PGH Lab 10.0 Cohort, please visit: pghlab.pittsburghpa.gov before September 27, 2024. A virtual Pre-Bid and Match meeting will take place on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 11am. Information regarding the project and to rsvp to receive the virtual link can be found here. The PGH Lab 10.0 Cohort pilot will begin January 2025. Additional questions about the program can be submitted to pghlab@pittsburghpa.gov. 

As we enter into Spring, CitiParks is getting ready for Summer and that includes lifeguard recruitment. Recruiting, training and certifying lifeguards is paramount to a successful Outdoor Pool Season and a safe swimming season for residents. 

CitiParks Aquatics recruits, trains and certifies lifeguards for the City of Pittsburgh every year. Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the task of onboarding lifeguards is a bit more challenging with recruiting enough lifeguards to open all the City of Pittsburgh’s Outdoor Pools being the main challenge. 

“Recruiting and onboarding lifeguards is not an easy task, and I want to recognize the continued hard work of CitiParks Aquatics.  I thank them for all of their efforts to recruit and certify lifeguards so that everyone can enjoy a great summer this year.  We need your help, spread the word and help us ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time at our pools,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. 

In 2021, the City was able to open 8 pools. In 2022, 12 pools were opened and in 2023 we opened 15 pools. This year, we want to open as many pools as possible, but that is dependent on how many lifeguards we are able to bring onboard. 

“We continue to work hard to garner increased interest to become a CitiParks lifeguard.  We are encouraged by the enthusiasm our returning guards show each year, and we work hard to promote that with all incoming guards.  Higher wages for 2024 will help with that, but if anyone in the city knows of someone even thinking about becoming a lifeguard, please encourage them to fill out our 2024 lifeguard interest form.  Our staff works with all those who show interest and provides practice time to improve skills prior to certification,” said CitiParks Director Kathryn Vargas. Lifeguard wages for 2024 will range from $16.97 to $19.57 per hour, based on experience. 

Lifeguard duties range from staffing normal operating hours of pools to working as head guards or as regional guards.  Lifefguards have the opportunity to learn and grow within CitiParks Aquatics that may lead to other City employment.  Many Public Safety professionals get their start in service as a lifeguard. 

Lifeguards must be City of Pittsburgh residents, at least 16 years old by September 3, 2024. Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and willing to work at any CitiParks Outdoor Pool. Anyone interested in becoming a CitiParks lifeguard, whether a new candidate or a returning guard. Should fill out the 2024 Lifeguard Interest Form and CitiParks Aquatics will contact them.  

For additional information, please visit: https://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/lifeguard-info 

Check out our 2024 Lifeguard Recruitment Video HERE. 

Lifeguards are hired to work at Citiparks Aquatic Facility locations June through Labor Day. Citiparks offers Lifeguard Certification Training courses prior to the season as well as recertification for experienced lifeguards. Candidates must have a Red Cross Lifeguard Certification valid through September 4, 2023 and additionally are required to submit criminal background clearances and pass a medical exam.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CITY OF PITTSBURGH LIFEGUARD?  Fill out the FORM today and we will call you!  Please make sure you meet the following criteria before sending your application:

• At least 16 years old by September 3, 2024.
• A current City of Pittsburgh Resident and fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Willing to work at any of Citiparks Aquatics Facilities.

A RE-CERTIFICATION Class will be scheduled to onboard currently certified lifeguards.  Please stay tuned for date/times for the 2024 Pool Season.  Get on our list and we will call you; complete the Lifeguard Interest Form HERE!