Aqua Instructor/Coach I, II, III

City of Carpinteria; Carpinteria (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Carpinteria is hiring Aqua Instructors/Coaches to deliver aquatic programs, lead classes, and support water polo activities. Positions are flexibly staffed from entry to advanced levels, with advancement based on proficiency and service time.

Responsibilities include planning sessions, ensuring safety, providing feedback, and assisting with events. Certifications such as CPR/First Aid and USA Swimming/Water Polo are preferred or can be obtained after hire.

Qualifications

• Six months of paid or volunteer experience in aquatic instruction, coaching, or recreation preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• CPR/AED and First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Certification in Water Aerobics, Group Fitness, USA Swimming, or USA Water Polo preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and instruct aquatic fitness classes, swim practices, or water polo sessions appropriate for participant age and ability.
• Create and maintain a positive, safe, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Demonstrate and instruct proper techniques, movements, and drills to promote safety, skill, and physical fitness.
• Provide modifications and individualized feedback to accommodate various fitness or skill levels.
• Assist with or lead the setup, organization, and cleanup of aquatic programs and events.
• Enforce pool rules and ensure compliance with City, County, and State health and safety regulations.
• Act promptly and appropriately in emergency situations.
• Respond to inquiries and provide excellent customer service to participants and the public.
• Attend staff meetings, in-service trainings, and assist with special events or community outreach.
• Assist in developing or independently develop choreography, workouts, training plans, or seasonal goals as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Aquatic instruction

Coaching

Customer service

Safety procedures

Team Collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college coursework in kinesiology, recreation, or a related field

Job description

THE CITY OF CARPINTERIA IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR AQUA INSTRUCTOR/WATER POLO COACH

Under the direction of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director or their designee, assists in delivering quality aquatic programs and services to the community. Positions are flexibly staffed from entry through advanced levels, with assignments and responsibilities expanding based on experience, proficiency, and supervision received.

Aqua Instructors/Coaches plan and lead aquatic fitness, swim, and/or water polo programs that promote safety, skill development, and wellness. They ensure a positive, inclusive environment while enforcing safety standards and supporting City aquatics operations. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish preferred.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Aqua Instructor/Coach I ($21.10/hour)

Entry-level position focused on teaching aquatic program delivery, safety procedures, and class or team operations under close supervision. Will be expected to lead classes, practice groups, or portions of aquatic programs. Advancement to Level II may occur after demonstrating proficiency and service time.

Aqua Instructor/Coach II ($23.26/hour)

Intermediate-level position performing the full scope of aqua instructor or coach I duties under general supervision. Takes on independently leads classes, practice groups, or portions of aquatic programs and may provide guidance or mentoring to Level I staff and volunteers.

Aqua Instructor/Coach III ($25.65/hour)

Advanced-level position responsible for leading complex aquatic programs, coordinating staff, and supporting community engagement. Performs independent work including program planning, scheduling, and event coordination, and may supervise or mentor Aqua Instructor/Coach I and II staff.

Duties (included but are not limited to the following)

• Plan, organize, and instruct aquatic fitness classes, swim practices, or water polo sessions appropriate for participant age and ability.
• Create and maintain a positive, safe, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Demonstrate and instruct proper techniques, movements, and drills to promote safety, skill, and physical fitness.
• Provide modifications and individualized feedback to accommodate various fitness or skill levels.
• Assist with or lead the setup, organization, and cleanup of aquatic programs and events.
• Enforce pool rules and ensure compliance with City, County, and State health and safety regulations.
• Act promptly and appropriately in emergency situations.
• Respond to inquiries and provide excellent customer service to participants and the public.
• Attend staff meetings, in-service trainings, and assist with special events or community outreach.
• Assist in developing or independently develop choreography, workouts, training plans, or seasonal goals as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain this would be:

Aqua Instructor/Coach I

• Six months of paid or volunteer experience in aquatic instruction, coaching, or recreation preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• CPR/AED and First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Certification in Water Aerobics, Group Fitness, USA Swimming, or USA Water Polo preferred.

Aqua Instructor/Coach II

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of paid or volunteer experience in aquatic instruction, swim coaching, or related recreation programs.
• Certification in Water Aerobics, Group Fitness (Aerobics Instructor)
• USA Swim Coach (Swim Coach)
• USA Water Polo Certified (Water Polo Coach)
• Typically promoted from Aqua Instructor/Coach I after demonstrating proficiency and meeting service requirements.

Aqua Instructor/Coach III

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework in kinesiology, recreation, or a related field preferred.
• Three years of experience in aquatic programs, including experience leading or mentoring staff.
• Certification in Water Aerobics, Group Fitness (Aerobics Instructor)
• USA Swim Coach (Swim Coach)
• USA Water Polo Certified (Water Polo Coach)
• Advanced certification in Water Aerobics, USA Swimming, or USA Water Polo is required.
• Demonstrated leadership, program management, and customer service skills.

Licenses/Certifications

• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required within six (6) months of hire.
• Water Aerobics, Group Fitness, USA Swimming, or USA Water Polo certification required or must be obtained based on program assignment.
• California Driver’s License may be required depending on assignment.

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of aquatic fitness, swimming, and/or water polo instruction.
• Safety procedures, emergency response, and first aid practices related to aquatic environments.
• Pool operations, equipment, and sanitation standards.
• Customer service and effective communication techniques.
• Recreation program organization and coordination methods.

Ability/Skill to

• Lead and motivate participants of varying ages and skill levels.
• Adapt instruction and workouts to meet diverse participant needs.
• Maintain discipline and ensure participant safety in and around the pool.
• Respond effectively to emergencies and apply first aid as necessary.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with participants, families, and staff.
• Work effectively as part of a team and represent the City in a positive, professional manner.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, participant-focused aquatic environment.

The City of Carpinteria is an equal opportunity employer.