Aquatic Leader

City of Vancouver; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Vancouver is seeking an Aquatic Leader to oversee programs and services at an aquatic facility. You will mentor staff, teach lifesaving, ensure user safety, and manage records and scheduling, while supporting diversity and reconciliation goals.

The role requires lifeguard and swimming instructor certifications, and involves possible transfers between facilities. Evening and weekend shifts are expected, aligned with the collective agreement.

Qualifications

• Completion of high school with relevant lifeguard and swim instruction training.
• Current Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor (SI) certification.
• Current Lifesaving Society Instructor (LSI) certification.
• Current Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard Service (NL) - Pool Option certification.
• Current CPR C and Standard First Aid certifications.
• OFA Level II certification preferred / BCRPA Water Fit preferred

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of swimmers and facility users.
• Instruct lifesaving programs and supervise aquatic staff.
• Develop and supervise aquatic programs; maintain records and statistics.
• Schedule shifts and provide cashiering/clerical coverage as needed.
• Be prepared for transfers to other facilities based on operations and union rules.

Skills

Lifeguarding

Swim instruction

First aid

Water safety

Program leadership

Staff supervision

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma

Lifeguard and swim instructor certifications

Job description

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Requisition ID: 47342

Organization

Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Recognized among BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver is seeking colleagues who can help advance our core commitments to exceptional public service, sustainability, equity, and an outstanding quality of life for all residents.

With a strong commitment to being a City of Reconciliation, we invite you to join our dedicated team and become part of an innovative, inclusive, and engaging workplace. A career with the City of Vancouver and within the broader public service, offers meaningful work where you play a key role in ensuring equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose & Function

The Aquatic Leader provides leadership in the provision and direction of aquatic programs and services at an aquatic facility. This position will check and participate in the work of staff engaged in swimming instruction, lifeguarding, maintenance, custodial, and clerical/cashiering related tasks. Additionally, this position will instruct lifesaving programs, ensure the safety of facility users, perform first aid as required and perform routine pool custodial work. The successful candidate may also assist in developing aquatic programs, preparing records, reports and statistics related to the work, schedule, and assist with supervising the work of aquatic staff.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this role include ensuring the safety of swimmers and other patrons, ensuring that participants have an enjoyable recreation experience in the facility, providing assistance to participants and staff at the fitness and community centre (where applicable), providing coverage for the cashier, supervising the auxiliary staff and other related duties as required.

The successful candidate for this position must be prepared to be placed and/or accept transfers to other facilities in the organization based on operational needs. The successful candidate will be required to work a variety of shifts including mornings, afternoons and weekends, as operationally required and in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Completion of high school supplemented by training courses related to the work and sound experience as a lifeguard and swim instructor, or an equivalent combination of training and experience

The following certifications are required (candidates must have current and valid certifications at the time of the posting close date):

• Current Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor (SI) certification


• Current Lifesaving Society Instructor (LSI) certification


• Current Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard Service (NL) - Pool Option certification


• Current CPR \"C\" certification (or equivalent)


• Current Standard First Aid certification (or equivalent)


• BCRPA Water Fit certification preferred


• OFA Level II certification preferred

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Sound knowledge of both theory and practice of swimming instruction, lifesaving, lifeguarding, aquatic fitness, first aid, and specialized instruction for people with disabilities


• Considerable knowledge of the hazards, related precautions, and safety regulations related to the work


• Working knowledge of pool chemistry, water filtration, chlorination and related pool equipment and procedures, including basic trouble-shooting and situational management


• Ability to instruct all age groups and swim classes at various competency levels including life saving programs


• Ability to develop instruction programs for varied levels of swimmers and to organize and lead staff inservice training


• Sound knowledge of teaching methods and group leadership techniques emphasizing instruction in water safety and aquatic skills


• Working knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the implementation, evaluation, organization and delivery of instructional and recreational aquatic programs


• Ability to direct, check and participate in the work of staff engaged in aquatic instruction, lifeguarding, maintenance, custodial, and cashiering/clerical tasks


• Ability to assist in the training and evaluating work of staff engaged in aquatic services


• Ability to examine and mark swimmers for proficiency and to maintain related class records


• Ability to prepare and maintain records and statistics manually and using computer applications


• Ability to establish and maintain effective and courteous working relations with staff, public and user groups


• Ability to work varied hours, including evening and weekend shifts

A Police Record Check is a requirement of this position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.

Business Unit/Department: Board of Parks & Recreation

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Parks

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: November, 2026

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-016: $32.41 to $38.08 per hour

Application Close: October 18, 2026

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).More about unceded traditional territories